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PRIVATE  AND  OFFICIAL 

CORRESPONDENCE    OF 

GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 


PRIVATE  AND  OFFICIAL 
CORRESPONDENCE    OF 

GEN.    BENJAMIN    F.    BUTLER 

DURING  THE  PERIOD 
OF  THE  CIVIL  WAR 


IN  FIVE  VOLUMES 

Volume  V 

August  1864  — March  1868 


PRIVATELY  ISSUED 
1917 


THE  NEV/  YORK 
PUBLIC  UB^A^Y 

867372  /\ 

AoTOR,  LEtOOX  AND 

TILDEN  FOUNDATIONS 

R  1936  L 


COPYRIGHT,    I917 
BY   JESSIE    AMES    MARSHALL 


/  OI(jO 


%.   J^ ■ 


THE  ■PLIMPTON  'PRESS 
NORWOOD 'MASS  •O'S*  A 


PRIVATE  AND  OFFICIAL 

CORRESPONDENCE    OF 

GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 


X 

CO 


PRIVATE  AND  OFFICIAL 
CORRESPONDENCE   OF 

GEN.    BENJAMIN   F.    BUTLER 


From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Unofficial.    Head  Quarters,  August  4,  1864 

My  DEAR  Sir:  I  have  been  reading  the  newspaper  accounts 
of  the  Petersburg  afiFair,  and  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention 
to  the  blame  cast  upon  the  negro  troops.  They  ought  to  bear 
all  their  share  of  the  odium  which  attaches  to  the  failure,  but 
no  more.  If  it  be  true,  as  alleged,  that  the  failure  is  owing  to 
their  want  of  courage,  conduct,  and  inefficiency,  then  it  would 
seem  that  the  negro  could  never  make  a  soldier,  and  the  policy 
of  the  Government  upon  this  subject  is  wrong  and  should  at 
once  be  changed.  If  they  are  not  to  blame,  that  fact,  it  is 
respectfully  suggested,  should  be  ascertained  and  declared  in 
the  most  solemn  form  of  military  investigation  and  report. 
Upon  this  precise  movement  of  these  troops  at  Petersburg  I 
have  no  opinion,  because  I  do  not  know  the  fact.  Certain  it  is 
that  there  is  fault  somewhere;  and  I  think,  and  venture  most 
respectfully  to  suggest  that  it  is  due  to  yourself,  the  army,  and 
the  country  that  the  fault  should  be  ascertained,  so  that  the 
remedy  may  be  applied  either  mediately  or  immediately  by 
yourself  or  the  War  Department,  if  the  matter  is  susceptible 
either  of  amendment  or  correction. 

If  the  whole  affair  can  be  investigated,  it  will  be  found  that 
the  plan  of  movement  was  excellent,  that  the  strategy  which 
drew  Lee's  attention  to  the  north  side  of  the  James  accomplished 
all  that  could  be  desired  in  drawing  away  his  troops.  This 
much  I  know,  for  a  portion  of  this  it  was  my  business  to  know. 
Why,  then,  did  the  plan  fail?  Clearly  for  want  of  proper  and 
efficient  execution.  Was  that  failure  of  execution  inherent 
and  irremediable  in  the  very  nature  of  things,  and  in  troops 
engaged,  or  did  it  arise  from  other  causes,  or  the  faults  and 

VOL.    V — I  1 


2     LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

incompetency  of  commanding  officers  of  any  subdivision  of 
the  army?  This  is  the  subject  that  in  my  judgment  needs 
investigation. 

It  is  true  that  by  the  articles  of  war  to  prevent  oppression 
by  the  commander  upon  any  officer  under  him,  a  commanding 
General  cannot  order  a  Court  of  Inquiry  upon  any  officer's 
conduct  without  his  request.  But  it  is  clearly  competent  for 
the  commander  of  an  army  to  order  a  Court  of  Inquiry,  or  a 
Board  of  Officers  to  investigate  and  report  the  facts  relating  to 
a  given  movement  or  occurrence,  in  order  to  furnish  the  basis 
upon  which  the  General  commanding  can  ask  for  a  Court  of 
Inquiry  upon  any  officer.  And  if,  in  the  investigation  of  the 
facts  of  a  given  transaction,  the  conduct  or  capacity  of  any 
officer  becomes  a  question  bearing  upon  the  subject  matter  of 
the  inquiry,  then  that  conduct  and  capacity  can  be  investi- 
gated as  incidental  to  the  main  question  or  investigation. 

Pardon  me  if  in  urging  this  inquiry  I  am  overstepping  the 
bounds  of  official  propriety  or  sphere  of  duty,  either  public 
or  official.  I  am  prompted  by  a  double  motive:  A  desire  not 
to  have  this  most  serious  reverse  placed  where  I  know  it  does 
not  belong,  i.e.  either  on  the  plan  or  strategy  which  preceded 
it;  and  secondly,  as  I  raised  the  first  regiment  of  negro  troops 
and  have  ever  since  urged  their  employment,  I  desire  to  have 
my  own  judgment  corrected  if  in  the  wrong. 

We  are  likely  to  have  these  troops  under  the  last  Act  of 
Congress  on  the  draft  in  large  numbers,  and  if  they  are  to  be 
useless,  it  ought  to  be  known  at  once.  Such  has  not  been  my 
experience,  and  I  am  ready  and  willing  now  to  take  under  my 
command  the  defeated  division  of  General  Burnside's  colored 
troops,  and  with  them  to  attempt  any  work  that  any  troops 
ought  to  try,  subject  always  to  have  my  opinions  altered  by 
any  well-ascertained  facts  developed  in  the  investigation  to 
which  I  have  alluded,  which  ought  to  affect  a  well-balanced 
mind.     Believe  me,  General, 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Grant 

Head  Quarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  Citt  Point,  Va.  Aug.  Uh,  1864 

Maj.  Genl.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C. 

General:  Lt.  King's  communication  in  relation  to  closing 
the  port  of  Wilmington  with  torpedoes  is  received.  I  called 
Admiral  Lee's  attention  to  this  matter  some  time  ago,  think- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER     3 

ing  myself  it  was  perfectly  feasible.  The  Admiral,  however, 
thought  differently,  giving  as  a  reason  for  his  views  that  both 
channels  were  commanded  by  the  enemy's  guns.  All  the 
torpedoes  we  would  plant  during  the  night  the  enemy  would 
take  up  during  the  day. 

I  certainly,  however,  would  like  the  experiment  tried,  and 
if  you  will  arrange  with  Adm'l  Lee  for  his  co-operation,  what 
you  may  do  will  have  my  approval.     I  am.  Gen.,  Very  respect- 

^"^^^  Your  obt.  servL,  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  12  m.,  Aug.  4, 1864 

I  FIND  it  necessary  for  me  to  go  to  Washington  for  a  day  or 
two  to  give  directions  to  affairs  there.  In  my  absence  remain 
on  the  defensive,  notifying  Maj.  Genl.  Meade  that  if  attacked 
he  is  authorized  to  call  on  such  of  your  troops  as  are  south  of 
the  Appomattox.  Only  expecting  to  be  absent  three  (3)  days, 
I  will  not  relinquish  command.  TT    ^    r  Tf  C     1 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  12.30  p.m.  Aug.  4ith,  1864 

I  AM  compelled  to  send  a  second  division  of  cavy.  to  Washn. 
This  will  leave  the  cavalry  force  too  weak  to  protect  the  flank 
of  the  enemy  without  the  assistance  of  Kautz.  Please  order 
Kautz  to  report  accordingly.  Only  intending  to  be  absent 
for  a  few  days,  I  leave  my  Adjt.  Genl.  at  post  of  Hd.  Qrs.,  but 
being  senior,  you  necessarily  would  command  in  any  emergency. 
Please  communicate  with  me  by  telegraph  if  anything  occurs 
when  you  wish  my  orders.  ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^ 

From  General  Butler 

August  ith,  1864 

Brig.  Gen.  Kautz  will  remain,  reporting  to  Gen.  Meade  with 
his  mounted  command  until  further  orders. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Telegram.     City  Point,  Aug.  4,  1864 

I  THINK  it  will  be  advisable  to  have  all  the  surplus  pontoon 
material  in  the  hands  of  Gen.  Benham.     When  any  lodging  is 


4  LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

required  he  can  be  called  on  for  it,  &,  having  it  together,  it  can 
be  kept  in  quantity  sufficient  for  any  emergency.  Divided, 
neither  your  Engs.  nor  Gen.  Benham  will  have  enough  to 
throw  a  bridge  over  the  James  or  Appomattox.  I  do  not  order 
this,  if  you  see  any  good  reason  for  keeping  it  as  it  is. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  E.  S.  Parker  to  General  Butler 

CiTT  Point,  Aug.  4,  1864 

Gen.  Grant  left  about  an  hour  ago. 

E.  S.  Parker,  A.  A.  C. 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.C,  August  ith,  1864 

My  dear  General:  My  friend.  Gov.  Ford,  this  day  showed 
me  the  letter  you  sent  by  his  hand  to  the  President  relating  to 
myself,  and  also  repeated  to  me  a  few  of  the  many  kind  things 
you  saw  fit  to  say  of  me  in  your  interview  with  him.  I  had 
rather  have  that  letter  than  the  promotion  (without  it),  which 
I  think  morally  certain  to  follow  its  presentment.  For  the 
too  kind  letter,  and  also  for  the  kind  words,  I  assure  you  I  am 
sincerely  grateful. 

Three  years  ago  I  had  not  the  honor  of  your  personal  ac- 
quaintance —  I  knew  only  what  history  had  of  you,  and  that 
but  imperfectly  —  when  you  were  Breckenridge's  candidate 
for  Gov.  Mass.  We  differed  as  widely  politically  as  men  dif- 
fered at  all  at  that  day.  But  when  the  "Long  Roll"  was 
beaten  we  both  "fell  in"  on  the  same  side,  and  it  has  come  to  be 
almost  a  by- word  with  me  that  "  the  only  man  whose  treatment 
of  Rebels  and  Rebellion  suits  me  is  Major  Gen'l.  Butler." 

Because  you  hated  and  hung  rebels  I  was  for  you  before  I 
ever  saw  you,  and  have  in  my  way  and  with  more  or  less  suc- 
cess sought  to  have  any  dissenting  ones  in  my  limited  circle 
won  to  your  faith  and  to  your  support.  This  thing  I  did  in 
execution  of  my  judgment  that  your  course  was  right,  and  for 
no  hope  or  expectation  of  reward  further  than  the  consciousness 
of  having  done  my  duty. 

My  gratitude,  therefore,  is  in  no  manner  abated  by  an  offset 
on  account  of  services  rendered,  and  I  only  beg  to  remain. 
Your  most  faithful  and  obedient  servant,  J.  K.  Herbert 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER     5 

From  General  Martindale  to  General  Butler 

Rochester,  New  York,  Aug.  5th,  1864 

Dear  General  :  I  have  now  been  home  one  week.  By  dint 
of  absolute  rest,  recumbent  posture,  medical  attendance,  I  am 
feeling  pretty  well,  but  I  am  now  persuaded  that  my  departure 
from  the  army  was  an  absolute  necessity.  I  could  not  go  back 
to  you  with  any  safety  at  present.  I  have  sent  my  resignation 
directly  to  Col.  Hammond,  but  fearing  that  it  may  be  objected 
to  as  not  coming  through  the  regular  channels,  I  send  a  dupli- 
cate to  you.  It  is  not  necessary  to  send  through  General 
Ord,  for  I  was  assigned  to  the  temporary  command  of  the  18th 
Corps,  and  I  am  not  aware  of  any  order  returning  me  to  the 
command  of  the  2nd  division  of  that  Corps. 

Please  forward  the  resignation  approved.  I  enclose  to  you 
a  copy  of  a  letter  which  I  have  sent  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

You  will  see  that  I  prepared  an  alternative,  viz,  an  extension 
of  my  leave  to  the  15th  of  Sept.  I  have  been  induced  to  do  this 
by  the  solicitations  of  loyal  citizens  here.  There  is  very  great 
discouragement  over  the  North,  great  reluctance  to  recruiting, 
strong  disposition  for  peace,  and  even  among  republicans  of 
long  standing  [an]  inclination  for  a  change  of  rulers.  The  demo- 
cratic papers  in  this  city,  in  noticing  my  return  and  resignation, 
stated  that  it  was  said  to  be  placed  on  the  ground  of  ill-health, 
but  imputed  it  in  fact  to  the  well-founded  disgust  of  a  "good 
soldier"  in  the  blundering  administration  of  affairs. 

Now,  I  don't  wish  that  any  influence  that  I  may  have  should 
be  excited  to  increase  or  confirm  the  present  popular  discour- 
agement, and  I  have  yielded  to  the  suggestion  made  to  me  to 
have  my  leave  of  absence  extended  if  the  Sec.  should  deem  it 
advisable  to  do  so. 

If  there  shall  occur  any  delay  in  disposing  of  my  case,  do  me 
the  friendly  act  to  extend  my  leave  of  absence,  say  20  days,  to 
cover  contingencies.     Please  do  this  at  all  events. 

The  certificate  enclosed  will,  I  suppose,  justify  this  exten- 
sion. I  wish  to  hear  from  you.  I  am  greatly  disturbed  by  the 
failure  of  that  mining  operation  at  Petersburg. 

The  plan  of  an  attack  on  Walthal  Junction  was  a  better  one. 
What  says  Weitzel?  The  fact  is,  the  only  gain  which  has  been 
accomplished  and  held  in  the  campaign  of  the  Eastern  armies 
this  season,  is  the  foothold  which  you  seized  by  your  audacious 
enterprise  up  the  James  River  in  May,  and  gained,  too,  without 
the  loss  of  a  man. 


6     LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Write  to   me.     I  recall   my   acquaintance   with   you   with 
pleasure,  and  shall  always  hope  and  expect  to  be  esteemed  as. 
Truly  your  friend,  J.  H.  Martindale 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  August  5, 1864 

My  dear  Sarah:  I  am  beginning  to  be  alarmed  about  you. 
True,  B untie  writes  that  you  are  "too  busy  to  write  me  this 
morning,"  but  what  am  I  to  think.'^  I  will  give  you  some  news. 
Grant  has  gone  to  Washington,  and  that  leaves  me  in  command 
of  the  army,  which  command  he  has  turned  over  to  me.  W^e 
are  to  lie  still  for  a  week,  but  I  question  whether  the  rebels  will 
let  us.  Meade  has  asked  a  court  of  inquiry  upon  Burnside 
and  into  the  Petersburg  affair,  and  they  are  all  by  the  ears 
together  over  there. 

You  see,  I  shall  have  a  right  to  go  down  as  soon  as  Grant 
gets  back.  I  propose  to  do  something  while  he  is  gone  to  keep 
the  blood  circulating.  I  rode  your  horse  yesterday,  and  found 
him  very  easy  and  well-broken  —  a  little  hard  on  the  bit  with 
a  snuffle  rein,  but  not  too  much  for  you  who  would  bear  on  the 
bit  with  the  curb.  He  is  easily  enough  controlled.  I  will  send 
him  down  or  bring  him  myself  as  soon  as  possible. 

What  are  we  to  have  next  down  at  the  Fort.^^  You  can  make 
that  encampment  a  little  more  endurable  by  a  little  attention 
which  perhaps  you  will  find  it  easy  to  give. 

Now,  love,  get  well  and  strong,  and  we  will  be  out  riding 

together  in  a  few  days.  ^    ,  -n  -i^   -n 

°  "^  2  ruly  yours,  Ben  J.  r.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  in  the  Field,  Aug.  5th,  1864,  9  a.m. 

Lt.  General  Grant,  Washington,  D.  C. 

I  sent  Graham  up  and  burnt  Seddon's  house  in  retaliation 
for  burning  the  house  of  Mr.  Blair.  He  went  within  a  mile 
and  a  half  of  Fredericksburgh  and  saw  no  enemy.     All  quiet. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler  to  Montgomery  Blair 

Head  Qrs.  in  the  Field,  August  5th,  1864 

I  SENT  Gen.  Graham  with  the  army  gunboats  and  burnt 
Seddon's  house  near  Fredericksburgh,  in  retaliation  for  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER     7 

burning  of  yours.     That  house  has  been  in  our  hands  several 

times  and  has  been  spared.      „  t-«    t»  ti^   -   n    i 

*^  Benj.  r .  Butler,  Maj.  Gent. 

From  H.  A.  Risley  to  General  Butler 

Commercial  Intercourse  with  and  in  States  Declared  in  Insurrection, 
Second  Agency,  Treasury  Department,  Wash.  D.  C,  Aug.  6th,  186^ 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a  copy  of 
regulation  of  this  Department,  concerning  commercial  inter- 
course and  other  matters  in  the  insurrectionary  states,  and 
all  the  laws,  including  the  last  approved  July  2nd,  1864,  with 
passages  marked  by  red  pencil  to  which  I  call  your  attention. 

By  regulation  IV,  I  am  directed  to  ascertain  from  published 
order  the  lines  of  actual  military  occupation  by  U.  S.  Navy  and 
[[Army]],  to  agree  with  you  in  writing  as  to  places  within  those 
lines  where  supplies  may  be  taken  and  the  aggregate  amount 
per  month  that  may  be  taken  to  each  of  such  places.  Section 
9  of  the  Act  of  July  2nd  (see  page  75)  required  this  to  be  done. 

The  law  assumes  that  Generals  commanding  Departments 
or  Districts  will  make  and  publish  an  order  indicating  the  lines 
of  actual  occupation  by  U.  S.  forces.  May  I  ask  that  you  will 
at  your  convenience  make  and  publish  such  an  order,  and 
furnish  me  several  copies. 

On  reading  the  law  again,  I  perceive  that  the  General  com- 
manding the  Department  is  to  agree  upon  the  places  for  sup- 
plies to  be  sold,  and  the  monthly  amount.  "Or  district"  was 
left  off  probably  through  carelessness.  I  suppose  everything 
in  your  vicinity  will  be  under  your  control,  but  it  now  appears 
to  me  that  Gen.  Butler  must  by  the  law  be  a  party  to  the  agree- 
ment. Please  look  at  this  and  think  it  over,  and  be  prepared 
to  arrange  the  matter  definitely  when  I  get  down  about  the 
15th  instant.  I  do  not  suppose  you  will  be  home  much  before, 
I  shall  leave  the  matter  pretty  much  to  your  judgment  and 
better  acquaintance  with  the  requirement  of  the  country. 

You  will  observe  that  the  several  counties  in  North  Carolina 
between  Albemarle  Sound  and  Chowan  River  are  in  the  agency 
under  my  supervision. 

Respectfully  your  obdt.  Servant, 
H.  A.  Risley,  Sup.  Spec.  Agent,  7th  Agency 


8     LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  August  6, 1864 

My  dear  Wife:  Another  week  has  rolled  round  without 
notice  —  one  day  so  like  another.  Mail  came  in  last  night. 
There  was  no  letter  —  again  the  envelopes  were  all  ransacked 
but  still  no  letter,  and  sad,  sad  disappointment.  Half  hour 
after,  another  envelope  came,  official  size,  marked  "A  letter 
from  Mrs.  Butler."  It  was  seized  —  eagerly  torn  open  — 
letter  found,  read  —  and  then  I  wished  the  last  envelope 
hadn't  come.  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  Aug.  6,  1864 

My  dear  General:  The  Davis  Protest  has  come.  You 
have  no  doubt  seen  it.     At  least  you  will  get  it  to-night. 

The  Gov.  &  I  were  at  the  State  Dept.  to-day  and  heard  it 
talked  of.  No  such  bomb  has  been  thrown  into  Washington 
before. 

Seward  read  it  to  Lincoln  last  night.  All  we  can  hear  so 
far  is  that  Mr.  L.  said,  "I  would  like  to  know  whether  these 
men  intend  openly  to  oppose  my  election,  —  the  document 
looks  that  way." 

We  went  over  to  the  White  H.  to  see  Mr.  L.  on  my  matter  — 
stopped  a  moment  in  the  East  Room  for  consultation,  &  Bill 
Kellogg  of  111.  came  in.  We  hailed  him,  &  almost  immediately 
Mont.  Blair  came  in.  Kellogg  hailed  him.  They  began  to 
talk  at  once  of  the  Protest,  Blair  most  violently.  A  remark 
reached  our  ears  —  he  looking  fairly  in  our  faces  across  the 
hall  —  literally,  I  think,  thus  —  "we  have  Lee  &  his  —  on  one 
side,  and  Henry  Winter  Davis  &  Ben.  Wade  and  all  such  Hell 
cats  on  the  other,"  &c.,  &c. 

The  violent  declamation  of  the  P.M.G.,  which  seemed  to  be 
fully  endorsed  &  appreciated  by  K.,  was  soon  stopped  by  some 
one  coming  along  to  go  up  stairs  where  they  were  standing. 
K.  subsequently  joined  us,  &  was  very  bitter  in  his  denuncia- 
tion of  Wade  for  his  letter  "  after  receiving  as  much  as  he  had 
from  the  Administration  and  the  Govt."  He  said  many  things 
but  few  worth  repeating  here. 

Webster,  Chief  Cl'k.  State  D.,  said  the  whole  thing  meant 
that    "in   order   to   save   the   country  you   must   make   Old 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER     9 

Ben  Butler  President!"    That  was  the  Protest  reduced  to  a 
sentence. 

The  trepidation  of  the  White  House  is  worse  to-day  than 
ever  it  was  when  poor  Old  Jim  B.  sat  up  there  &  trembled. 
Old  Ben's  stars  are  beginning  to  show  themselves.  But  it 
seems  they  changed  the  design  as  to  signatures. 

The  Gov.  asks  me  to  enclose  for  your  approval  an  applica- 
tion that  will  explain  itself,  &  which  you  will  find  herewith. 

Mr.  Pennypacker  is  on  his  way  with  his  bakery  supplies. 
He  is  a  friend  of  yours  of  the  right  stamp  —  he  is  also  a  friend 
of  mine.  He  wants  to  start  an  eating-house  in  connection 
with  his  bakery.  For  anything  I  know  he  is  the  very  best  man 
for  that  duty  there.  If  he  makes  an  application,  I  will  be 
glad  if  you  grant  him  the  privilege. 

We  deemed  it  worse  than  useless  to  see  Mr.  L.  to-day  on  my 
matter,  &  so  came  away  without  trying.  Seward  sent  for 
Ford  to  talk  with  him  about  the  Protest,  but  he  did  not  go  in 
yet  because  he,  F.,  had  not  read  it.  He  &  I  have  just  now  read 
it  carefully  —  Ford  thinks  it  one  of  the  greatest  documents 
of  the  age. 

I  will  keep  my  eye  and  ear  on  this  scare,  and  if  I  get  any  good 
notes  I'll  send  by  first  mail. 

I  am  afraid  my  cake  is  dough  for  some  days.  No  use  to 
talk  to  L.  when  he  is  so  angry. 

Yours  faithfully,  J.  K.  Herbert 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  Aug.  6,  1864 

My  dear  General:  Yesterday  Gov.  Ford  and  myself  were 
passing  through  the  Treasury  Dept.,  and  we  met  Thurlow 
Weed.  He  was  in  such  haste  that  he  could  not  stop  to  talk 
with  Ford,  and  so  the  Gov.  walked  with  him.  Weed  said, 
"Lincoln  is  gone,  I  suppose  you  know  as  well  as  I.  And  unless 
a  hundred  thousand  men  are  raised  sooner  than  the  draft,  the 
country's  gone  too.  I  must  go  home  now.  I'm  dragged 
about  so  here  that  I  can't  talk  to  you,  but  you  can  come  up  to 
my  place,  and  there  I  will  give  you  my  views  —  but  Lincoln 
is  gone  now." 

Now,  Ford  is  a  friend  and  co-worker  of  Weed's  for  twenty- 
five  years.  He  has  done  things  for  Weed  that  he  knows  he 
could  not  do  for  himself.  I  wanted  the  Gov.  to  go  in  time  for 
the  result  of  his  visit  to  reach  Chicago  before  the  Convention. 


10         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

He  wants  to  go  on  some  accounts  —  thinks  something  might 
come  of  it  worth  while  —  especially  coupled  with  his  recollec- 
tion of  what  Seward  and  Dawson  have  said  of  you.  My  recol- 
lection is  that  I  wrote  those  things  to  Col.  Shaffer. 

They  —  Weed,  S.,  &  D.  are  against  L.  certainly,  and  why  can 
they  not  be  dealt  with  successfully?  I  think  the  Gov.  can  do  it. 
At  least  I  think  he  is  discreet  enough  to  be  allowed  to  try.  He 
said  he  could  hardly  just  now  afford  the  expense  of  such  a  trip 
as  he  would  like  to  carry  it  on.  I  said  to  him  I  would  see  that 
he  was  taken  care  of  all  right,  if  it  was  thought  best  for  him  to 
go,  and  resolved  to  write  you  privately  by  the  first  mail,  for 
your  advice.  Now  you  can  write  him  &  send  by  mail  or  a  mes- 
senger, or  you  can  telegraph  him  or  me  to  come  and  see  you  for 
instructions,  &  your  will  will  be  most  expeditiously  executed. 

I  ought  to  say,  however,  that  the  Gov.  will  not  receive  any 

funds  from  you  for  any  such  service.     He  will  be  delighted  to  do 

anything  he  can  if  it  be  your  pleasure  to  have  him  try.    316  F. 

St.  will  reach  us  both.  ^         /.  .,,  j.  „     t    -t-    tt 

Yours  jaitnjuUy,  J.  K.  Herbert 

From  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Dimon 

August  6th,  1864 

I  HAVE  sent  you  a  commission  in  order  to  show  that  I  appre- 
ciate your  soldiery  qualities,  and  that  I  am  kindly  disposed. 
There  are  and  have  been  grave  charges  against  your  personal 
habits.  If  I  did  not  believe  that  you  both  could  and  would 
alter  them,  I  should  not  have  sent  the  Commission.  Pray  do 
not  attempt  to  deny  the  habit  of  drinking  to  excess,  and  ab- 
sence from  Quarters  to  late  hours  of  the  night.  These  are  not 
recommendations,  and  must  now  cease.  A  Colonel  cannot 
afford  to  do  so.  Ofl&cers  should  not  suppose  that  they  are  out 
from  under  my  eye  when  I  happen  to  be  away.  It  is  not  so. 
Now,  your  officers  are  getting  into  bad  habits,  —  one  was 
arrested  in  a  drinking-house  asleep,  and  it  was  reported  to  me. 
Three  others,  for  one  of  whom  you  have  asked  promotion,  have 
been  arrested  for  drunkenness.  Many  are  getting  so  that  their 
Col.  will  be  ashamed  of  them,  and  he  cannot  control  them,  and 
why,  they  may  accuse  him  of  the  same  offence.  I  have  written 
this  letter  as  the  kind  friend.  Be  sure  and  not  give  further 
occasion  either  for  caution  or  action.  The  last  will  come  if  it  is 
needed.  I  reward  good  service  and  punish  for  bad,  with  equal 
facility.     Remember  the  words  of  a  friend. 

Truly  Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    11 

From  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Saunders 

Unofficial.    Aug.  6th,  1864 

I  HAVE  assigned  you  to  duty  in  Norfolk  as  Provost  Marshal 
because  I  have  confidence  in  your  judgment,  integrity,  and 
personal  habits  to  correct  abuses  which  exist  there.  The  great 
vices  of  the  officers  are  (gaming)  and  drinking,  neither  of  which 
can  be  interfered  with  of  course  unless  they  interfere  with 
duties  or  are  open  and  public.  Ofiicers  seen  riding  in  the  streets 
with  notorious  women  will  be  arrested  at  once,  whatever  their 
rank  may  be.  Drunkards  in  public  will  be  at  once  arrested, 
no  matter  what  are  the  staggering  insignia  of  office.  I  will 
support  and  sustain  you,  rest  assured. 

I  doubt  not  you  have  a  kind  heart,  but  in  dealing  with 
offenders  it  is  the  worst  quality  a  man  can  have.  Another 
matter  which  is  suffered  to  go  unchecked  is  brawling  and  talk- 
ing in  the  public  places  against  the  Government  and  officers, 
—  that  is  not  for  militia  in  a  garrison.  There  is  no  freedom  of 
speech  there,  whatever  there  may  be  elsewhere. 

There  is  hardly  a  person  who  has  a  permit  to  sell  liquor  who 
does  not  violate  it.  Get  the  General  Order  and  make  the  re- 
tailers live  up  to  it,  specially  inn-holders  and  restaurants. 

Yours  Truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

August  6,  1864,  8.30  a.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War 

At  6.30  P.M.  yesterday  the  enemy  sprang  a  small  mine  in 
front  of  the  eighteenth  Corps  near  Petersburg,  about  40  yards 
in  front  of  our  works.  They  did  not  make  an  assault,  a  fresh 
artillery  fire  was  opened  along  the  whole  of  our  line.  The  cas- 
ualties small.  I  regret  to  say  that  Col.  Stedman,  11th  Conn., 
is  dangerously  wounded.  I  beg  leave  to  renew  my  application 
that  he  receive  promotion  for  gallant  and  meritorious  services. 
Our  lines  are  intact,  and  all  is  quiet  in  front  of  Petersburg.  The 
enemy  opened  upon  us  from  the  Howlett  House  Battery.     No 

Benj.  F.  Butler 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Quarters,  Aug.  6,  9.30  p.m. 

All  has  been  quiet  today.  Regular  shelling  is  going  on 
before  Petersburg.     At  noon,  a  thousand  cavalry  &  80  wagons 


12    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

passed  Junction  toward  Richmond.  Riclimond  papers  of  this 
morning  no  news,  save  that  a  landing  has  been  made  on  Dau- 
phin's Island  near  Mobile,  and  an  attack  begun  on  Fort 
Gaines  Aug.  3rd.  Macon  Confederate,  late  Atlanta  paper, 
says.  The  country  will  be  glad  to  learn  that  our  Army  has  been 
reenforced  by  many  thousand  veteran  troops,  that  all  thought 
of  giving  up  Atlanta  has  vanished. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen. 


From  General  Rufus  Ingalls 

Office  of  Chief  Quartermaster,  Armies  operating  against  Richmond,  Va., 

camp  at  Citt  Point,  August  1th,  1864 

Colonel  J.   W.  Shaffer,  Chief  of  Staff  Maj.   Gen.   Butler, 
Head  Qrs.  Department  of  Va.  &  North  Carolina, 
Bermuda  Hundred 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a 
letter  from  Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler  of  the  6th,  in  reply  to  one  I  had 
addressed  to  the  Provost  Marshal  General  of  the  "Armies 
operating  against  Richmond"  on  the  subject  of  the  arrest  of 
the  steward  of  the  steamer  "Key  Port." 

I  should  abstain  from  further  correspondence  on  this  subject, 
as  it  was  one  simply  of  reference  to  the  proper  authority  for 
investigation,  had  not  Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler  misapprehended  the 
intentions  and  meaning  of  my  letter. 

Having  a  desire  not  to  be  misunderstood,  I  beg  the  General 
will  excuse  me  for  saying,  first  that  I  know  nothing  personally 
of  the  steward,  nor  whether  he  was  guilty  of  offensive  conduct 
on  the  boat  or  not.  I  simply  remarked  that  he  "has  been 
represented  to  me  as  a  very  gentlemanly  and  inoffensive  young 
man,"  such  representations  were  made  to  me.  Second,  I 
made  no  such  remark  as  "there  is  power  enough  in  the  Qr. 
M'r's.  Department  to  punish  him."  I  said,  "there  is  power 
enough  here"  to  arrest  persons  in  the  transport  service  of  the 
Quarter  Master's  Department. 

I  meant  that  here,  at  the  Head  Qrs.  of  the  Lieut.  Genl. 
Comd'g.  the  Armies,  and  where  his  Provost  Marshal  General 
has  an  office,  that  there  is  power  enough  here,  as  well  as  at 
Bermuda:  of  course,  I  adhere  still  to  that  opinion. 

Third,  I  said  nothing  about  the  "disgrace  of  working  along- 
side of  negroes."  I  have  no  affectations  on  this  point,  and  can- 
not be  misunderstood.  I  had  as  lief  he  had  worked  with  negroes 
as  white  men,  if  found  guilty.     I  was  merely  stating  a  fact. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    13 

I  said  "his  being  subjected  to  such  indignities  as  are  reported, 
without  there  being  a  proper  cause  for  it,  and  without  trial,  is 
decidedly  uncalled  for."  Since  the  receipt  of  Gen'l.  Butler's 
letter  I  am  led  to  think  he  deserved  summary  treatment. 

I  had  no  idea  that  Gen'l.  Butler  proposed  to  examine  the 
matter  in  person.  I  assumed  the  case  would  come  before  the 
Provost  Marshal  General  of  the  Armies. 

I  shall  refer  the  matter  to  the  Lieut.  General  in  order  that 
this  point,  as  well  as  that  of  limits  and  jurisdiction  of  the 
Department  of  Va.  &  N.  C,  may  be  determined.     I  am  Very 

^  '^'  Your  Obedt.  Servant,  Rufus  Ingalls, 

Brig.  Genl.   &  Chief  Qr.  Mr.  Armies  operating  against 

Richmond,  Va. 

From  Colonel  Shaffer 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  in  the  Field, 

Va.,  Aug.  9th,  1864 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  Brig.  Genl.  Ingalls,  Chief  Quarter  Master,  Armies  operating 
against  Richmond 

General:  I  am  instructed  by  Major  Gen'l.  Butler,  to  whom 
I  have  referred  your  letter  in  relation  to  the  arrest  of  the  steward 
of  the  steamer  "Keyport,"  to  say  that  there  can  no  question  of 
jurisdiction  arise  in  the  case  as  the  steward  was  arrested  by 
order  of  Brig.  Genl.  Patrick  upon  application  to  him,  and  sent 
to  me  for  investigation,  and  he  was  directed  to  be  sent  to  Gen'l. 
Butler  because  it  was  an  offence  against  one  of  his  officers, 
for  which  he  is  not  likely  to  turn  over  that  officer  for  a  remedy 
to  any  other  jurisdiction  so  long  as  he  has  power  to  redress  it 
himself. 

General  Butler  would  regret  any  question  of  jurisdiction  in 
the  Dept.  of  Va.  &  N.  C.  between  himself  and  any  other  officer, 
certainly  as  between  himself  and  General  Ingalls,  should  be 
raised,  and  will  do  all  in  his  power  to  avoid  it  —  but  if  such 
question  is  raised,  he  will  endeavor  to  meet  it  in  such  a  form 
as  shall  be  conducive  to  the  public  service  and  in  vindication 
of  all  the  powers  and  authority  entrusted  to  him.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be.  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  J.  W.  S.  Col.  &  Chief  of  Staff 


14    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Aug.  1th,  10  A.M.  1864 

G.  V.  Fox,  Asst.  Sec.  of  the  Navy 

The  Richmond  Examiner  of  the  sixth  has:  "From  Mobile, 
Aug.  4th.  Yesterday  and  last  evening,  the  enemy  threw  an 
infantry  force  upon  Dauphin  Island,  seven  miles  from  Fort 
Gaines.  The  fleet  outside  is  large.  This  morning  the  Fed. 
double-ender  opened  on  the  transport  'Dick  Keys,'  and  then 
on  the  fort,  which  is  slowly  replying.  Gen.  Maury  calls  on  all 
to  enroll  themselves  for  battle.  Great  confidence  prevails. 
A  Federal  force  estimated  at  sixteen  thousand  occupied  Holly 
Springs,  Miss." 


No  other  news. 


B.  F.  Butler,   Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler 


Head  Qrs.  Aug.  7th,  1864 

Messrs.  Sawyer  Brothers,   Ordnance  Makers,  Fitchburg, 
Mass. 
How  soon  can  you  rifle  a  gun  582?     Should  be  of  the  Dahl- 
gren  pattern,  to  stand  shock.     Experimental  gun  has  burst 
after  doing  splendid  shooting.     Time  is  all  important. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Aug.  7th,  '64,  6.40  p.m. 

Maj.  Raudlett,  3rd  N.  H.  Vol.,  Pro.  Mar.  10  A.  C., 
at  Ed.  Qrs.  10  A.  C. 
I  HAVE  received  a  deserter  today  who  says  he  gave  you  a 
Rebel  newspaper.     Why  was  the  paper  not  forwarded  with  the 
prisoner?     I    have  ordered  this  to   be  an  invariable  order. 
This  order  will  never  be  repeated. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.,  Aug.  7th,  1864,  10.30  p.m. 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant,  or  in  his  absence  Secretary  of  War 

All  quiet  in  the  lines  of  our  Armies  since  last  advices. 
Enemy  moved  to  Richmond  10  passenger  and  2  freight  cars 
filled  with  troops.  They  did  not  cross  at  Drury's  Bluff,  did  not 
stop  in  front  of  us,  or  they  would  not  have  been  put  on  cars. 
14  wagons  and  a  drove  of  beeves  crossed  this  eve  at  Chaffin's 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    15 

Bluff.  Kershaw's  Division  is  in  my  front,  between  the  Appo- 
mattox and  James.  From  the  accounts  in  Rebel  papers  to 
Aug.  4th,  I  do  not  credit  Herald's  report  of  Farragut's  success. 
Would  it  were  true! 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Aug.  7th,  1864 

My  dearest  Sarah:  I  got  your  welcome  little  letter  last 
night  by  due  course  of  the  mail.  Your  reading  my  letter  to 
Weitzel  gave  him  needless  alarm.  I  shall  try  nothing  that  is 
not  feasible,  and  perhaps  nothing  at  all.  The  rebels  made  a 
little  attack  on  us  last  night,  but  were  very  easily  driven  back. 

Greene  is  up  here.  I  have  sent  for  him  to  caution  him 
about  his  habits.  We  have  had  a  curious  little  episode  here. 
One  of  our  soldiers  stayed  behind  and  stopped  near  President 
Tyler's  house.  Has  married  Miss  Annie  Tyler,  niece  of  John 
Tyler,  who  writes  me  that  she  hopes  I  shall  not  punish  her 
husband  for  being  absent  without  leave.  Mrs.  President  Tyler 
has  been  writing  me  continually  about  the  health  of  this  young 
lady.  I  have  told  her  of  the  occurrence,  and  that  she  need 
have  no  more  fears  for  her  health.  I  have  seen  the  groom  — 
he  is  a  fine  looking  soldier  by  the  name  of  Kicks.  I  am  going 
to  let  him  have  a  furlough  to  spend  the  honeymoon,  but, 
poor  girl,  I  fear  that  upon  $13  per  month  she  is  likely  to  have 
more  "Kicks  than  Coppers." 

You  see  I  cannot  come  down  to  you.  Why  keep  writing  for 
me  to  do  so.f^  It  is  certain  that  I  will  do  so  as  soon  as  I  can. 
You  must  but  believe  I  would  wish  to  come. 

Thank  Blanche  for  her  scapular  for  me.     I  have  it  on. 

My  good  wife,  try  and  not  be  unquiet  and  trouble  yourself. 

You  need  have  no  fears  for  the  future  any  more  than  ought  to 

believe  in  the  worst  for  the  past.  ,;r  -n 

^  Yours,  Benj. 

From  Mrs.  (Ex-Pres.)  Tyler  to  General  Butler 

Castleton  Hill,  Staten  Island,  Aug.  15th,  1864 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Sir  :  I  have  been  in  the  receipt  of  such  mournful  intelligence 
from  my  home  on  the  James  River,  which  represents  my  prop- 
erty there  to  have  been  subjected  to  wreck  and  ruin,  that  I 
have  concluded  to  spare  my  sensibilities  and  not  to  avail  my- 


16    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

self,  at  least  for  the  present,  of  the  privilege  you  afford  me  to 
visit  the  scene;  but  will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  furnish  with  a 
pass  my  maid-servant,  a  free  girl  of  color,  whom  I  brought  with 
me  to  this  place  last  winter,  and  who  is  anxious  to  return  to  her 
family  in  Charles  City  Co.,  near  Wilson's  Wharf.  I  would 
wish  the  "pass"  to  permit  her  to  return  to  me  after  seeing  her 
friends,  if  she  should  desire  to  do  so.  She  is  a  young  and  well- 
behaved  girl  —  and  before  I  could  permit  her  to  leave  my  pro- 
tection I  ask  to  be  assured  that  on  reaching  camp  at  Wilson's 
Wharf  she  will  be  safely  guarded  to  her  home,  near  by. 

I  have  another  request  to  make,  which  I  hope  will  meet  with 
your  favor.  It  is  that  my  manager,  Mr.  J.  C.  Tyler,  who  has 
been  released  from  imprisonment  at  Old  Point,  and  has  re- 
turned to  my  place,  be  permitted  to  take  it  again  in  his  charge. 
It  was  placed  by  Gen'l.  Wild,  I  am  informed,  under  the  control 
of  some  of  my  negroes,  with  directions  that  they  should  give  up 
nothing  to  any  one  —  consequently  my  manager  finds  himself 
denied  the  authority  which  I  had  placed  in  his  hands,  and  which 
I  hope  you  will  be  willing  to  direct  through  the  commanding 
oflBcer  at  Wilson's  Wharf  shall  be  restored  to  him.  He  is 
staying  at  Mr.  W.  H.  Clopton's  —  the  adjoining  plantation. 

I  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  informing  me  of  the 
marriage  of  the  lady,  a  relative  of  my  husband's  family,  to 
whom  I  had  gladly  for  several  years  afforded  a  home  and  pro- 
tection. The  sudden  and  most  unexpected  change  in  her  cir- 
cumstances, and  the  horrors  that  surrounded  her,  of  which  you 
are  perhaps  cognizant  as  well  as  myself,  has  no  doubt  driven 
her  to  desperation,  and  into  the  commission  of  an  act  which  I 
fear  will  not  much  better  her  condition.  I  judged  from  the 
character  of  her  last  letter  she  was  bordering  on  insanity  — 
the  terrible  scenes  she  depicted  had  evidently  banished  reason 
from  its  throne  —  otherwise  I  think  she  would  have  braved 
the  starvation  which,  by  her  account,  stared  her  in  the  face,  or 
met  death  in  any  other  form  —  rather  than  have  taken  the  step 
of  which  you  inform  me. 

Allow  me  to  urge  that  the  requests  I  have  made  in  this  letter, 
especially  the  one  in  regard  to  the  withdrawal  of  my  property 
from  the  hands  of  my  negroes,  will  meet  your  early  atten- 
tion —  and  receive  the  assurance  that  I  am,  very  respectfully 

^^  ^"'    Julia  Gardiner  Tyler,  Mrs.  (Ex.  Prest.)  Tyler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    17 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Telegraph/totm  Butler's,  Aug.  7, 1864 

Go  at  once.  Telegraph  to  New  York  to  take  McCormick 
with  you.  Perhaps  Gen.  Weitzel  and  Martin  would  go.  The 
reasons  Gen.  M.  names  for  not  going  in  his  letter  to  me  do  not 
exist.     All  shall  be  well  here.  -o    p    Butler 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  August  7th,  '64 

Dearest:  We  leave  tonight.  Everything  is  in  confusion. 
Do  not  ask  any  parties  to  occupy  the  house  while  I  am  gone. 
My  things  are  scattered  all  about.  I  shall  return  soon  unless 
Harriet's  case  ^  is  desperate.  I  feel  shocked  to  death.  I  am 
very  unwilling  to  leave  for  more  reasons  than  I  have  time  to 
state. 

To  you  it  looks  a  trifle  to  make  the  journey.  To  me,  very 
much.     Write  to  me  as  you  have  done,  as  I  will  to  you. 

Yours  most  affectionately,  Sarah 

Mr.  Webster  will  stay  here  till  I  return.  You  do  not  know 
how  I  dislike  to  leave  without  seeing  you,  for  other  reasons 
than  those  in  the  letter  you  did  not  like.  There  is  a  fatality 
about  these  things.  "There  is  a  divinity  that  shapes  our 
ends,  rough-hew  them  as  we  may!"     Once  more, 

Truly  yours,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Monday,  Aug.  8th,  1864 

My  dearest  best  Wife:  Your  kind  little  letter  came  last 
night,  so  sprightly  and  lovely,  so  sweet  and  cooing,  it  would 
have  made  me  very  cheerful  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  telegram 
of  the  morning  about  Harriet.  Of  course,  I  could  say  and  you 
could  do  nothing  but  one  thing,  and  that  was  go  at  once. 
But  how  sad!  I  feel  so  lonely,  you  away,  when  at  the  Fort 
there  was  this  hope,  well,  perhaps  I  can  run  down  today,  to- 
morrow, or  as  soon  as  Grant  comes  back;  but  now  you  seem  a 
legion  of  miles  away.  How  little  you  thought  when  you  were 
writing  me  about  the  cool  shelter  of  home  and  the  children, 
how  soon  you  were  to  see  them,  and  I  cannot.     Ah  me  —  this 

1  Mrs.  Harriet  Heard,  Mrs.  Butler's  sister,  was  reported  dying  of  an  incurable  dis- 
ease. 

VOL.   V — 2 


18    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

is  a  sad,  sad  life  of  mine.  The  bright  hopes  for  the  country, 
the  enthusiasm  for  a  just  cause,  the  hopes  of  a  patriot  in  the 
future,  —  all  dying  out  slowly,  and  surely  a  sinking  at  heart. 
Nothing  has  changed  here.  Grant  has  not  returned.  You 
are  gone  —  lonely  and  sad,  and  upon  such  an  errand  too! 
What  can  it  be.'* 

Goodbye,  dearest,  goodbye.     I  am  too  sad  to  write  more,  my 

^^^^^^^^  Foz^r  Husband 

From  General  Butler 

Edqrs.  Depi.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  in  the  Field,  Va.,  August  8,  1864 

Eon.  Robert  Ould,  Commissioner  for  Exchange 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  the  inclosed  copies  of  cer- 
tain papers  relating  to  the  treatment  of  officers  captured  on  the 
expedition  of  General  Kilpatrick. 

From  the  circumstances  here  narrated,  I  am  led  to  say  that 
I  will  make  special  exchange  of  all  those  officers,  giving  you  such 
officers  as  you  may  desire  of  equal  rank.  I  also  have  the  honor 
further  to  inform  you  that  unless  I  receive  from  the  officers 
statements  that  they  are  now  well  and  properly  treated  as 
prisoners  of  war,  I  shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  putting  in 
confinement  an  equal  number  of  officers  by  us  in  like  condition 
and  treatment  as  described  in  inclosed  paper.  As  you  are 
aware,  I  have  never  desired  nor  favored  retaliation  except  upoii 
belief  that  nothing  else  would  answer  to  preserve  the  lives  and 
health  of  our  soldiers,  and  much  as  I  regret  the  painful  neces- 
sity, I  certainly  shall  be  obliged  to  carry  out  my  intentions. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler, 
Major-General  and  Commissioner  for  Exchange 

OflBcial  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  7,  p.  566. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Aug.  8th,  1864 

Brig.-Gen.  Ingalls,  Chief  Qr.  Master  &c. 

In  the  change  of  depots  at  Bermuda  Landing  I  beg  leave  to 
call  your  attention  to  the  two  wharves  there,  the  ordnance  and 
Qr.  Master's,  and  ask  that  they  be  not  disturbed;  these  are  the 
only  wharves  from  which  heavy  artillery  can  be  embarked  or 
disembarked  on  the  peninsula,  if  we  choose  to  withdraw  or  add 

Yours  Truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    19 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Aug.  8th,  1864,  2.30  p.m. 

Capt.  G.  V.  Fox,  Asst.  Secretary  of  Navy 

Richmond  papers  this  morning  say  that  Farragut's  fleet, 

seventeen  vessels,  passed  Fort  Morgan  on  the  5th  instant. 

Ram   "Tennessee"   was  sunk,  Admiral  Buchanan  captured, 

enemy's  fleet  is  approaching  the  city.     Please  duplicate  to 

Sec.  of  War  and  Gen.  Grant.  t>^^..    t?    n^rr,.^^^ 

Benj.  r.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  Va.  &  N.  Carolina,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  8th,  1864 

C.  A.  Dana  Esq.  Asst.  Secy,  of  War 

Referring  you  to  my  report  in  regard  to  the  armed 
Flotilla  of  this  Department,  to  which  I  wish  to  call  your  atten- 
tion as  a  part  of  this  note,  I  beg  leave  to  ask  that  you  will  get 
for  us  two  more  light-draft  boats. 

Mr.  Norman  Wiard,  of  New  York,  I  am  informed,  has  two 
now  ready  of  the  pattern  of  the  "Foster,"  "Burnside,"  "Reno," 
and  "Parke."  These  carry  500  men  with  three-feet  draft. 
The  workmanship  of  these  boats  was  not  quite  satisfactory, 
but  I  believe  Mr.  Wiard  has  made  the  last  better,  avoiding 
errors  pointed  out  by  experience.  Certain  it  is  that  upon 
ascertaining  defects  in  the  "Foster,"  even  after  the  boats  had 
been  accepted  and  paid  for  by  the  Government,  Mr.  Wiard 
altered  the  "Foster"  at  his  own  expense,  to  a  large  amount, 
as  he  said,  to  vindicate  his  own  reputation  as  a  mechanic,  and 
she  is  now  in  good  order  running  with  us. 

If  Mr.  Wiard's  boats  are  in  condition  for  service,  I  wish  they 
might  be  sent  here  as  soon  as  possible,  as  we  shall  need  them 
for  an  expedition  which  is  to  be  sent  out  under  the  direction 
of  the  Lieutenant  General  Commanding. 

I  was  much  prejudiced  against  this  class  of  boats  originally, 
but  their  service  has  shown  their  utility.     Respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  (Benj.  F.  Butler) 

From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Office  of  Provost  Judge,  Dept.  of  Va.  and  N.  Car. 
Norfolk,  Va.,  Aug.  8th,  1864 

Dear  Gen'l.  :  I  received  yours  of  to-day,  and  will  mark  the 
suggestions.  I  wish  that  I  had  known  your  wishes  earlier, 
although  I  fear  that  you  have  in  your  mind  particular  cases. 


20         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

The  Regime  does  not  report  one  fourth  of  my  cases.  For  a 
fortnight  and  more  it  reported  none.     It  has  no  local  reporter. 

I  first  filled  the  Prison  so  that  the  Medical  director  made 
complaint,  and  Capt.  Sawtelle  said  that  he  had  neither  room 
or  work  for  more.  I  have  fined  men  to  the  extent  of  their 
ability  to  pay,  as  I  supposed.  I  have  taken  all  they  had.  I 
have  had  very  few  cases  of  selling  liquor  to  enlisted  men,  but 
many  cases  of  drunkenness  among  employees  on  board  of 
transports,  where  the  men  must  be  returned  to  the  ship  at  once 
for  service.  Also  abandoned  females,  but  not  the  men.  They 
are  not  reported.  Worthless  negroes  to  be  sent  to  Crany 
Island.  I  do  not  get  hold  of  the  gamblers  and  drinking 
officers,  or  the  rowdy  idlers  and  swindlers.  I  have  a  great 
many  civil  cases.  I  hope  a  new  Provost  Marshal  will  not  be 
patron  of  bars  or  other  public  places.  I  have  not  seen  any 
man  I  think  so  fit  as  Capt.  Thornton.  Perhaps  his  name 
occurred  to  you. 

Restaurants  sell  by  glass  at  their  bars.  The  liquor  sales 
constitute  the  business  and  profit,  and  the  restaurant  is  the 
cover.     The  last  is  no  object. 

You  have  made  some  desirable  removals.  Norfolk  does  not 
seem  to  have  a  head,  to  perform  the  duties  of  a  Mayor.  I 
suppose  Gen'l.  Shepley  should  do  them.  The  Provost  Marshal 
seems  to  be  the  public  man.  I  think  the  whole  mechanical 
operations  of  the  Government  need  more  systematizing  than 
they  have  ever  received.  Please  communicate  freely  to  me. 
Yours  Truly,  W.  P.  Webster,  Prov.  Judge 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

St.  Nicholas  Hotel,  Aug.  8th,  '64 

Dearest:  We  arrived  here  this  evening,  covered  with  dust 
and  very  tired.  Bennett  has  gone  to  look  for  Dr.  McCormick. 
Is  it  really  a  matter  of  any  account  to  you  if  I  write  these  letters 
or  not?  I  fly  home  to  comfort  Harriet,  and  to  me  it  seems  that 
I  have  not  the  sustaining  power  within  me  to  give  consolation 
to  another.  Yet  they  all  look  to  me  for  it.  Tell  me,  do  you 
think  I  can  give  to  others  what  I  so  much  need  myself?  Am 
I  in  that  way  of  any  use  to  you?  If  I  can  give  comfort  or 
happiness  to  a  single  human  creature  I  must  be  satisfied  and 
thankful.  I  ask  so  much  from  others,  I  so  long  for  sympathy 
and  kindness  when  I  feel  so  tired,  and  weary,  weary,  weary  as 
I  do  tonight.     Blanche  has  had  her  bath  and  gone  to  bed. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    21 

Tomorrow  I  shall  use  the  time  in  shopping  for  her.  Poor 
child,  she  has  really  no  wardrobe  at  all.  I  have  not  much 
time,  for  I  do  not  like  to  stay  but  one  day.  \Miat  are  you 
doing,  dearest?  Busy  and  content?  There  lies  the  secret  of 
happiness  if  the  work  be  suited  to  the  person.  I  can  write  no 
more  tonight,  love,  my  eyelids  drop  down  with  weariness,  and 
there  is  much  to  do  tomorrow.  Will  there  be  a  letter  for  me 
when  I  get  home?  I  hope  so,  for  there  will  be  a  trouble  to 
meet.     The  waiters  are  glad  to  see  me.     They  ask  if  you  are 

Yours  very  truly,  Sarah 
From  Edward  W.  Kinsley  to  General  Butler 

37  Franklin  Street,  Boston,  August  9th,  1864 

My  dear  Sir  :  Allow  me  to  thank  you  for  the  course  you  have 
pursued  in  relation  to  the  arrest  and  discharge  of  my  friend 
Brig.  Gen.  E.  A.  Wild.  It  is  just  like  you.  And  allow  me 
to  say  that  I  wish  we  had  a  hundred  Generals  as  honest,  patri- 
otic, able  and  just  as  you.  And  I  assure  you  that  these  senti- 
ments are  held  by  thousands  of  men  who  are  better  than  I, 
and  who  look  up  to  you  as  one  of  the  few  men  who  will  do  their 
duty  under  all  circumstances. 

I  enclose  a  slip  from  the  Boston  Commonwealth.  Excuse  my 
presumption  in  thus  addressing  you. 

I  am,  faithfully  yours,  Edward  W.  Kinsley 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Fort  Monkoe,  Aug.  9th,  1864 

My  dear  dear  Wife:  Not  a  word,  and  you  going  away. 
I  was  sad  at  not  receiving  a  note.  You  will  understand  how 
lonely  I  feel,  you  all  away.  When  at  the  Fort  it  seems  I  could 
see  you  at  any  time,  but  now  it  seems  as  if  I  am  all  alone. 
Grant  has  returned.  I  have  not  yet  seen  him.  No  movement 
has  been  made  here. 

Glorious,  simple-hearted,  brave  old  Farragut  has  again  most 
nobly  done  his  duty  at  Mobile,  running  past  the  forts  and  sink- 
ing the  enemy's  fleet.     I  long  to  hear  the  particulars. 

You  will  now  see  the  boys  —  how  they  are  getting  on. 
Write  me  a  long  letter.  y  ^^^^^ 


22         LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Aug.  9,  1864 

Gen.  Butler,  etc.,  Corps  Hd.  Qrs. 

The  following  despatch  is  respectfully  transmitted  for  your 

By  order  of  Lt.  Gen.  Grant 

T.  S.  Bowers  A.  A.  G. 

Near  Atlanta,  1th,  8  p.m. 

We  keep  hammering  away  here  all  the  time,  &  there  is  no 
place  inside  or  outside  of  Atlanta.  Today  Schofield  got  round 
the  flank  of  the  line  assaulted  yesterday  by  Gen.  Kelly's  brigade, 
turned  it  &  gained  the  ground  where  the  assault  was  with  all 
our  dead  and  wounded,  we  continued  to  press  on  that  flank 
and  brought  on  a  noisy  but  not  a  bloody  engagement. 

We  drove  the  enemy  behind  his  main  breastworks  which 
cover  the  railroad  from  Atlanta  to  East  Point.  We  captured  a 
good  many  of  the  skirmishers,  which  are  of  their  best  troops,  for 
the  militia  hugs  the  breastworks  close.  I  do  not  deem  it 
prudent  to  extend  more  to  the  right,  but  will  push  forward 
daily  by  parallels  &  make  the  inside  of  Atlanta  too  hot  to  be 
endured.  I  have  sent  to  Chattanooga  for  two  thirty-pounder 
Parrotts,  with  which  we  can  pick  out  almost  any  house  in  town. 

I  am  too  impatient  for  a  siege,  but  I  don't  know  but  here  is 
as  good  a  place  to  fight  it  out  as  further  inland.  One  thing  is 
certain,  whether  we  go  inside  of  Atlanta  or  not,  it  will  be  a 
used-up  community  by  the  time  we  are  done  with  it. 

W.  T.  Sherman,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  11.50  Aug.  9,  1864 

An  ordnance  boat  blew  up  at  the  wharf  a  few  moments  ago, 
sending  shot,  shell,  &  splinters  all  over  the  point;  the  damage 
to  life  and  property  must  be  great.  Outside  of  my  own  yard, 
however,  I  have  not  yet  learned. 

Col.  Babcock  was  wounded  in  the  hand,  &  an  orderly  killed 
&  three  or  four  wounded,  several  horses  were  also  killed.  On 
the  wharf  &  on  other  parts  of  the  point  the  losses  must  be  heavy. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER         23 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

CiTT  Point,  Aug.  9,  1864 

How  does  your  information  place  Longstreet's  Corps  & 
Wilcox's  Div.  of  Hill  Corps?  I  have  the  statement  of  de- 
serters coming  in  at  Petersburg,  &  wish  to  compare.  I  will 
be  over  to  see  you  this  p.m.  ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  9,  '64,  11.30  a.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.  Armies  of  the  U.  S.,  City  Point 
Deserters  place  Longstreet's  Corps  as  follows;  Pickett's 
Division  in  our  front  between  the  Appomattox  and  the  James. 
Field's  Division  is  before  Foster  at  Deep  Bottom,  and  Mahone 
on  the  extreme  left  in  front  of  Gen.  Meade.  Wilcox's  Division 
has  Scales'  and  Thomas'  Brigades  between  Pickett's  Division 
and  the  Appomattox,  Thomas'  on  the  north,  and  Scales'  on 
the  south  of  Swift  Creek. 

Lane  and  Conner  are  before  Foster  at  Deep  Bottom.  We  had 
had  deserters  from  all  these  except  Mahone's  Division,  yester- 
day. Three  last  night  about  ten  o'clock,  from  Scales  and 
Thomas.  They  report  Kershaw's  Division  or  reserve  in  rear 
of  Pickett's.  I  was  about  saddling  my  horse  to  visit  you.  I 
have  the  boat  waiting.     Which  shall  it  be! 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  9,  1864 

As  you  are  all  prepared  come  &  see  me. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Aug.  10,  6  A.M. 

Gen.  Meade,  Commanding,  &c. 

The  telegraph  line  near  Swan's  Point  has  been  cut  by  a 
party  of  the  enemy.  I  have  sent  a  hundred  and  fifty  infantry 
down  to  Fort  Powhatan  to  drive  them  away,  but  Col.  Innis  in 
command  of  the  fort  reports  them  in  too  great  force.  Would 
you  therefore  order  Kautz  to  send  a  regiment  of  cavalry  or 
more  to  aid  the  gunboat  force  at  Powhatan  in  driving  these 

fellows  away.  Respectfully,  B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 


24    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Aug.  10th,  1864,  6  a.m. 

My  dearest  love:  \^Tiat  are  you  doing  now?  I  know  you 
have  just  waked  up  in  a  nice  room,  beautifully  frescoed  with 
walls  having  on  them  pretty  paintings,  all  rosy  from  the  tint  of 
the  walls;  a  fresh  breeze  blowing  in  the  open  window  from  the 
river  over  the  lawn;  the  first  sound  is  the  merry  voices  of  the 
children  either  just  at  play  or  just  getting  up.  Do  you  won- 
der I  am  homesick,  lonely,  at  the  different  picture  which  I  see 
here,  and  you  can  so  well  picture  to  yourself. 

We  still  go  on  here  as  before.  Weitzel  has  gone  for  15  days 
to  Cincinnati.  I  believed  we  were  to  have  some  movement, 
but  that  just  died  out.  I  am  almost  inclined  to  ask  for  a  leave 
and  go  home,  but  then  I  am  so  distressingly  well  that  that  is 
nearly  impossible.  I  have  got  no  letter  yet.  Have  seen  your 
arrival  in  New  York,  so  believe  you  safe  at  home. 

Tell  the  boys  they  must  not  forget  me.  Blanche  I  know  will 
not.  Mr.  Owen  has  my  respects.  I  feel  very  sad  for  Harriet 
—  she  was  always  a  favorite  of  mine.  I  hope,  however,  the 
operation  will  give  relief. 

My  dear  wife,  when  you  were  here  I  grieved  you.  I  am  so 
sorry  now.  I  was  then,  but  could  not  control  myself  for  the 
moment.  I  gave  you  useless  pain  —  forgive  me.  I  can  see 
your  sorrowful  face  in  pity  not  in  anger  looking  at  me  now. 

I  believe  all  the  unpleasant  things  of  my  life  are  floating 
through  my  memory  now,  and  making  up  bitter  draughts  of 
thought.     Goodbye,  dearest,  goodbye,  I  can't  write  any  more. 

Benj. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C.  Aug.  lOth,  1864.  10.35  a.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  &c.,  City  Point 

If  you  see  no  objection,  I  will  take  up  the  pontoon  bridge 
at  Broadway  Landing  and  turn  over  the  material  to  Brig.  Genl. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  10,  1864 

You  may  take  up  the  bridge  at  B'way  Landing  &  turn  over 

the  material  to  Brig.  Gen.  Benham,  or  if  you  prefer  I  will  order 

Gen.  Benham  to  take  it  up.  .^^    ^    ^  t     ^     , 

U.  b.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         25 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  10,  1864 

I  WILL  not  be  able  to  go  up  the  river  with  you  today.  Will 
go  tomorrow.  ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^   g^^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Aug.  10,  1864,  10.50  a.m. 

Lieut.  Genl.  Grant,  Comd'g.  etc.,  City  Point 

I  HAVE  just  received  telegraphic  reports  of  contents  of  Rich- 
mond paper  of  today,  which  announces  the  surrender  of  Fort 
Gaines  off  Mobile  with  six  hundred  men,  fifty  guns,  and  six 
months'  provisions.  Also  the  blowing  up  of  Fort  Powell.  I 
will  send  the  oflScial  despatch  as  soon  as  I  receive  it. 

Please  let  the  operator  forward  this  to  the  Secretary  of  the 

^^^y-  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  August  lOth,  1864 

Lt.  Col.  Biggs,  Chief  Qr.  Master,  Fort  Monroe 

Send  me  up  at  once  every  dumping  cart  and  harness  you  can 
get.  Send  over  to  Norfolk  &  borrow  those  in  the  hands  of 
the  Sup't  of  Prison  Labor.  We  shall  only  want  them  for 
twenty  (20)  days. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

H.  C.  Clarke,  Capt.  &  A.D.C. 

From  General  Butler  to  Major  Ludlow 

Aug.  10,  6.30  p.m. 

By  reading  the  enemy's  signals,  a  copy  of  which  I  send  you, 
it  will  be  seen  that  the  enemy  intend  an  attack  upon  you  prob- 
ably tomorrow  morning  at  daylight;  as  you  will  see,  not  an 
infantry  attack,  although  you  had  better  be  ready  for  that. 
As  soon  as  they  open,  we  shall  open  on  them.  Let  the  navy 
dispose  of  themselves,  getting  all  the  guns  they  can  to  bear  to 
cover  your  front  and  to  drive  off  the  iron-clads. 

Let  the  men  understand  it  so  that  they  need  not  be  taken 
by  surprise,  and  get  themselves  under  cover  during  the  night  as 
much  as  possible.     Send  by  Clark  for  anything  you  need. 

Yours,  Butler 


26    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Aug.  lOth,  6.45 

In  case  the  enemy  open  as  they  probably  will  do  tomorrow 
morning,  I  would  advise  that  all  the  guns  at  the  Water  Battery 
and  the  Gemat  Crow's  Nest  open  upon  the  Howlett  house. 
That  the  two  mortars  with  fuses  too  long  to  explode  before  the 
shell  strikes,  try  for  the  rams  if  they  come  down.  If  the  one 
hundred  pounder  at  the  Crow's  Nest  can  bear  on  the  ironclads, 
let  her  try  it.  The  mortar  in  Battery  Wilcox  better  bear  upon 
Howlett  House.  Perhaps  the  gun  at  Battery  Parsons  can 
reach  the  iron-clads.  A  reserve  light  battery  if  thrown  forward 
on  the  bank  of  the  river  below  the  Crow's  Nest  would  sweep 
Dutch  Gap  from  any  land  attack  by  infantry,  but  you  can  best 
judge  of  this  by  being  on  the  spot. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  10,  1864 

Who  has  immediate  command  of  troops  at  Dutch  Gap.^^  It 
will  require  some  one  there  who  cannot  be  stampeded. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  lOth,  1864,  8.50  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  City  Point 

That  command  is  in  immediate  charge  of  Major  Ludlow  of 
my  staff.  A  gentleman  of  experience  who  will  not  be  stam- 
peded. He  is  now  here.  I  have  explained  to  him  all  the  cir- 
cumstances, &  we  shall  not  leave. 

I  have  been  able  since  I  sent  to  you  to  decipher  the  enemy's 
signals.  Put  in  where  the  first  break  is,  "Col.  Carter  is," 
and  where  the  second  is  "Cox's  overseer's  house,"  which  place 
you  will  find  on  the  map,  and  it  will  read  as  follows: 

"Col.  Carter  is  here  engaged  in  locating  artillery  at  Signal 
Hill  and  Cox's  overseer's  house." 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comdg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  27 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.,  Aug.  lOth.  1864,  9.10  p.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g.  18th  A.  C. 

I  HAVE  deciphered  the  despatch.  It  will  read  as  follows: 
"General  Robert  E.  Lee,  Howlett's  House.  Yours  of  10 
A.M.  received  at  Signal  Hill.  Col.  Carter  is  here  engaged  in 
locating  artillery  at  Signal  Hill  and  Cox's  overseer's  house." 
You  will  find  both  places  on  the  map.  Signal  Hill  is  near 
Cox's  house,  and  Cox's  overseer's  house  is  about  a  mile  and  a 
half  from  our  position,  directly  up  the  road  from  the  Gap. 

Please  explain  where  it  is  to  Captain  Smith.     Send  over  an 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  10,  1864 

The  Navy  ought  to  be  apprised  of  the  despatch  taken  from 
the  rebel  signal,  and  so  station  a  part  of  their  boats  as  to  com- 
mand the  ground  around  our  troops  at  Dutch  Gap.  If  the 
enemy  open  from  Howlett's  —  open  from  our  Water  Batteries 
on  it.  Are  our  men  well  covered  from  artillery  ^re?  If  so, 
and  they  are  alert,  a  rebel  attack  ought  to  prove  disastrous  to 

*^^^'  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Aug.  10th,  1864 

Lieut.  Gen.  IT.  S.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  etc.,  City  Point 

We  are  preparing  to  meet  the  rebels  if  they  choose  to  attack 
us.  I  think  our  men  are  under  cover.  The  Navy  have  been 
notified  to  be  ready  on  their  part.  A  rebel  deserter  this  after- 
noon reports  a  rumor  in  their  camp  that  their  cavalry  have  been 
knocked  to  pieces  with  a  loss  of  four  (4)  guns  up  in  the  Shenan- 
doah Valley.  Have  you  any  news  upon  that  subject.f^  He  also 
reports  that  last  Saturday  night  part  of  cavalry  which  was  in 
the  rear  of  their  line,  I  presume  a  brigade,  between  the  James 
and  Appomattox,  left  for  the  Shenandoah. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 


28    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qts.,  Aug.  lOth,  1864,  10.20  P.M. 

Brig.  Genl.  Marston,  Fort  Pocahontas 

I  DESIRED  Col.  Innis  to  cooperate  with  General  Graham  in  a 
movement  upon  the  enemy  near  Cabin  Point,  and  so  pursue 
them  down  to  Swans  Point. 

Graham  landed  at  daybreak.  You  stopped  the  march  of 
Col.  Innis  until  10.45  by  saying  "Don't  move  until  I  come.  I 
will  be  there  in  an  hour."  Do  you  not  get  up  to  make  move- 
ments until  10.45.^  It  is  a  little  later  in  the  morning  than  I  am 
accustomed  to  see  my  officers  move.     Please  explain. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  Idth,  '64 

Dearest:  We  arrived  home  this  morning.  You  know  that 
from  the  word  we  had  we  should  be  excited  as  we  neared  home. 
I  had  determined  to  show  no  emotion  if  it  were  possible  to 
control  it.  Bennie  stood  at  the  gate  in  his  best  suit,  ready  to 
touch  off  his  little  cannon.  He  bowed  to  us  gravely,  as  we 
whirled  by,  touched  off  the  cannon  and  flew  across  the  lawn  to 
kiss  us  at  the  door.  The  others  were  all  glad,  rejoiced  to  see  us. 
But  there  was  sadness  behind  it,  for  Harriet's  case  has  been 
consulted  upon  by  the  Boston  doctors,  and  pronounced  hope- 
less. They  do  not  recommend  an  operation.  It  is  cancer  of 
the  breasts.  I  do  not  give  up  all  hope.  So  Dr.  Kimball  said 
of  Mrs.  Stephen's  case.  Yet  it  has  not  troubled  her.  Harriet 
has  very  little  pain,  no  ulceration,  but  the  breast  is  drawn 
back.  Dr.  Kimball  has  not  seen  her  yet.  I  shall  send  for 
him.  Unfortunately,  I  could  not  find  Dr.  McCormick. 
Would  it  be  impossible  for  you  and  him  to  come  on  in  the  next 
two  or  three  weeks .^^  Pray  do  if  you  can.  I  shall  close  the 
house  in  September  if  you  do  not  object.  There  is  great  diffi- 
culty in  getting  servants,  nor  would  it  be  possible  to  leave 
Harriet  here  unless  I  stayed  with  her.  The  doctors  prescribe 
nothing  but  to  be  cheerful  and  a  good  diet.  If  she  continues 
as  well  I  will  take  her  to  the  Fortress,  get  Sally  to  attend  upon 
her,  sleep  in  the  room  and  give  her  the  advantage  of  cheerful 
company,  and  the  children  will  go  with  us  and  continue  their 
studies.  All  this  depends  of  course  on  your  staying.  And 
I  can  see  no  likelihood  of  your  coming  home  to  stay.     But  do 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    29 

come  for  a  little  while  if  you  can,  especially  as  I  think  we  shall 
surely  close  the  house  as  the  most  economical  and  far  the  best 
plan.  I  can  hardly  get  time  to  write  this,  the  children  hang 
round  me  so  closely.  Write  to  me  at  once,  I  was  disap- 
pointed that  I  did  not  find  a  letter  from  you.  You  must  be 
very  kind  to  me,  for  I  feel  that  I  have  some  care  and  anxiety, 
but  it  must  be  bravely  met.  Give  me  sympathy  and  what 
attention  you  can,  and  I  can  bear  it  well. 

Your  most  affectionate  Wife 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  10th,  '64 

Dearest:  I  wrote  you  this  afternoon,  but  now  the  house  is 
still  —  all  the  family  in  bed,  I  must  keep  my  old  habit  of  writing 
to  you  the  last  thing.  Do  not  mind  the  two  letters  I  wrote  on 
my  way  here.  They  were  gloomy,  but  indeed  I  could  not 
help  it.  It  was  like  tearing  me  to  pieces  to  start  from  Fortress 
Monroe  as  I  did.  But  there  was  no  alternative.  I  could  not 
fail  or  neglect  in  duty  or  affection  to  one  who  has  done  all  for 
me  that  she  could.  You  do  not  know  how  I  pity  her.  But 
I  will  not  give  up  hope.  The  house  shall  be  cheerful  and  the 
way  softened  if  it  must  be  so,  but  as  yet  I  tell  you  I  do  not  accept 
it.  The  children  are  wrapt  to  see  us.  Benny's  lips  quiver;  and 
both  have  hung  round  my  bed  all  the  evening.  Both  cried 
bitterly  because  I  spoke  quickly,  not  unkindly,  while  they  were 
pulling  away  at  a  pistol.  It  took  me  a  long  time  to  console 
them.  They  are  finely-organized,  and  will  enjoy  and  suffer 
keenly.  Benny's  baby  face  will  take  many  years  to  harden 
into  a  man's  firm  visage.  It  is  delicate  as  when  he  nursed. 
Paul  has  grown  taller.  They  are  handsome  boys  and  well- 
behaved.  I  see  by  their  feelings  we  have  left  them  alone  more 
than  we  ought  to  hereafter.  Children  suffer  without  being 
able  to  express  it.  Goodnight,  dearest.  It  is  getting  too  late, 
and  I  had  no  sleep  last  night.  We  came  by  way  of  Norwich, 
which  route  gives  no  chance  for  sleep.  Goodnight.  I  want 
room  for  a  line  tomorrow. 

Dr.  Kimball  called  today.  I  described  Harriet's  case,  and 
he  made  an  examination.  He  gives  no  hope.  This  I  shall  not 
tell  her.  I  will  have  her  cheerful  if  possible.  And  she  does 
not  suffer  much.  He  says  it  will  probably  attack  the  lungs. 
No  ulceration  is  to  be  looked  for.  If  you  and  Dr.  McCormick 
could  run  on  for  a  day  or  two  I  think  it  would  be  a  consolation 


30    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  her.  Dr.  Kimball  thinks  it  will  be  rapid.  I  do  not  think 
that  is  sure.  But  it  is  not  likely  she  can  go  to  Fortress  Monroe. 
Come  on  if  you  can,  cheerfully  for  a  few  days  —  it  may  help  to 

^  ■  Yours  most  affectionately,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Aug.  10th,  1864 

My  dear  dear  Wife:  I  must  write  to  you  if  but  a  single 
word.  My  writing  to  you  seems  to  be  the  only  close  tie  we 
have.  Your  going  away  seems  to  break  away  our  ties  and  leave 
me  oh !  so  lonely.  Now  I  could  go  down  to  the  fort,  but  what 
use  to  go  there.  Grant  has  come  back,  and  we  shall  be  quiet  for 
a  few  days.  I  open  the  mail  now,  but  no  little  blue  letter 
meets  me.  You  must  write  me  every  day  as  you  did  at  the 
fort.     Tell  me  all  about  the  children  and  the  home  and  yourself. 

Yours  as  ever,  Benj.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  Va.  &  N.  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  Aug.  10th,  1864 

Lt.  Col.  T.  S.  Bowers,  Asst.  Adjt.  Genl.,  City  Point 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
the  complaint  in  a  letter  to  the  President  of  the  condition  of  the 
Brigade  represented  by  Col.  Armstrong  of  the  134th  Regt., 
Ohio  Vols.,  one  hundred  days'  men,  written  by  Col.  Armstrong 
Comdg.,  and  also  the  letter  of  Surgeon  King  of  the  same  Regt. 
to  the  Governor  of  Ohio. 

I  have  had  a  very  full  and  faithful  examination  of  this  case 
made,  and  should  have  reported  sooner  except  for  the  ab- 
sence of  the  Lieut.  Genl.,  and  the  fact  that  no  remedies  were 
needed. 

I  caused  a  report  to  be  made  by  Col.  Armstrong,  by  the 
Surgeon  and  by  the  Medical  Director  of  the  Corps,  of  the  exact 
sanitary  condition  of  the  Regiment,  and  of  all  the  facts  and 
circumstances. necessary  to  be  known  to  show  the  condition  of 
the  Brigade,  all  of  which  are  herewith  enclosed,  and  I  beg  leave 
to  refer  to  them.  The  statement  of  Col.  Armstrong  that  there 
has  been  an  unusual  amount  of  fatigue  duty  performed  by  his 
regiment  is  falsified  by  his  own  report,  which  shows  that  his 
men  have  done  but  six  days  and  a  half,  or  averaging  twelve 
hours  in  thirteen  days;  during  the  twenty  days  next  preceding 
the  time  of  his  complaint,  they  only  had  been  called  upon  to  do 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  31 

picket  duty  once  in  five  days,  and  that  since  that  time  his 
fatigue  duty  has  nearly  entirely  ceased. 

It,  the  reported  condition  of  his  Brigade,  would  seem  to  be 
either  an  attempt  at  falsification,  or  an  entire  and  utter  ineffi- 
ciency on  the  part  of  himself  and  his  Surgeon,  because  a  regi- 
ment of  one  hundred  days'  men  detached  from  his  Brigade  — 
the  138th  —  have  a  very  small  percentage  of  sickness,  and 
have  no  better  location.  I  need  say  nothing  as  to  the  letter  of 
the  Surgeon,  because  he  in  a  letter  to  the  Governor  of  Ohio,  a 
copy  of  which  has  been  forwarded,  and  a  copy  of  which  is  here- 
with enclosed,  admits  substantially  that  there  is  not  one  word 
of  truth  in  the  former  statement. 

In  view  of  the  circumstances,  and  as  an  example  to  alarmists 
and  to  those  officers  who  desire  to  get  sympathy  for  themselves 
and  thus  get  relieved  from  duty  by  false  statements  of  their 
hardships,  I  would  ask  that  the  recommendation  of  both  the 
Division  and  Corps  Commanders  be  carried  out,  and  that  both 
Col.  Armstrong  and  Surgeon  King  be  dismissed  the  service 
of  the  United  States. 

True,  they  have  but  a  few  days  longer  to  serve,  but  they 
ought  not  to  go  out  in  an  honorable  manner,  especially  the 
Colonel,  who  upon  a  personal  examination,  although  he  had 
been  before  an  officer  in  the  service  from  which  he  had  resigned, 
so  that  he  knew  the  rules  of  the  service,  when  asked  if  he  had 
ever  made  any  complaint  to  his  Corps  Commander,  or  to  the 
Commanding  General,  of  the  hardships  to  which  he  alleges  his 
troops  had  been  subjected,  or  of  the  want  of  medical  supplies, 
replied  that  he  had  not;  and  when  asked  to  say  why,  in  the 
absence  of  making  such  complaints  and  requests  of  the  Com- 
manding General,  he  should  write  such  a  letter  to  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  replied  in  substance  "that  he  had  no 
other  excuse  for  writing  in  the  manner  he  did  than  that  he 
helped  nominate  the  President  at  Chicago,  and  therefore  he 
thought  he  would  have  more  influence  with  him,  and  could 
approach  him  more  easily  than  he  could  the  Comdg.  General. 

Now,  I  think  he  should  be  dismissed  the  service  for  having  so 

poor  an  opinion  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  because 

any  officer  knows  that  such  considerations  never  operate  upon 

the  action  of  the  Commander  in  Chief.     I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant 


32    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Montgomery  Blair  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  Aug.  10th,  1864 

My  dear  Genl.  :  I  received,  several  days  ago,  your  telegram, 
announcing  the  destruction  of  Seddon's  house  in  retaliation  for 
the  burning  of  mine,  —  I  have  delayed  acknowledging  it 
because,  whilst  thankful  for  the  consideration  which  you  show 
to  resent  my  wrongs,  I  have  yet  regretted  your  action  on  this 
occasion. 

It  is  not  because  I  have  regard  for  Seddon,  or  Letcher,  that 
I  regret  the  destruction  of  their  property  by  the  order  of  our 
Military  Commanders.  They  deserve  a  much  worse  punish- 
ment, I  know,  and  I  trust  they  may  yet  receive  it;  but  it  will 
not  be  punishment  unless  they  get  it  at  the  hands  of  the  law. 

I  have  a  great  horror  of  lawlessness,  and  it  does  not  remove 
my  repugnance  to  it  that  it  is  practised  upon  the  lawless.  If 
we  allow  the  military  to  invade  the  rights  of  private  property 
on  any  other  grounds  than  those  recognized  by  civilized  war- 
fare, there  will  soon  cease  to  be  any  security  whatever  for  the 
rights  of  civilians  on  either  side. 

The  tendency  of  such  measures  is  to  involve  our  country 
in  all  the  horrors  of  the  war  of  the  Fronde,  of  the  petty  Princes 
and  Brigands  of  Italy,  of  the  Guerillas  of  Spain,  which  made 
the  plunder  of  the  peaceful  citizens'  homes,  highway  robbery 
and  assassination,  the  concomitants  of  the  war. 

No  man,  I  know,  would  deprecate  such  results  more  than 
yourself,  and  there  are  no  talents  on  which  I  would  sooner 
rely  than  j^ours  to  prevent  it,  if  you  had  proper  support. 

Yours  truly,  M.  Blair 

P.S.  It  may  be  proper  to  say  that  it  was  intimated  to  me 
through  my  Postal  Agent  that  it  was  contemplated  to  burn 
Seddon's  house,  shortly  after  mine  was  burned  in  retaliation 
for  that  act,  and  I  directed  him  to  say  that  I  hoped  it  would 
not  be  done.     M.  B. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  Aug.  10,  1864 

E.  K.  Snead,  Esq.,  Norfolk,  Va. 

Sir:  You  came  to  me  purporting  to  be  a  judge  of  a  Court  and 
a  lawyer,  knowing  the  force  of  language,  and  being  called  upon 
to  answer  for  your  conduct  in  a  grave  matter,  you  there  dis- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    33 

tinctly  informed  me  not  only  that  you  were  "advised"  but 
supported  in  your  course  by  very  high  authority,  and  gave  me 
to  understand  that  it  was  the  Attorney  General. 

The  person  you  do  not  now  deny,  but  attempt  to  say  that 
when  you  said  "advised"  you  did  not  mean  "advised,"  you 
only  meant  "approved,"  and  that  you  desire  now  to  correct 
what  you  said  and  substitute  the  word  "approved"  lest  that 
you  should  put  the  learned  Attorney  General  of  the  United 
States  in  a  false  position. 

In  my  opinion  you  have  not  bettered  the  matter.  It  is 
immaterial  whether  he  "advised"  or  "approved"  of  your 
course.  In  either  case  he  exceeded  his  authority  much  more 
than  either  you  or  he  supposed  I  exceeded  mine.  But  if  there 
is  a  difference,  you  are  not  entitled  to  that  difference,  upon 
your  statement.  You  not  only  told  me  he  "advised  "  it,  as  you 
admit,  but  in  various  forms  of  words,  much  more  strongly, 
you  told  me  that  you  expected  his  support  and  aid  in  your 
course;  and  that  he  had  laid  the  matter  before  the  President 
in  your  behalf,  and  was  acting  rather  in  the  nature  of  your 
counsel,  as  well  as  adviser,  in  the  course  that  you  and  the  sup- 
posed restored  Government  of  Virginia  intended  to  pursue. 

Now,  if  you  have  done  him  any  injustice  in  so  grave  a  matter, 
and  if  what  you  have  told  me  is  not  true,  I  shall  be  as  prompt 
to  punish  a  wrong  done  him  as  one  done  myself,  and  therefore  I 
desire  you  to  say  to  me  in  writing  whether  he  did  or  did  not 
advise  you  to  your  course.  If  he  did  not,  I  will  then  take  such 
action  as  I  am  advised  is  best,  and  if  he  did,  then  I  may  con- 
tent myself  with  the  action  already  taken. 

You  are  also  further  desired  to  answer  another  question, 
whether  you  did  or  did  not  vote  for  Jefferson  Davis  for  Presi- 
dent of  the  Confederate  States,  because  I  may  not  feel  inclined 
to  allow  one  of  Jefferson  Davis'  constituents  to  make  trouble 
between  the  officers  of  the  United  States  Government,  by 
making  contradictory  statements.  I  will  wait  till  the  13th 
for  a  reply.     I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Very  Respectfully  Your  obedient  servant,  (Gen.  Butler) 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.,  Aug.  Uth.  1864 

Lt.  Col.  Biggs,  Chief  Q.  M.,  Fort  Monroe 

Send  me  by  the  earliest  possible  conveyance  four  (4)  subsoil 
plows  of  the  largest  size,  strong.  Twelve  (12)  coon  bars 
weighing  thirty  (30)  pounds  each.     Four  (4)  cable  chains  five- 

VOL.    V — 3 


34    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

eighth  inch  wire,  twelve  (12)  feet  in  length.  Send  these  as 
early  as  possible,  and  report  to  me  by  telegraph  when  they 
start.     Send  these  to  Bermuda. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  llth,  1864 

Captain  G.  V.  Fox,  Asst.  Sec.  Navy,  Washington,  D.C. 

Can  you  let  Alber  put  at  the  disposal  of  Sawyer  to  have 
rifled  for  me  one  gunblock  that  is  cast  for  the  Navy  at  South 
Boston .'^  It  is  very  necessary  that  I  should  get  it.  Please 
answer  by  telegraph.  -g^^^    ^    ^^^^^^^  j^^.  g^^,^ 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs..  August  Uth,  1864 

To  Brother  Sawyer,  Ordnance  Makers,  Fitchburg,  Mass. 
Make  me  a  five  eighty-two  (5-82)  gun,  rifled  in  ten  (10)  days. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  11, 1864,  9  p.m. 

You  may  commence  immediately  shipping  to  Washington, 
all  the  one  hundred  day  men.  ^    g    ^^^^^^  j^^  ^^^^ 

From  Colonel  William  B.  Greene  to  General  Butler 

In  the  Field  near  Bermuda  Hundred,  August  llth,  1864 

Dear  Sir:  I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
II  g.  Special  Order,  No.  213,  H'd.  Qrs.  Dept.  of  Va.  and  N.  C, 
dated  August  5th,  1864,  revoking,  at  my  own  request,  my  com- 
mission as  Colonel  of  the  1st  Regt.,  U.  S.  Vols.  I  take  the 
liberty  to  state  that  my  military  relation  to  yourself  has  been 
extremely  satisfactory  to  me,  that  you  have  invariably  treated 
me  with  singular  kindness  and  consideration,  and  that  I 
should  be  wanting  in  common  gratitude  if  I  failed  to  express 
the  unmixed  satisfaction  I  have  experienced  in  being  permitted 
to  serve  under  your  commission. 

I  have  also  the  honour  to  ask  permission  to  go  to  Boston  on 
Saturday  or  Sunday  next  —  this  request  to  be  regarded  as  a 
resignation  of  my  position  as  Volunteer  Military  Aid  serving  at 
your  Head  Quarters.     My  reasons  for  not  sending  a  formal 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    35 

resignation  are  these:  it  is  my  desire  to  preserve  a  military 
relation  with  yourself  which,  though  sentimental  only,  will 
nevertheless  be  always  real  to  me.  2nd  —  I  see  no  reason  for 
any  formal  acceptance  of  my  resignation  as  Volunteer  Military 
Aid,  since  my  appointment  as  such  has  not,  to  my  knowledge, 
been  published  in  orders,  and  will  not  therefore  require  to  be 
rescinded  in  orders. 

If  you  should  happen  to  be  at  leisure  in  the  course  of  the 
day,  you  would  confer  a  favour  by  permitting  me  to  have  a  few 
moments'  conversation  with  you.  I  have  the  honour  to  re- 
main, General,  Most  respectfully. 

Your  obliged  friend  and  obedient  Servant,  Wm.  B.  Greene 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  Aug.  11,  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  arrived  yesterday  morning.  Gen. 
Hamilton  is  here  —  he  promises  to  make  the  greatest  effort 
of  his  life  within  ten  days  at  Cooper  Institute,  New  York 
City. 

He  has  told  me  what  line  he  will  take  —  of  course  it  is  use- 
less to  try  to  give  an  idea  of  it,  but  it  will  be  much  more  damag- 
ing than  the  Wade-Davis  letter,  or  I  mistake.  After  having 
opened  the  hall  in  New  York,  he  promises  to  go  wherever  his 
friends  think  it  best  he  should  go.  I  say  west,  where  he  has 
not  been  —  to  St.  Louis,  Cincinnati,  &  Chicago.     Am  I  right.^* 

But  Hamilton  has  seen  the  President,  had  a  plainer  talk  if 
possible  than  Thad.  Stevens  had  with  him  the  other  day. 
L.  wanted  he  should  go  out  and  make  some  speeches  —  H. 
said,  "No  Sir  —  as  things  stand  at  present  I  don't  know  what 
in  the  name  of  God  I  could  say,  as  an  honest  man,  that  would 
help  you.  Unless  you  clean  these  men  away  who  surround 
you,  &  do  something  with  your  army,  you  will  be  beaten 
overwhelmingly . ' ' 

Mr.  L.  said  that  was  plain  talk,  but  he  (L)  knew  his  danger. 
Said  he,  "You  think  I  don't  know  I  am  going  to  be  beaten, 
hut  I  do  and  unless  some  great  change  takes  place  badly  beaten. ^^ 
He  said  also  "the  people  promised  themselves  when  Gen. 
Grant  started  out  that  he  would  take  Richmond  in  June  —  he 
didn't  take  it,  and  they  blame  me,  but  I  promised  them  no  such 
thing,  &  yet  they  hold  me  responsible."  Yes,  H.  said,  he  knew 
they  did. 

Now,  said  H.  "it  is  the  people  that  must  elect  you  —  to 


86         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

secure  their  votes  you  must  heed  even  their  prejudices  —  they 
demand  that  everybody  about  you  here  except  Fessenden  shall 
be  turned  away,  and  men  put  in  their  places  in  whom  they  can 
have  confidence.  You  cannot  disregard  this  will,  &  be  saved." 
"No  matter,"  said  H.,  "whether  you  like  the  men  or  not. 
You  must  send  them  at  once  away  —  if  they  are  friends,  they'll 
go  cheerfully  for  your  sake  —  if  they  are  enemies,  what  the 
hell  do  you  care  what  they  think." 

L.  said,  "That's  very  plain  talk."  "Yes,"  said  H.,  "regular 
backwoods,  but  I  do  not  mean  to  deceive  you." 

Mr.  L.  further  urged  him  to  go  out  &  make  a  few  speeches. 
H.  said  no  —  he  could  not  do  that.  "It  would  not  look  well 
for  me  to  go  out  canvassing  for  you  in  uniform,  and  I  think  if 
I  take  it  off  it  will  be  to  make  speeches  against  you  —  and  if  I 
tender  you  my  resignation  you  will  know  what  it  means." 
L.  said,  "Yes;   I'll  not  misunderstand  you." 

Now  this  is  only  an  example  of  a  very  long  conversation 
between  Mr.  Lincoln  &  H.,  Tom  Corwin  being  present  all  the 
time. 

Hamilton  had  scarcely  reached  his  room  when  he  first  arrived 
here  before  Raymond  was  after  him  to  make  speeches.  H. 
said,  "  No,  sir.  Why  the  Devil  don't  you  pitch  in  in  your  paper? 
I've  read  the  story  of  the  fox  who  got  his  tail  taken  off,  and 
you  can't  coax  me  to  put  mine  in  the  trap  too." 

I  told  him  the  policy  was  to  disaff  ect  as  many  men  as  possible, 
but  not  to  betray  our  personal  preferences,  &  he  will  act  on  the 
suggestion. 

Chase  is  most  likely  at  Newport,  Rhode  Island.  He  has  not 
been  in  Ohio  yet.  We  will  try  to  have  him  make  that  speech 
as  he  arrives  home,  &  on  being  called  out,  so  that  it  will  seem 
somewhat  impromptu. 

They  have  been  trying  to  get  Ford  to  go  and  see  Chase  for 
Mr.  L.  Barret,  Com.  of  Pensions,  came  to  his  ofl&ce  whilst  I 
was  away,  &  urged  him.  L.  sent  a  man  to  the  office  to  inquire 
where  I  was,  and  was  told  that  I  had  gone  to  New  York. 

Ford  will  see  Weed  and  have  him  come  to  see,  he  thinks  with- 
out any  doubt.  Nor  has  he  the  slightest  doubt  that  Chase 
will  make  the  severest  speech  he  can.  Ford  will  probably  go 
to  Cincinnati  with  Chase,  and  possibly  make  a  speech  himself. 
We  will  see  Thad.  S.  &  Cameron. 

The  Gov.  has  been  unable  to  see  Mr.  L.  in  regard  to  my  case 
yet,  but  he  has  an  arrangement  for  9  a.m.  to-day. 

I  met  Hon.  T.  M.  Howe  of  Pittsburg,  yesterday,  on  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    37 

Avenue.  He  says  he  is  for  Lincoln  —  just  like  all  good  men 
say  it,  &  is  ready  for  a  fight,  and  says  you  are  his  man.  He 
and  Hamilton  used  almost  the  same  words  in  saying  that  they 
considered  "Gen,  B,  the  greatest  Intelligence  on  this  conti- 
nent," &  wished  he  was  Pres,  Howe  said,  "Butler  is  the  only 
man  who  can  make  headway  against  Lincoln."  He  may  come 
down  to  see  you.  One  thing  you  want  to  know  if  he  comes,  & 
that  is  that  he  and  Cameron  are  at  loggerheads  politically. 
But  he  is  a  very  strong  man  in  Western  Pa,  He  is  Curtin's 
proxy  for  the  west.     He  is  an  honest  man  I  think,     I  am 

Your  oVt.  servt.,  J,  K.  Herbert 

From  Edward  Everett  Hale 

Milton,  Mass.,  Aug.  11,  1864 

My  dear  General  Butler:  Governor  Everett  sends  me  a 
flaming  and  indignant  letter  which  some  person  unknown  has 
addressed  to  him  in  a  Richmond  paper,  complaining  of  the 
treatment  received  by  the  lower  Brandon  plantation,  on  James 
River,  at  the  hands  of  our  troops.  The  only  reason  Mr. 
Everett  is  addressed  is  that  he  was  once  or  twice  a  visitor  at  the 
place.  He  says  he  does  not  suppose  he  can  take  any  notice  of 
the  article;  but  I  think  he  would  like  to  make  a  fit  answer  to  it. 
And  he  would  be  glad  if  you  could  make  time  enough  to  let 
him  or  me  know  if  there  was  any  special  purpose  which  can  be 
laid  before  the  public  to  advantage  of  what  these  people  call 
"the  Raid,"  and  how  far  the  facts  are  correctly  stated  if  you 
saw  the  article.  If  you  can  do  this  it  will  be  a  favor  to  him 
and  to  me. 

Mr.  Motley  acknowledged  with  great  pleasure  your  kindness 
to  his  son,  Capt.  Motley.     It  was  his  last  news  from  him. 

Pray  ask  Maj.  Mulford  the  first  time  he  goes  up  to  see  what 
news  he  can  get  of  my  friend  Maj.  Forbes,  of  our  2nd  Cavalry, 
—  he  is  now  at  Lynchburg.  Pray  exchange  him  if  an  acciden- 
tal chance  appears. 

In  the  chance  that  nobody  sends  you  any  books,  I  have 
ordered  the  fourth  volume  of  Carlyle's  Frederic  the  Great  sent 
to  you.  In  reading  it,  I  have  a  dozen  times  been  struck  with 
things  which  I  thought  would  please  you;  and  though  I  know 
you  must  be  familiar  with  those  campaigns,  I  know  you  will 
like  C's  short-hand  way  of  telling  the  story. 

Major  Stackpole  telegraphed  me  that  he  wanted  my  testi- 
mony in  Capt.  King's  case;  and  then  that  he  should  do  with- 


38         LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

out.     I  wrote  him  that  if  he  would  send  me  my  report  I  would 
swear  to  it  here  if  necessary. 

I  think  of  you  all  at  head  quarters  constantly;  and  wish  you 

Truly  yours,  Edw.  E.  Hale 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  Wth,  '64 

Dearest:  I  have  your  letter  of  the  8th  and  9th,  and  you 
have  received  none  from  me.  Yet  I  wrote  on  Sunday  just  before 
I  left,  another  from  Baltimore,  and  again  from  New  York,  and 
every  day  since  I  came.  This  is  the  third  I  have  written  at 
home.  Tomorrow  we  shall  have  a  picnic.  Harriet  is  able  to 
drive  out,  and  bears  herself  bravely.  She  is  comfortable  and 
cheerful.  She  has  spoken  two  or  three  times  of  seeing  you.  If 
possible,  come  on  with  Dr.  McCormick.  We  called  on  your 
mother  today  on  our  return  from  Dracut.  She  was  not  at  home. 
But  we  found  her  at  our  house.  She  is  very  well,  but  not  so 
fleshy  as  usual.  We  shall  see  her  very  frequently.  In  the 
morning  I  shall  prepare  for  the  picnic,  boil  eggs,  make  coffee, 
etc.  That  will  take  me  all  the  forenoon.  I  could  write  you, 
dearest,  a  great  deal  more  tonight,  but  it  is  eleven  o'clock.  I 
would  put  my  arms  around  you  if  I  could,  but  although  they 
are  very  long  they  will  not  reach  so  far.     Goodnight. 

Dearest,  we  have  had  the  picnic  today.  It  was  very  pleas- 
ant— all  were  very  sorry  you  were  not  present.  The  children 
enjoyed  it  thoroughly.  Bathed,  boated,  and  ate  without  limit. 
Our  object  is  to  amuse  the  present  hour,  and  if  you  should  come 
on  we  should  not  make  it  dull  for  you.  Harriet  would  like 
to  see  you  about  some  business  matters.  We  have  great  hopes 
you  will  come.  She  will  want  you  and  Fisher  to  take  charge 
of  what  she  has.  I  ran  upstairs  on  my  return  to  finish  this 
for  Fisher  to  take  along  to  put  in  the  office.  They  are  in  a 
hurry  to  get  the  children  home.  I'll  write  again  tomorrow,  and 
can  add  then  what  I  have  not  time  for  now.     Goodnight, 

dearest  love.  ,,         ^    ^ .       ^   ^^ 

Your  affectionate  Wife 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 
in  the  Field,  Aug.  llth,  1864 

My  own  dearest  Wife:  Your  dear  letter  came  last  night. 
Where  could  it  have  been  so  long.^^     If  you  were  more  sad  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    39 

lonely  at  leaving  than  I  was  even  with  the  errand  you  were  on, 
I  yity  you  indeed. 

Another  day  is  dragging  along.  No  change.  Farragut,  the 
brave  old  soul,  is  all  there  is  of  life  in  the  armed  forces  of  the 
United  States.  The  political  cauldron  is  boiling,  "Bubble, 
bubble,  toil  and  trouble,"  until  one  hardly  cares  who  comes 
uppermost.  I  do  wish  I  was  quiet  at  home,  with  a  certainty 
that  I  was  never  to  leave  it.  Talk  about  the  sacrifice  that 
Cincinnatus  made  when  he  laid  down  power  and  retired  to  his 
home.  The  sacrifice  was  when  he  took  it  up  and  left  home. 
He  might  have  become  discontented  after  he  went  home 
(who  knows  .f^),  but  when  he  went  home  he  was  glad  —  even  if 
he  knew  his  plough  was  broken. 

I  have  got  so  sad  that  it  reacts  as  it  sometimes  does,  and  I 
talk  nonsense. 

Be  you  sure  to  write  me  every  day  —  long  letters  as  little 
sad  as  possible,  and  portray  the  shades  of  your  mind  —  and 
not  sad  at  all  about  me,  for  in  truth  you  have  no  occasion. 

My  dearest  wife,  now  believe  me  fully,  won't  you,  and  be 
happy  as  you  can.  j,^^^^_  ^^^^ 

From  General  Banks 

Headquarters,  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  New  Orleans,  August  lith,  1864 

Honorable  C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Secretary  of  War, 
Washington,  D.C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
letter  of  the  16th  April,  enclosing  certain  papers  relating  to  the 
claim  of  Dr.  Syme,  an  alleged  English  subject,  and  transmitting 
copy  of  a  letter  from  Major  General  Butler  and  the  statement 
of  Lieut.  Col.  Charles  M.  Wheldon,  late  of  31  Massachusetts 
Volunteers,  in  relation  to  Dr.  Syme,  and  also  informing  me  that 
the  order  of  the  War  Department,  issued  February  24th,  1864, 
directing  payment  of  Dr.  Syme's  claim,  has  been  suspended, 
"awaiting  any  explanations  which  you  may  make  concerning 
the  facts  and  allegations." 

In  reply,  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  on  the  29th  Decem- 
ber, 1862,  shortly  after  assuming  command  of  this  Department, 
I  "received  a  despatch  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  requesting 
that  an  examination  be  made  into  the  case  of  Dr.  Syme." 

A  commission  was  appointed,  of  which  Col.  James  Smith, 
128th  New  York  Volunteers,  was  President,  to  investigate  the 
case.     After  a  full  hearing  of  all  parties,  at  which  Dr.  Syme 


40    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

was  present  in  person  and  by  counsel,  assisted  by  Mr.  Coppell, 
Acting  British  Consul,  the  commission  came  to  this  conclusion: 
That  Doctor  Syme  was  a  British  subject,  that  upon  the  testi- 
mony presented  in  the  case  they  did  not  find  him  to  be  guilty 
in  the  smuggling  operations  charged;  and  that  it  did  not 
appear  that  he  had  an  interest  in  the  transportation  of  medi- 
cine to  the  rebels. 

Upon  this  finding,  it  is  just  to  add,  that  no  records  whatever 
upon  this  or  other  similar  cases  were  to  be  found  at  these  Head- 
quarters. There  was  no  record  of  the  evidence  upon  which 
the  charges  were  based,  or  upon  which  the  confiscation  of  his 
property  and  his  imprisonment  were  ordered.  The  judgment 
of  the  commission  is  therefore  imperfect  in  the  nature  of  things ; 
and  it  was  in  consequence  of  this  palpable  imperfection  of  the 
record,  arising  from  the  want  of  testimony  not  only  against  Dr. 
Syme,  but  upon  the  general  subject  submitted  for  enquiry,  that 
I  replied  to  the  order  in  regard  to  his  payment,  that  "there  was 
no  money  in  this  Department  which  could  be  applied  to  that 
purpose,  and  no  evidence  in  my  possession  which  would  justify 
the  payment  of  his  claim  if  I  had  the  money."  My  proceed- 
ings in  this  case  were  in  pursuance  of  the  orders  of  the  War 
Department.  I  did  not  call  upon  General  Butler  for  informa- 
tion or  opinion,  because  he  was  not  within  my  command,  and  I 
had  neither  interest  nor  power  to  lead  me  in  that  direction.  I 
supposed  that  if  information  in  the  possession  of  General  Butler 
were  required  by  the  War  Department,  application  would  be 
made  directly  to  him. 

In  reference  to  the  comments  of  Gen.  Butler  upon  the  pro- 
ceedings here,  I  have  only  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Secretary 
of  War  to  this  fact — that  from  a  sentence  in  my  despatch,  dated 
March  17th,  1864,  which  stands  in  these  words,  "We  have  not 
in  this  Department  the  means  to  answer  it  nor  the  evidence 
to  justify  the  payment  of  his  claim,"  Gen.  Butler  takes  the 
liberty  to  separate  two  propositions  contained  therein,  and 
excluding  altogether  the  statement  that  there  was  no  evidence 
in  this  Department  to  justify  the  payment  of  this  claim  — 
comments  very  earnestly  and  with  as  much  severity  as  the 
case  demands,  upon  the  fact  that  there  being  no  appropriation 
for  this  purpose,  no  payment  would  be  made,  as  if  that  were 
the  only  reason  for  non-payment. 

A  commentary  based  upon  such  perversion  of  the  facts  calls 
for  no  answer.  It  requires  considerable  ability  to  justify  so 
much  indignation  when  it  is  excited  by  the  suppression  of  one 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    41 

part  of  a  sentence  and  the  exclusive  consideration  of  the  other. 
Any  lawyer  who  succeeds  in  this  practice  would,  if  successful, 
find  an  extensive  clientage  in  Massachusetts  or  elsewhere. 

In  pursuance  of  the  order  received  from  the  Secretary  of 
War,  the  real  property  formerly  in  possession  of  Dr.  Syme  has 
been  returned  to  him.  The  medical  director  has  been  in- 
structed to  account  to  him  for  the  rent,  and  the  owner  in  fee 
of  the  premises  has  been  informed  that  Dr.  Syme  will  not  be 
held  responsible  for  its  occupation  by  the  Government  of  the 
United  States. 

Beyond  this  nothing  has  been  done  or  contemplated.  Pay- 
ment for  alleged  damages  sustained  by  Dr.  Syme  cannot  be 
made  for  the  reasons  specified,  that  there  is  nothing  to  justify 
the  payment,  and  no  appropriation  of  money  for  that  purpose. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  much  respect, 

Your  ohdt.  Servant,  N.  P.  Banks,  M.  G.  C. 

War  Department,  August  iSth,  1864 

Endorsed:  Referred  to  Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  com- 
manding the  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  for 
his  information.        ^^  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^^  Secretary  of  War 

C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Sec.  of  War 

T»  .  p   n      .  -4.4.    J  A.  G.  Office,  August  27th,  1864 

Kespectiully  transmitted, 

E.  D.  To\\TsrsEND,  Asst.  Adjt.  General 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  Uth,  1864 

Our  entrenchments  are  now  so  strong  that  with  a  very  thin 
line  they  can  be  held.  We  have  the  further  security  that  the 
enemy  have  shown  that  he  feels  no  inclination  to  attack  forti- 
fications. Under  this  view  I  have  been  thinking  that  with  the 
colored  troops  alone,  or  at  furthest  with  the  colored  troops 
and  the  white  troops  of  the  10th  Corps,  the  18th  Corps  might 
be  got  foot  loose  to  rest  and  fit  up  for  other  service  which  I  will 
make  known  to  you. 

I  think  one  inf'y  man  to  six  feet  the  greatest  abundance  at 
Bermuda,  &  one  (1)  at  four  feet  sufficient  for  the  line  north 
of  the  Appomattox.  As  soon  after  the  matter  about  which  I 
addressed  you  confidentially  an  hour  ago  is  settled,  I  wish  you 
would  take  this  matter  in  hand.  ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^  g^^^^ 


42    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant 

Confidential.    Head  Quarters  Armies  of  the  United  States, 

City  Point,  Va.,  Aug.  Uth,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Dept.  of  N.  C.  &  Va. 

General:  It  having  become  evident  that  the  enemy  has 
sent  north  two  if  not  three  divisions  of  infantry,  twenty  pieces 
of  artillery,  and  one  division  of  cavalry,  besides  the  dismounted 
cavalry,  and  a  few  regiments  to  Charleston,  I  have  determined 
to  see  if  we  cannot  force  him  to  return  here  or  give  us  an  ad- 
vantage. To  do  this  I  have  given  the  same  instructions  as  for 
the  last  movement  from  Deep  Bottom.  There  is  this  differ- 
ence, however,  in  the  preparation.  The  2nd  Corps  the  only 
one  out  of  line  and  foot  loose,  will  march  here  this  afternoon  to 
embark  in  steamers.  They  will  be  under  the  impression,  except 
the  Commander,  that  Washington  is  their  destination.  To 
facilitate  embarkation  (ostensibly)  the  artillery  and  transporta- 
tion goes  to  Bermuda  Hundred  tonight.  After  dark  tomorrow 
night  the  pontoon  bridge  will  be  laid  at  the  same  place  as  on  the 
former  occasion.  As  soon  as  laid,  or  soon  after  12  o'clock  at 
night,  the  cavalry  and  artillery  will  commence  crossing.  The 
inf'y,  which  will  all  be  embarked  here  during  the  day  on 
steamers,  will  start  so  as  to  reach  Deep  Bottom  about  2  a.m. 
the  14th. 

I  hope  to  have  prompt  movements  and  favorable  results. 

What  force  can  you  spare  from  Bermuda  Hundred  to  be 
used  north  of  the  James  with  their  expedition.'^  Whatever 
force  you  can  spare,  reducing  the  force  to  hold  your  line  to  a 
minimum,  I  wish  you  to  have  ready  to  follow  the  artillery  and 
cavalry  soon  after  daylight  on  the  14th.  I  am,  General, 
Very  respectfully,  ^^^^  ^^^  ^^^  ^    g    g^^^^_  ^^  g^_ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  12,  1864,  5.30 

Your  note  of  instructions  is  received.  Owing  to  the  recent 
arrival  of  the  South  Carolina  troops  I  am  unable  to  say  just 
how  many  we  can  spare  for  the  purpose,  but  I  think  10  thou- 
sand men  for  a  week's  operations,  and  perhaps  more  if  the 
18th  holds  its  ground  for  the  present.  I  will  write  you  in 
detail  as  soon  as  I  can  ascertain  precisely. 

Respectfully,  B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gent.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  43 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Meade 

Confidential.    Head  Qrs.,  Aug.  12th,  3.50  p.m. 

There  is  no  physical  difficulty  in  getting  out  on  Foster's 
front,  as  well  as  below.  In  either  case  you  will  meet  about  three 
brigades  in  light  rifle  pits. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  ComcTg. 

P.S.  Have  captured  Gen.  Lane's  (Alabama  Brigade)  A.  A. 
Gen.,  who  says  when  we  took  those  guns  before  at  Deep 
Bottom  there  were  but  three  thousand  men  on  that  side,  and 
I  believe  even  were  (less)  the  next  day.     B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  12,  1864 

Send  one  regt.  heavy  arty,  to  Washn.,  and  let  me  know  as 
soon  as  possible  what  one  you  send. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  N.  G.  Upham  to  General  Butler 

Concord,  Aug.  12th,  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  have  been  much  disappointed  in  the 
opportunity  I  hoped  to  have  had  in  going  to  see  you  at  your 
Head  Quarters.  But  a  new  session  of  our  Legislature  and 
various  events  here  have  detained  me.  In  the  meantime,  cir- 
cumstances are  daily  occurring  demanding  the  most  careful 
scrutiny  and  foresight  of  all  true  men. 

I  have  come  to  these  conclusions:  There  is  but  one  course 
of  action  that  can  give  any  vital  powers  to  the  Convention  at 
Chicago.  It  should  adopt  as  the  fundamental  article  of  their 
platform  "  That  the  integrity  of  the  Union  must  and  shall  be 
preserved  at  all  hazards,  and  at  any  sacrifice, "  &  follow  it  up  with 
strong  views  not  conflicting  with  it.  They  will  not  do  this, 
&  must  fail  of  commanding  the  confidence  of  the  people. 

I  believe  also  that  Lincoln  will  meet  with  a  like  failure, 
unless  he  shall  at  once  dismiss  his  entire  Cabinet,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Seward  &  Fessenden,  &  place,  in  their  stead,  sound, 
energetic,  reliable  men  in  whom  the  country  have  implicit 
confidence,  &  who  will  carry  on  his  Cabinet  as  a  unit  &  with  a 
power  adequate  to  the  wants  &  wishes  of  the  people.  If  he 
will  do  this,  you  being  one  of  the  men  &  having  a  voice  in  the 


44    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

selection  of  others  who  shall  meet  your  full  approbation,  I 
hope  you  will  go  in  &  save  the  country. 

If  this  is  not  done,  immediately  after  the  Chicago  Conven- 
tion, the  people  must  act  &  take  the  necessary  means  to  secure 
to  themselves  a  government.  I  am  ready  to  do  what  I  can.  I 
see  no  other  remedy  in  this  emergency,  &  we  must  be  prepared 
to  act  &  act  promptly.  I  write  in  some  haste,  but  with  the 
fullest  convictions  as  to  the  results  at  which  I  have  arrived. 
I  hope  to  see  Hildreth  on  Monday.     I  am,  as  ever. 

Most  truly  yours,  N.  G.  Upham 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  12,  1864 

Dearest:  My  evening  is  spoiled  for  you.  Callers  up  to 
ten  o'clock.  Cushings,  Tyler,  and  Crosbys.  The  Judge 
sends  many  good  wishes.  His  daughter  Maria  is  engaged  to 
a  paymaster  in  the  Army,  by  the  name  of  Lien,  I  believe. 
He  belongs  to  Erie,  Pennsylvania.  Oh,  dear,  why  should  I 
take  the  trouble  to  write  about  them?  But  I  believe  you  are 
rather  pleased  with  neighborly  gossip.  You  do  not  write  if 
Dr.  McCormick  has  returned  to  you.  I  am  confident  he  could 
suggest  something  beneficial  for  Harriet.  If  he  were  here  we 
should  start  for  Sharon.  Not  for  Jordan,  we  are  hastening 
toward  that,  and  would  fain  avert  the  speed.  Harriet  is 
better,  to  all  appearance,  than  she  was  at  the  Fort.  I  hate 
Doctors,  they  say  horrible  things  in  the  most  indifferent  way, 
and  go  away  without  doing  anything.  Dr.  McCormick  is 
better  than  that.  He  will  try  many  things,  and  never  gives  up. 
He  makes  himself  agreeable  too,  if  his  drugs  are  bitter.  And 
there  is  virtue  in  those,  if  not  in  himself.  Oh  dear,  I  shall  die, 
with  catching  at  straws!  I  could  laugh  out  like  a  maniac, 
but  I  won't.  I  have  a  great  mind  to  pack  one  trunk  and  go 
into  Asia  all  by  myself.  In  that  way,  I  might  manage  to  stay 
in  the  world,  by  going  out  of  it.  Now,  I  am  not  good  tonight, 
nor  resigned  to  what  is  placed  before  me,  but  am  beset  with  an 
ugly  feeling  of  humourous  and  fiendish  mockery  at  the  way 
things  look.  No  doubt  some  evil  thing  is  tampering  with  us. 
I  will  say  my  prayers,  put  out  the  light,  and  creep  into  bed 
beside  of  Blanche.  Put  out  the  light.  If  I  quench  the  flaming 
minutes  I  can  again  thy  former  light  —  but,  — 

Goodnight,  goodnight,  I  write  nothing  to  the  purpose  to- 
night; there  is  danger  and  disobedience  in  me,  —  in  the  mom- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER         45 

ing  I  shall  be  "smooth  as  oil,  soft  as  young  down,"  "pliant  as 
the  pendant  willow  that  shows  its  long  leaves  in  the  glassy 
stream." 

Saturday  morning.  We  have  taken  a  long  walk  through  the 
garden  round  by  the  cottage  back  to  the  piazza.  There  are 
quite  an  abundance  of  pears,  peaches,  and  sweet  apples.  Not 
yet  ripe,  but  changing  rapidly  to  perfection.  I  am  so  unde- 
cided about  Sharon.  We  should  go  at  once  if  at  all,  though 
September  might  answer  very  well  only  that  it  may  grow  too 
cold.  You  did  not  write  me  on  what  day  Col.  Greene  left 
you.  I  have  a  fancy  he  may  be  here  today.  Mr.  Owen  is  very 
well.  In  many  respects  fitted  for  his  present  duties.  But  I 
see  no  indication  in  him,  nor  indeed  in  any  that  I  meet,  of 
superior  talent,  no  loft  aspirations,  no  enthusiasm,  no  towering 
ambition  that  presses  on  in  defiance  of  obstacles;  though  the 
development  of  these  gifts  is  sometimes  offensive  in  early  youth 
to  older  people,  they  are  the  only  incentives  to  noble  actions, 
to  future  excellence.  All  that  I  meet  are  content  to  he  taken  care 
of.  Upset  as  easily  as  so  many  nine-pins.  Not  fit  for  her,  if 
she  requires  as  much  as  her  mother. 

You  give  me  a  little  hope  that  you  will  come.  I  have  a  firm 
belief  that  circumstance  will  make  it  a  necessity.     Restless,  but 

Very  truly  yours,  Saeah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Aug.  ISth,  1864 

My  dearest  Sarah:  I  must  be  brief  this  morning.  The 
enemy  are  now  opening  on  the  troops  upon  my  right,  and  I 
must  go  and  see  to  it  at  once.  "Boots  and  saddles"  have 
sounded.  I  need  hardly  tell  you  how  much  I  was  glad  to  get 
your  little  note  from  the  Saint  Nicholas.  I  got  it  last  night. 
I  am  sorry  you  were  weary  in  spirit.  I  supposed  you  would  be 
in  body,  but  why  in  spirit.'*  And  you  to  doubt  whether  there 
would  be  a  letter  awaiting  you  when  you  got  home!  You  see 
how  unjust  you  are  in  that,  so  that  you  will  say  you  are  unjust 
to  me  in  all.  I  expect  to  get  a  letter  tonight  from  you  at  home, 
and  I  trust  a  happy  one. 

You  must  kiss  me  and  say  goodby  as  you  would  do  if  you 
were  here,  and  I  just  going  out. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Army 


46    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Bead  Qrs.,  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  Field,  Aug.  13th,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

Gen.  Terry  will  remain  in  command  of  his  Division  —  very- 
few  of  whom  are  in  the  line  of  defences. 

Gen.  Turner  will  be  put  in  command  of  all  the  troops  used 
in  the  defence  of  the  line.  Gen.  Terry's  Division  extends 
farther  and  beyond,  and  on  application  I,  being  present,  will 
order  such  troops  of  Gen.  Terry's  Division  as  may  be  necessary 
for  the  line  of  defences  to  report  to  Gen.  Turner. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Aug.  13th,  1864,  8.25  P.M. 

Proceed  as  directed  in  verbal  conference,  written  instruc- 
tions in  accordance  therewith  are  on  the  way  to  you. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  August  13,  1864 

Major  General  Birney,  Commanding  10th  A.  C. 

In  accordance  with  verbal  instructions  heretofore  given  you 
upon  consultation,  you  will  take  all  the  men  that  can,  in  your 
judgment,  be  spared  from  the  lines  between  the  Appomattox 
and  the  James,  march  across  the  pontoon  bridge  at  Deep 
Bottom  at  such  time  as  will  enable  you  to  strike  the  enemy  in 
front  of  Brigadier  General  Foster  in  the  most  feasible  form,  on 
the  morning  of  the  fourteenth  (14).  You  will  take  such  por- 
tion of  General  Foster's  command  and  add  it  to  your  own  as 
you  think  will  be  prudent.  As  you  are  to  advance,  leaving 
Deep  Bottom  behind  you,  in  my  judgment  a  small  force  will 
be  necessary.  You  will  turn  over  the  command  of  the  line  of 
defences  to  Brig.  Gen'l.  Turner,  instructing  him  what  troops 
you  have  left  for  that  purpose.  I  shall  be  able  to  add  from  the 
dismounted  cavalry,  and  from  Graham,  possibly  eight  hundred 
(800)  men.  You  may  order  such  portion  of  the  garrison  of 
Fort  Converse  as  you  think  can  be  spared  for  the  present,  — 
perhaps  you  can  draw  largely.  I  forbear  giving  instructions 
in  writing  because  the  details  have  already  been  arranged 
between  us  personally. 

You  will  report  to  Major  General  Hancock,  who  will  be  at 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    47 

Deep  Bottom,  in  the  course  of  the  night.  Any  other  instruc- 
tions that  you  may  desire  from  me  will  be  promptly  met  by 
telegraph.     I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point  Aug.  13,  1864 

Are  the  rams  firing  at  working  parties  at  Dutch  Gap?  If 
so,  with  what  effect?     Which  do  you  call  Battery  Sawyer? 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Aug.  13th,  11.5  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Turner,  10  A.  C. 

I  agree  it  is  your  right  to  go,  but  it  is  the  duty  of  somebody 
to  stay.  The  Lieut.  General  particularly  designated  you  this 
morning  to  me.  I  appreciate  your  wishes  as  a  soldier.  I  wish 
we  could  all  go,  but  the  path  of  duty  is  not  always  along  the 
road  of  inclination. 

Motives  of  personal  friendship  made  me  consent  that  you 
should  stay.  ^^^^    -p    ^^^^^^^  ^^-  g^^^i 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  \3th,  '64 

Dearest:  I  have  your  letter  of  August  10th,  and  still  you 
write  as  if  you  had  received  none  from  me.  What  can  be  the 
reason !  There  has  been  but  one  day  when  I  have  not  written, 
and  that  was  the  night  between  New  York  and  Lowell,  from 
Fortress  Monroe,  Baltimore,  N.Y.,  and  every  day  from  Lowell. 
You  will  get  them  all  in  a  bunch.  Yesterday  I  gave  you  a  little 
account  of  our  picnic.  We  shall  have  them  very  frequently  if 
the  weather  is  favorable.  In  every  letter  I  have  urged  you  to 
come  on  with  Dr.  McCormick.  Bring  William  with  you  if  you 
come,  ahd  leave  Stephen  to  take  care  at  the  Fortress.  The 
journey  would  be  a  benefit  to  you  in  every  way,  and  a  great 
satisfaction  and  comfort  to  all  the  family. 

Politically,  the  chances  are  for  McClellan,  a  strange  thing 
when  it  was  so  clearly  decided  that  his  career  was  finished. 
Lincoln's  hopes  are  less  every  day.  The  only  hope  for  the 
radicals  is  that  Lincoln  and  Fremont  should  yield  their  preten- 


48         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

sions,  unite  on  a  new  man,  and  give  the  whole  strength  of  the 
RepubHcan  party  in  opposition  to  McClellan. 

Would  it  not  be  well  for  your  own  affairs  that  you  should 
come  North  for  a  little  while?  And  for  your  health  too?  If 
you  could  pass  a  week  here,  it  seems  to  me  nothing  could  be 
better.  The  picnic  has  wearied  Benny,  made  him  a  little  sick, 
so  that  he  has  begged  off  from  his  lessons.  Our  horses  are  all 
on  the  wane.  If  we  should  break  up  housekeeping  here,  you 
would  not  think  it  best  to  keep  any  of  them.  Frazer,  the 
coachman,  seems  a  very  capable,  honest-looking  man.  Jen 
Brown  is  still  here,  and  perhaps  had  better  remain  a  few  weeks 
longer,  until  we  decide  what  is  best  to  be  done. 

Benny  is  not  so  sick  as  to  prevent  his  teasing  for  an  apple 
puff,  which  I  have  allowed  him  to  have. 

Dr.  Edson  is  very  urgent  that  I  shall  join  his  church  with 
Harriet.  If  it  will  give  her  satisfaction  I  will  do  it.  His  re- 
quirements are  by  no  means  rigid.  A  feeling  of  trust  and  reli- 
ance may  come  from  it  to  cheer  and  sustain.     I  hope  you  will 

think  it  possible  to  come  on.  nr    j  ^     ?  o 

^  Most  truly  yours,  Idarah 

From  General  Butler 

Aug.  14,  1864 

Maj.  Ludlow,  A.D.C. 

As  the  operations  at  Dutch  Gap  are  being  carried  on  under 
my  personal  supervision,  you  will  remain  at  the  Gap  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  out  my  directions,  and  all  orders  given  by 
you  will  be  under  my  direction  and  be  obeyed  accordingly. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Deep  Bottom,  Aug.  14,  1864 

Gen.  Meade  has  been  directed  to  watch  closely,  &  if  present 

demonstration   north   of  James   should  force   the   enemy   to 

weaken  his  lines  at  Petersburg  so  that  advantage  can  be  taken 

of  it,  to  do  so  without  waiting  further  instructions.     In  such 

case  he  has  been  authorized  to  call  on  the  18th  Corps  for 

co-operation  or  assistance.     Please  instruct  Gen.  Ord  that  in 

case  of  operating  against  Petersburg  he  will  receive  orders 

from  Gen.  Meade.  tj    c^    r^  t^   n     i 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         49 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Aug.  14,  '64,  3.30  p.m. 

Gen.  Grant  informs  me,  as  he  has  you,  that  he  thinks  that 
it  will  be  impolitic  to  try  and  carry  the  point  in  your  front. 
Also  that  the  road  is  so  blocked  that  it  will  be  nearly  impossible 
for  an  hour  to  pass  troops  to  you.  I  have  taken  therefore  the 
liberty  to  (halt)  the  column,  now  being  past  your  (late)  Head 
Qr.  Can  we  not  get  out  better  by  the  head  of  three  mile 
Creek?  Of  course  this  is  but  a  suggestion,  not  an  order,  as 
you  are  under  Hancock's  orders.  I  will  order  forward  the 
column  as  soon  as  the  officer  who  takes  this  returns,  if  you 

^^^^^^  i*-  B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  Uth,  3.30 

The  only  despatch  received  for  you  was  that  the  junction  of 
4  mile  Creek  and  New  Monket  [Market]  Creek  was  the  posi- 
tion he  desired  you  to  take.  I  replied  to  Gen.  Hancock  that 
you  understood  it,  and  was  about  to  make  the  advance  if  prac- 
tical. The  despatch  of  Gen.  Hancock  was  read  at  3  o'clock, 
dated  L15  p.m.  -g    ^    g^^^^^^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Aug  Uth,  1864 

Major  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g  10th  Corps 

Despatch  received.     All  honor  to  the  brave  10th  Corps! 

These  six  (6)  guns  and  the  two  (2)  mortars  will  make  a  gap  in 

the  enemy's  lines  by  which  I  trust  you  will  go  through.     You 

have  done  more  than  was  expected  of  you  by  the  Lieut.  Gen. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Jones'  Neck,  4.45  p.m.,  Aug.  14 

I  ENCLOSE  the  notes  just  received  from  Col.  Dandy.  He 
seems  to  have  joined  Hancock  near-by.  Birney  says  he  is 
forming  his  line  for  the  night. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 


VOL.    V— 4 


50  LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  \Uh,  1864 

Dearest:  You  dear  letters  come  daily.  Thank  Heaven 
there  is  this  means  of  commimieation.  It  is  almost  like  seeing 
you  when  I  pull  off  the  envelope  and  read  what  you  are  doing. 
But  what  shall  I  do  if  you  do  not  get  mine?  They  must  go 
regularly  by  this.  Bennett  directed  those  from  Baltimore  and 
N.  York.  They  were  very  desponding,  so  that  it  will  be  as  well 
if  you  do  not  get  them.  Blanche  and  I  have  been  to  church 
this  forenoon.  How  far  back  it  looks  from  the  first  year  we 
went  there.  Yet  too,  it  seems  but  a  day.  You  can  trace  the 
lapse  of  time  by  looking  round  the  church  and  seeing  the  young 
boyish  and  girlish  faces  grown  grave  and  middle-aged.  I 
waited  longer  in  the  aisle  than  usual,  and  spoke  with  most  of 
those  I  knew.  Some  of  them  wished  the  war  was  over  and  we 
all  back  at  home.  So  do  I,  or  travelling  wherever  we  thought 
it  best  or  most  attractive.  I  feel  as  though  we  were  moving  on 
through  a  land  of  dreams,  each  one  more  strange  and  significant, 
as  they  are  marshalled  along,  than  the  one  that  preceded  it. 
While  I  sit  here  now  so  quietly  writing  to  you,  and  look  back  at 
these  visions  of  life  and  those  that  are  now  passing,  and  behold 
my  other  self  struggling  and  striving,  torn  by  conflicting  pas- 
sions, frantic  with  emotion,  I  am  amazed  at  my  present  self 
so  still,  calm,  almost  happy  at  this  hour,  looking  at  it  all  as  if 
I  had  passed  beyond  it,  as  I  have  for  a  time;  feeling  that  life's 
fitful  dream  has  been  the  same,  since  time  began,  varied  only 
by  different  individuality.  Every  life  is  worthy  of  much 
pity,  it  is  so  mixed  with  trouble.  No  life  is  so  bad  that  we 
should  dare  condemn  it.  I  have  pursued  this  longer  and  differ- 
ently from  what  I  intended.  I  feel  cheerful  and  wish  to  write 
so.  This  afternoon  we  go  over  to  see  Milton's  house.  It  is 
not  yet  completed,  that  is,  the  additions.  Tomorrow  or  the 
next  day  we  shall  have  another  picnic.  Johnny  Kimball  told 
me  today  that  he  saw  Kinsman  in  Boston,  that  he  would  be 
here  tomorrow  or  some  day  this  week.  But  we  want  to  see 
you,  and  Dr.  McCormick.  We  have  reasoned  on  the  chances 
until  we  fully  expect  you.  I  will  have  new  ink,  pen,  and  paper 
before  I  write  many  more  letters.  I  think  you  have  been  long 
enough  on  that  dusty  plain.  And  you  should  be  happy  here 
for  a  little,  or  give  pleasure  to  others,  and  that  is  much. 

Yours  devotedly,  Sarah 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  51 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  15,  9  A.M.  1864 

My  pickets  at  Dutch  Gap  report  trains  running  all  night 
from  Petersburg  to  a  point  just  above  them,  and  there  clapping 
and  whistling,  probably  at  ChaflBns  Farm.  Signal  Officer  at 
Spring  Hill  reports  two  trains  have  passed  from  Petersburg, 
the  last  loaded  with  commissary  stores.  At  9  a.m.  a  regiment 
of  cavalry  has  just  passed  Junction  towards  Richmond. 

Birney  reports  that  his  six  guns  turn  out  to  be  four  8  inch 
Howitzers.  Also  that  he  is  ordered  to  make  an  assault  on  the 
right  of  Hancock  this  morning.     Pretty  far  round  from  left  to 

"^^*-  Benj.  F.  Butler,  ilf  aj.  Genl 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  11.05  a.m.,  Aug.  15,  1864 

Did  Birney  secure  the  guns  reported,  or  are  they  on  ground 
that  could  not  be  reached  by  either  party  .'^ 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  Colonel  S.  B.  Wooster  to  Major  Davis 

United  States  Military  Telegraph,  Deep  Bottom,  8.40  p.m. 

August  15th,  1864 

About  five  o'clock  this  evening  the  enemy  showed  seven 
large  companies  in  addition  to  their  picket  force  near  the  Buffin 
House,  and  to  the  right  and  rear  of  the  Grover  House,  as  viewed 
from  the  Redan  on  the  hill.  This  was  when  I  was  sending  out 
the  relief  for  my  picket.     No  demonstration  has  been  made  on 

^•^  ^  ^^*  W.  B.  Wooster,  Colonel 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  I5th,  '64 

Dearest  :  Another  letter  from  you  today,  I  am  so  glad  that 
you  write,  even  when  you  have  nothing  from  me.  I  cannot 
think  why  it  is  so,  that  you  do  not  get  my  letters.  Wherein 
have  I  directed  wrong,  or  what  is  the  matter  .^^  I  have  written 
every  day.  And  urged  you  in  every  one  to  come  home.  Oh, 
do  come  if  possible.  Do  not  fear  that  we  are  dull,  that  is  over. 
Every  energy  is  exerted  to  have  the  time  pass  pleasantly, 
and  with  success.  We  should  do  all  for  your  pleasure  that  we 
ever  did,  even  more.     If  you  will  come  and  bring  Dr.  McCor- 


52  LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

mick  both  of  you  will  enjoy  it.     Perhaps  we  will  be  ready  to  go 

back  with  you.     I  gain  more  courage  about  Harriet's  case. 

I  have  heard  Doctors'  opinions  before,  and  they  have  proved 

utterly  false.     She  certainly  is  comfortable,  and  appears  better 

than  at  Fortress  Monroe.     My  coming  has  done  a  world  of 

good  to  her  and  the  others.     Lifted  them  up,  as  they  say,  from 

doubt  and  gloom,  and  given  life  and  hope  and  pleasure.     The 

children  are  like  new  creatures.     Hereafter,  if  we  live,  they 

will  go  with  us.     I  should  not  have  the  heart  to  go  away  now 

and  leave  them  behind.     Children  cannot  express,  but  they 

feel  as  keenly  as  grown  people.     They  have  overflowed  with 

joy  every  hour  since  we  came.     They  all  expect  you  to  come 

and   brave   times   to   follow.     Bring  William  with   you,  not 

Stephen  or  the  other.     Indeed,  before  we  close  the  house  for 

the  winter,  as  I  think  you  will  clearly  see  is  best,  you  ought  to 

have  a  little  time  here,  and  this  is  the  best  you  can  take. 

Let  me  know  when  you  are  coming.     I  know  you  could  stay 

there  and  drag  out  the  entire  summer,  but  what  object  is  there 

in  doing  that.^^     There  will  be  no  movement  of  any  account  to 

us.     You  would  really  see  clearer  and  understand  the  position 

of  things  better  if  you  came  North.     Your  letter  is  sad,  and 

shows  that  every  day  is  tedious  and  unsatisfactory.     Come 

home  for  a  little.     Believe  me,  dearest,  I  do  not  keep  unkind- 

ness  for  a  word  spoken  in  haste  and  irritation.     I  love  you 

very  dearly.     So  you  can  hurt  me  more  than  any  one,  and  you 

can,  too,  make  me  happier.  -r,  ..70 

^^  Yours  most  truly,  bARAH 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Aug.  Uth,  1864 

Dearest:  What  can  have  come  over  the  mails!  You  say 
you  were  disappointed  in  not  getting  my  letter  when  you 
reached  home.  If  you  ever  do  get  them,  it  will  appear  that 
I  have  written  you  every  day  until  yesterday  morning.  Then 
because  of  a  movement  I  went  out  at  6  o'clock  and  could  not 
possibly  stay  to  write,  and  as  Sunday  would  make  a  break  any- 
how in  the  mails,  I  supposed  it  would  make  no  difference  with 
you. 

I  never  got  your  note  on  board  the  boat  mailed  at  Baltimore 
till  last  night.  At  the  same  time  came  your  first  letter  about 
Harriet.  How  sad  and  harsh  the  fate!  Do  everything  you 
can  to  make  her  comfortable  and  her  path  easy. 

I  fear  I  cannot  get  away  at  present.     Yesterday  morning  we 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         53 

crossed  James  River  again  and  attacked  the  enemy  at  Deep 
Bottom.  Birney  with  all  my  troops  made  a  movement  at 
one  place,  and  they  were  successful.  Hancock  with  the  second 
corps  at  another  place  did  not  get  up  in  time  to  surprise  the 
enemy,  and  so  it  was  not  a  decided  success.  Birney  took 
four  guns  and  about  150  prisoners.  I  was  on  the  field  with 
Birney's  corps  all  day. 

The  curse  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  is  that  it  cannot 
move.  McCormick  has  not  yet  returned.  The  sickness  is 
largely  increasing  in  our  army.  I  do  not  know  what  we  shall 
do  without  the  men  that  the  draft  ought  to  have  brought  us. 

You  cannot  tell  how  homesick  your  descriptions  of  the  place 
make  me.  I  was  lonely  enough  with  you  going  away  before, 
but  your  description  of  home  scenes  —  the  children,  so  that  I 
see  you  all  —  would  almost  bring  me  away  whether  I  would 
or  no. 

I  will  try  and  come  home  if  I  can.  Be  sure  of  that.  Mean- 
while, write  me  a  good  long  letter  every  day,  and  don't  make 
me  quite  miserable  by  seeing  you  unhappy.  Love  to  Blanche 
and  the  boys.     Ask  them  if  they  would  like  to  go  up  to  the 

White  Mountains.  ir    ^  ^     »      t\         ^  t. 

Most  truly,  Dearest,  Benj. 

From  Mrs.  Ex-President  Tyler 

Castleton  Hill  (North  Shore)  Staten  Island 

August  15th,  1864 

Will  President  Lincoln  have  the  kindness  to  inform  Mrs. 
(Ex.  Pres't.)  Tyler  whether  her  home  on  the  James  River  can 
be  withdrawn  from  the  hands  of  the  negroes,  who  were  placed 
in  possession  of  it  by  Gen'l.  Wild,  and  restored  to  the  charge  of 
her  manager,  Mr.  J.  C.  Tyler,  an  elderly  unmarried  gentleman, 
who  has  recently  been  released  from  imprisonment  at  Old 
Point.? 

Though  her  estate  has  been  subjected  to  wreck  and  devasta- 
tion, within  doors  and  without,  what  remains  of  it  she  would 
gladly  have  returned  to  the  care  of  her  manager,  and  an  order  to 
that  effect  from  President  Lincoln  would  of  course  speedily 
ensure  such  a  result. 

Mrs.  Tyler  has  communicated  with  Gen'l.  Butler  this  morn- 
ing, making  the  above  request,  but  not  knowing  whether  he  has 
entire  authority  over  the  matter,  which  it  is  important  should 
be  acted  upon  without  delay,  she  addressed  President  Lincoln 
himself. 


54  LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

August  19th,  1864 

Endorsed:  Respectfully  referred  by  the  President  to  Major 
General  Butler.  j^^    Nicolay,  Private  Sec. 

From  General  Martindale  to  General  Butler 

Confidential.    Rochester,  August  \Qth,  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  have  received  the  extension  of  leave 
of  absence  which  you  were  so  kind  as  to  order.  By  the  same 
mail  I  received  from  the  War  Department  further  extension 
to  the  15th  Sept.  I  also  received  your  copy  endorsement  on  the 
resignation  which  I  transmitted  through  you.  I  am  sincerely 
grateful  to  you  for  your  uniform  kindness  since  I  was  ordered 
to  your  command  in  May  last.  And  it  gives  me  pleasure  to 
recall  the  fact,  because  there  is  not  an  incident  in  my  relations 
with  you  where  there  has  not  been  manifested  an  earnest  pur- 
pose to  keep  every  obligation  imposed  by  public  duty. 

I  am  getting  along  comfortably  and  very  quietly,  but  with  the 
utmost  circumspection.  I  have  hitherto  been  unable  to  control 
the  malady  which  disturbed  me  when  I  left  you.  Still,  I  am 
better,  and  anticipate  that  with  the  change  of  weather,  when 
the  fall  sets  in,  I  will  be  in  full  order  again. 

This  conviction  imposes  on  me  the  duty  of  deciding  what  I 
am  to  do.  I  have  been  strongly  pressed  since  my  return  to 
become  a  candidate  for  Congress.  I  have  uniformly  declined. 
Nevertheless,  I  may  be  nominated  without  regard  to  my 
declension.  The  prospect  is  not  an  alluring  one  to  me.  There 
is  no  honor  in  administration;  and  on  the  other  hand,  it  would 
be  offensive  to  the  community  to  refuse  service  when  volunta- 
rily and  persistently  tendered  for  my  acceptance. 

The  present  condition  of  public  sentiment  is  most  unfavor- 
able to  the  President.  Depend  on  it,  General,  a  Union  of  the 
Northern  people  to  prosecute  the  war  for  the  abolition  of 
slavery,  "pure  and  simple,"  when  the  alternative  may  be 
peace,  with  restoration  of  the  old  order  of  things,  will  be 
impracticable.  The  difficulty  lies  with  that  mass  of  the  com- 
munity which  suffers  materially  and  socially  from  the  continu- 
ance of  war;  —  mothers,  sisters,  wives,  who  have  husbands, 
brothers,  and  sons  in  service,  are  indignant  at  the  prospect  to 
prosecute  the  war  on  the  solitary  issue  of  abolition. 

For  myself,  I  have  not  seen  and  do  not  now  see  that  any  such 
issue  can  be  truthfully  made,  —  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  prose- 
cution of  the  war  and  suppression  of  the  rebellion  involves  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    55 

extinction  of  slavery,  immediately  or  remotely;  but  the  crafty 
politicians  of  the  South  have  humbugged  the  echoes  of  the 
democratic  leaders  with  the  idea  that  peace  may  be  had  with- 
out fighting,  on  the  terms  of  union  as  it  was,  and  constitution 
as  it  is,  and  so  these  echoes  diligently  inculcate  the  idea  that  all 
which  the  armies  are  fighting  for  now  is  abolition.  It  is  cer- 
tainly true  that  in  this  region  the  President  has  lost  amazingly 
within  a  few  weeks,  and  if  the  public  sentiment  here  affords  a 
fair  indication  of  the  public  sentiment  throughout  the  country, 
the  popular  suffrage  to-day  would  be,  "for  a  change." 

In  times  of  revolution  it  is  not  easy  to  foretell  from  month 
to  month  what  may  be  the  paramount  phase  of  public  opinion ; 
and  events  are  possible  which  will  entirely  change  the  present 
discontent.     But  these  results  must  include  military  successes. 

From  D.  Heaton  to  General  Butler 

Newbern,  N.  C,  August  16th,  1864 

Sir:  As  you  are  doubtless  aware,  the  recent  Act  of  Congress 
in  relation  to  Commercial  Intercourse,  the  collection  of  Cap- 
tured and  Abandoned  Property,  &c.  provides  that  an  agree- 
ment should  be  made  in  writing  between  the  Commanding 
General  of  the  Department  and  an  Officer  designated  by  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  as  to  the  amount  of  monthly  sup- 
plies to  be  admitted  in  this  Military  District.  By  the  Treas- 
ury Regulations  framed  under  this  Act  of  Congress  and  just 
received  at  this  office,  the  undersigned  has  been  designated 
as  the  officer  to  arrange  with  you  as  to  the  introduction  of 
goods. 

Desiring  to  occasion  you  as  little  inconvenience  as  possible 
amid  your  pressing  duties,  I  have  taken  the  liberty  of  drawing 
up  such  an  agreement  as  it  seems  necessary  to  meet  the  case. 
I  herewith  respectfully  enclose  the  same,  drawn  up  in  triplicate 
and  signed  on  my  part.  If,  on  examination,  the  agreement 
meets  with  your  approval,  you  will  greatly  facilitate  matters  by 
signing  the  original  and  duplicate  and  returning  the  same  to  me 
at  your  earliest  possible  convenience,  retaining  the  triplicate 
copy  for  your  own  use. 

I  have  estimated  the  amount  of  goods  and  supplies  proper  to 
be  admitted  for  loyal  persons  residing  within  the  lines  of  actual 
military  occupations  in  this  District,  at  $300,000.00  per  month, 
regarding  the  number  of  such  persons  to  be  fifty  thousand,  a  low 
estimate  considering  the  influx  of  white  and  colored  refugees. 


56    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Judging  from  the  amount  of  goods  admitted  for  some  of  the 
months  heretofore,  it  is  not  probable  that  the  full  amount  of 
$300,000,00  will  be  demanded  each  month,  hereafter,  but  it  is 
deemed  proper  to  stipulate  for  that  amount  so  as  to  meet  a  real 
necessity  that  may  arise.  You  may  rest  assured  that  the  great- 
est care  will  be  exercised  in  admitting  only  such  amounts  as 
appear  absolutely  demanded  by  the  necessities  of  the  loyal 
people.  At  present,  supplies  are  very  limited,  in  fact  so  much 
so,  as  to  create  serious  apprehension  as  to  the  result. 

For  several  weeks  traders  have  imported  very  sparingly  on 
account  of  apprehensions  about  raids  and  other  causes,  and 
hence  the  great  want  of  provisions  at  the  present  moment. 

From  the  fact  that  we  are  compelled  to  suspend  almost  en- 
tirely the  admission  of  supplies  until  the  agreement  alluded  to 
can  be  perfected,  I  feel  it  a  duty,  General,  to  solicit  your  early 
attention  to  the  same.     Very  Respectfully, 

Your  Oht.  Servt., 
D.  Heaton,  Swpg.  Spl.  Agt.  Treas.  Dept. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug  StOih,  1864 
CNot  in  chronological  order] 

Mr.  D.  Heaton,  Supt.  &  Spec' I.  Agent  Treas.  Dept. 

Sir:  Your  letter  was  received  last  night.  I  forward,  in 
triplicate  approved,  your  estimate  of  amounts  for  supplying 
the  necessities  of  loyal  persons  residing  within  the  lines  of  actual 
occupation  by  the  military  forces  of  the  U.  S.  in  the  District  of 
North  Carolina.  You  will  observe  I  have  approved  it  for  30 
days  only.  This  approval  is  caused  by  the  necessity  you  sug- 
gest that  some  amount  should  be  at  once  agreed  upon  in  order 
to  bring  forward  the  necessary  supplies.  I  by  no  means  agree 
to  the  amount.  You  calculate  men,  women,  &  children, 
negroes  and  whites,  that  there  are  50,000  souls  in  your  district. 
You  ask  for  $300,000  worth  of  supplies,  that  is  at  the  rate  of 
$3,600,000  a  year,  or  $72  a  month  for  every  man,  woman  and 
child,  white  and  black,  in  your  district.  Can  it  be  possible 
that  either  of  two  things  obtain?  First,  that  each  person  can 
use  up  $72  worth  of  imported  goods  in  supplying  their  necessi- 
ties.^ Second,  where  is  it  possible  for  the  revenue  to  come  from 
to  pay  it  if  needed.?  Is  it  possible  that  it  requires  of  imported 
goods  $1004  a  year  for  every  negro  &  child  in  your  district?  I 
pray  you  revise  your  estimate  and  forward  your  agreement 
early.     Please  give  me  the  statistics  of  imports  into  your  dis- 


LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER         57 

trict  for  the  last  3  months,  designating  the  kind,  quantity,  and 
value  of  the  goods,  so  that  I  may  have  something  to  guide  me. 
Perhaps  I  may  be  wrong  in  this,  but  as  present  advised  I  can- 
not agree  to  the  importation  of  such  an  amount.     I  have  the 

'  Very  res.  Your  obt.  servt.,  B.  F.  B. 


From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  16,  1864 

Dearest  :  You  are  brief,  as  you  say,  in  your  letter  of  August 
13th,  and  as  I  must  be  in  writing  this,  for  I  cannot  let  the  mail 
go  without  a  letter  to  you.  The  varied  arranging  of  household 
affairs,  and  Blanche's  dresses,  as  all  of  it  comes  on  me  now, 
talking  to  and  cheering  Harriet,  driving  out,  and  listening  to 
the  children,  receiving  calls,  and  all  that  leaves  me  but  little 
time.  I  have  let  it  run  along  too  far  today  to  give  you  all  the 
time  I  wish  to.  This  will  not  happen  often.  You  are  my  first 
charge,  is  it  not  so?  Your  letter  of  today  troubles  me  a  little, 
—  you  do  not  say  a  word  about  coming.  And  as  yet  you  have 
but  two  of  my  letters,  one  from  Fortress  Monroe,  another  from 
N.  Y.  You  should  have  the  one  from  Baltimore  before  that. 
And  all  those  letters  I  have  written  since,  where  are  they.f^ 
Tell  me  whenever  you  get  one.  In  all,  I  have  urged  you  to 
come  home,  and  given  reasons  for  it.  I  shall  be  very,  very 
sorry  if  you  do  not  come.  The  children  all  expect  you.  It  is 
really  necessary  for  your  own  affairs,  even  if  your  stay  is  brief. 
If  you  cannot  come  before,  you  surely  can  on  Weitzel's  return. 
And  then  I  may  go  back  with  you  to  make  some  arrangements, 
even  if  I  return  in  a  week  or  two,  before  I  take  the  family. 
Harriet  is  stretched  out  on  your  shaving  chair  on  the  back 
piazza,  and  Blanche  is  reading  aloud  to  her.  The  children  are 
at  their  studies,  and  I,  upstairs  at  my  desk  writing  to  you. 
Soon  as  I  finish  this  the  horses  will  be  brought  round,  drop  this 
at  the  office,  then  drive  round  to  the  stencil  marker's  and  get 
a  pattern  stamped  for  Blanche's  dress,  carry  it  to  Miss  Robin- 
son to  be  embroidered,  then  to  Dracut  to  all  the  places.  Mrs. 
Reed  was  not  well  last  night.  Blanche  stayed  with  her  last 
night.  Arrange  for  a  picnic  tomorrow  or  the  next  day,  then 
home,  tea,  and  to  bed  at  nine  o'clock.  This  is  the  story  of  a 
day.  You  asked  me  not  to  write  gloomily  if  I  could  help  it. 
But  the  best  escape  from  it  is  in  constant  action,  and  in  writing 

y  y  y     •  Most  affectionately,  Sarah 


58         LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  oj  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  field,  Aug.  16,  1864 

My  dearest  Sarah  :  Another  disappointment  —  no  letter 
last  night  —  but  two  since  you  have  got  home,  and  you  have 
been  gone  10  days.  We  have  made  a  movement  towards  Deep 
Bottom,  but  have  been  stuck  as  usual.  I  expect  to  move  again 
today.  My  poor  Tenth  Corps  as  usual  have  done  all  the 
fighting. 

The  negroes  made  a  very  handsome  charge  last  night  — 
not  much  results,  however.  Burnside  has  been  relieved  for  his 
share  of  the  mine  disaster.  Shaffer  has  gone  to  Washington  to 
see  about  recruiting,  and  all  that  are  to  be  looked  after  there. 
Is  Fisher  coming  down?  Col.  Greene  has  gone  home,  and  with 
his  daughter  will  be  over  to  see  you  in  a  few  days.  I  do  not 
know  what  will  be  done  at  Chicago,  but  I  think  the  McClel- 
lan  meeting  at  New  York  settled  that  he  cannot  be  nominated. 
But  too  much  of  this.  What  are  you  doing .^^  What  are  the 
boys  doing .f^  How  are  you  feeling  —  cheerful  and  happy? 
Indeed  and  indeed  I  think  you  ought  so  to  do;  if  a  husband's 
deep,  deep  love  will  be  of  any  avail  to  make  one  happy. 

Write  me  every  day,  dearest,  do.  Mail  is  ready  and  I 
must  go. 

Goodmorning  my  best  wife.     Kjss  and  goodmorning, 

Benj.  F. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  Carolina,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  16th,  1864 

Major  Ludlow,  A.D.C,  &c. 

I  ENCLOSE  to  you  a  telegram  from  Lieut.  Gen.  Grant.  The 
troops  of  Hancock  and  Birney  are  near  White's  Tavern  on  the 
Charles  City  Road,  extending  across  the  Central  and  New 
Market  roads. 

That,  you  will  see,  brings  the  enemy  at  Dutch  Gap  in  your 
front,  directly  between  our  troops  and  you.  I  wish  you  could 
get  all  the  men  you  can  spare  under  arms,  and  advance  upon 
them,  and  try  them,  of  course  deploying  your  force  a  little 
to  the  right  from  the  Gap,  in  order  to  avoid  the  Battery  at 
Cox's  house  if  it  still  remains  there.  I  trust  by  this  time  you 
have  got  your  gun  mounted  and  unmasked,  so  that  you  can 
bear  upon  that  Battery. 

At  the  time  you  advance,  which  should  be  done  with  a  good 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    59 

deal  of  celerity  and  determination,  with  a  strong  line  of  skir- 
mishers, to  surprise  the  enemy,  let  yom*  one  hundred  pounder 
open  upon  that  Battery  as  well  as  you  can.  At  the  opening 
of  your  Artillery  .  .   .  [^Remainder  of  letter  missing^. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 


From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C.  in  the  Field,  Aug.  16,  '64 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  etc. 

As  soon  as  arrangements  could  possibly  be  made  to  get  the 
men  rested  from  their  work,  at  five  o'clock  I  put  on  board  the 
steamer  "Mount  Washington,"  kindly  loaned  me  by  the  Navy, 
nine  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  working  party  at  Dutch  Gap,  and 
landed  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  below,  at  Aikens,  by 
which  I  was  enabled  to  turn  the  enemy's  battery  at  H.  Cox's, 
and  under  cover  of  the  gunboats,  which  you  heard.  Major  Lud- 
low advanced,  turning  the  enemy's  line,  capturing  it  after  a 
smart  skirmish,  in  which  we  lost  one  man  killed,  and  we  now 
occupy  the  work  on  the  brow  of  the  hill  which  you  saw.  It 
is  a  very  strong  line  for  the  enemy. 

Our  line  of  pickets  extend  from  Cox's  house  at  the  turn  of  the 
river  above  Dutch  Gap  to  the  north  east,  and  about  a  half 
mile  towards  Three  Mile  Creek. 

We  have  not  men  enough  to  occupy  all  the  works.  The 
right  has  been  occupied  by  rifle  pits  and  one  piece  of  artillery. 
The  line  extends  to  Three  Mile  Creek,  but  there  is  nothing  now 
between  us  and  Three  Mile  Creek.  Major  Ludlow  thinks  this 
position  a  very  strong  one,  if  occupied  by  the  rebels  to  oppose 
any  advance  on  our  part. 

I  have  directed  it  to  be  held  to-night.  If  you  propose  to  go 
up  to  Deep  Bottom  to-morrow,  you  can  easily  examine  it 
yourself,  or  one  of  the  Engineers  may  be  sent  up  to  examine 
it.  We  have  captured  a  prisoner  there,  and  he  says  he  is  from 
one  of  the  Beauregard's  Brigades,  (Johnson's  old). 

I  have  a  report  from  Col.  Wooster  Comd'g.  at  Deep  Bottom, 
that  he  advanced  a  strong  skirmish  line  until  his  entire  line 
passed  Kjngsland  road,  his  right  resting  on  Four  Mile  Creek, 
and  advancing  beyond  it  as  far  as  W.  H.  Ammon's  beyond  the 
New  Market  Road,  and  his  left  beyond  Buffin's  house.  He 
developed  only  a  strong  skirmish  line  and  two  or  three  com- 
panies of  infantry.  He  captured  a  prisoner  of  the  3rd  North 
Carolina,  which  regiment  belonged  to  Johnson's  Division  & 


60    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Stuart's  Brigade,  which  was  supposed  to  have  been  captured 
with  its  General.  I  have  also  another  prisoner  who  claims  to 
belong  to  the  10th  Virginia  of  the  same  Brigade,  who  says  his 
Brigade  is  out  there,  and  has  been  encamped  there  for  some 
time.  At  nine  o'clock  Col.  Wooster  retired  to  his  original 
position.  With  reference  to  this  prisoner,  I  have  never  seen 
all  the  prisoners  or  deserters  beside  of  this  brigade  on  this 
line  before,  and  know  not  where  they  come  from. 

Col.  Wooster  had  no  killed  and  none  seriously  wounded. 
It  would  seem  that  there  is  no  difficulty  in  advancing  any  body 
of  troops  in  that  direction. 

Our  movement  has  certainly  been  successful  as  a  reconnois- 

sance  if  nothing  more.  -n  t-<    t»  iir  ■  /^    i 

^  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  16th,  1864 

Lieut.  Col.  Howard,  Chief  Q.  M.,  Bermuda 

You  will  select  two  (2)  of  the  most  worthless  canal  barges  we 
have,  if  two  have  not  already  been  selected,  for  the  purpose 
of  being  sunk  in  the  James.  Of  course  take  off  all  tackle  and 
everything  which  is  useless  when  sunk,  and  report  them  as  early 
as  possible  to  the  Naval  vessel,  the  "Miami,"  off  City  Point. 

Report  to  me  when  this  order  is  executed. 

Benj,  F.  Butler,  Maj.  GerCl. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  16,  1864 

Have  any  men  been  taken  from  Wilcox's  div.   within  3 

days.'^     If  not,  have  you  any  information  fixing  its  presence 

here  within  this  line?  ^^    ^    ^  t  ,   ^     , 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  16,  '64,  10  a.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  etc. 

Wilcox's  Division  is  all  here.  Lane  and  McGowen  are  on 
north  side  of  the  James,  where  they  have  been  for  some  weeks. 
Thomas  and  Scales  are  on  the  right  of  Pickett's  Division  in  our 
front  here,  where  they  also  have  been  for  some  six  weeks  or  more. 
I  had  not  heard  from  them  for  a  day  or  two,  but  to-night  have 
had  a  man  from  McGowan  and  have  heard  direct  from  Thomas 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         61 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  16,  1864,  10.20  a.m. 

Our  troops  are  now  near  White's  tavern.  You  will  perceive 
from  the  map  this  is  between  the  enemy  at  New  Market  & 
Richmond.  They  still,  however,  have  the  road  clear  to 
Chapin's  farm.  If  one  thousand  (1000)  of  your  men  at  Dutch 
Gap  could  be  sent  under  arms  &  threaten  an  advance,  it  might 
have  the  ejffect  to  start  the  enemy  on  the  retreat.  In  making 
such  demonstration,  troops  would  have  to  start  bearing  down 
the  river  to  avoid  the  batteries  near  Cox's  House. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Telegram.     11.15  a.m.,  August  IQih,  1864 

Lt.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

Your  despatch  received.  I  have  directed  the  available 
force,  which  will  amount  to  about  twelve  hundred  (1200)  men, 
at  Dutch  Gap  to  make  the  demonstration  you  suggest.  We 
shall  move  in  that  direction  with  considerable  vigor.  The 
only  doubt  I  have  is  whether  the  enemy's  iron-clads  may  be 
able  to  sweep  the  plain  in  front  of  Dutch  Gap.  I  have  ordered 
Colonel  Wooster,  Comd'g  at  Deep  Bottom,  also  to  make  an 
advance  up  the  Kingsland  road  towards  its  junction  with  three 
(3)  mile  Creek  as  a  feint,  at  the  time  we  open  at  Dutch  Gap. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  16th,  1864,  12.05  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Turner,  Comd'g.  line  of  Defences 

This  afternoon  we  propose  to  make  a  little  movement  from 
Deep  Bottom  and  Dutch  Gap,  so  that  when  you  hear  the  row, 
you  will  know  what  it  all  means.  Will  you  please  see  that  the 
batteries  at  the  Curtis  House  and  at  Crow's  Nest  be  ready  to 
open  on  the  iron-clads  if  they  open  on  the  Howlett  House .  . . 
{^Remainder  of  despatch  unintelligible^- 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 


62    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  16th,  1864,  12.5 

Col.  WoosTER,  Comd'g.  at  Deep  Bottom 

Prepare  a  strong  skirmish  line  of  your  troops  supported  by  a 
line  of  battle  and  make  an  advance  upon  the  enemy  with  con- 
siderable determination,  at  least  as  though  to  make  them  de- 
velop their  forces,  when  you  hear  the  opening  of  heavy  guns  at 
Dutch  Gap.  That  opening  will  be  with  a  hundred  pounder 
rifle  and  perhaps  some  light  artillery.  Press  back  the  enemy 
as  far  as  you  can  do  with  safety,  moving  up  towards  the  Kings- 
land  Road  at  the  junction  of  three  (3)  mile  Creek  towards 
Buffin's  house.  Reply  by  telegraph  how  soon  you  can  be  ready. 
Perhaps  you  can  use  your  own  artillery.  You  will  ascertain  of 
course  as  nearly  as  you  can  where  the  left  of  Hancock's  line 
rests,  so  as  not  to  advance  too  far,  leaving  your  right  flank 
exposed.     Your  left  will  be  protected  by  the  Creek. 

The  troops  at  Dutch  Gap  will  be  out  three  (3)  miles  away 
from  your  left  before  they  advance,  as  they  advance  you  will  be 
approaching.  See  to  it  that  there  is  no  collision  on  your  left. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gent.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  6.10  p.m.,  Aug.  16,  1864 

What  was  the  result  of  the  effort  to  advance  at  Dutch  Gap? 
Quite  a  number  of  prisoners  have  been  taken  by  Birney  and 
Hancock  to-day.     But  not  without  loss  on  our  side. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Aug.  16th,  1864,  6.30  p.m. 

To  Gen.  Butler,  Dutch  Gap 

It  is  now  getting  so  late,  &  the  troops  under  Hancock 
being  at  a  standstill,  it  will  be  necessary  to  use  caution  about 

^'^^''°"°S-  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

Upon  back  is  written 

This  despatch  has  gone  by  signal  to  you  at  Dutch  Gap,  but 
for  fear  of  accidents  I  send  it  by  Mounted  Orderly  to  Deep 

Geo.  a.  Kensel,  Act.  Chf.  Staff 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    63 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  16,  1864, 11.30  p.m. 

If  you  have  men  to  spare  to  hold  the  position  secured  by  Maj . 
Ludlow  until  I  can  get  up  there,  I  will  have  the  ground  exam- 
ined, and  if  it  is  practicable  to  get  through,  will  transfer  a 
portion  of  the  force  with  Gen.  Hancock. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  8.30  a.m.  Aug.  17,  1864 

I  HAVE  directed  Gen.  Barnard  &  Col.  Comstock  to  go  up  to 
Dutch  Gap,  &  thought  I  would  not  go  up  myself,  they  have 
not  yet  started,  but  will  go  as  soon  as  they  get  breakfast. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  President  Lincoln 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  August  17,  1864,  10.30  a.m. 

Lieutenant-General  Grant,  City  Point,  Va. 

I  HAVE  seen  your  despatch  expressing  your  unwillingness 

to  break  your  hold  where  you  are.     Neither  am  I  willing. 

Hold  on  with  a  bull-dog  grip,  and  chew  and  choke  as  much  as 

possible.^  .     T 

^  A.  Lincoln 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Aug.  17th,  1864 

Lt.  Genl.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  etc. 

I  AM  about  starting  for  Bermuda  to  take  a  boat  for  Dutch 
Gap.     Will  Gen'l.  Barnard  meet  me  there  and  accompany  me? 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  17th,  1864,  10.40  p.m. 

Telegram  received.  The  most  vigilant  watchfulness  will 
be  had  to  ascertain  any  withdrawal,  and  the  promptest  move- 
ment made  to  take  advantage  of  it. 

Maj.  Ludlow  has  withdrawn  without  loss  from  his  advanced 
position  near  Dutch  Gap.     The  firing  you  hear  is  from  the 
gunboats  upon  the  rams. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

^  "Abraham  Lincoln,"  p.  192. 


64  LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Aug.  17,  1864 

Brig.  Gen.  Turner,  Comd'g  line  of  Defences 

I  SEND  enclosed  a  telegram  from  the  Lt.  General  Command- 
ing for  your  information.  Take  every  possible  precaution  and 
device  to  have  the  enemy  watched  to  see  if  any  movement  is 
made,  if  at  all  it  will  be  to-morrow  at  from  six  to  ten  o'clock  & 
thereafter,  probably.  Please  retm'n  telegram  at  your  leisure. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  17,  '64 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  etc. 

We  have  now  on  the  north  side  of  the  James,  Field's  Division 
of  Longstreet's  Corps,  Lane's  and  Connor's  Brigades  of  Wil- 
cox's Div.  of  Hill's  Corps,  and  Mahone's  Div.  of  same  Corps 
with  Bushrod  Johnson's  old  Brigade  of  Beauregard's  Com- 
mand. 

Mahone's  Div.  moved  across  there  from  our  front  at  Peters- 
burg on  Sunday  night,  making  a  long  detour  in  order  to  avoid 
observation  from  my  signal  tower. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  17th,  '64 

Dearest:  Your  letter  of  today  does  not  give  me  much  en- 
couragement that  you  will  come.  But  as  there  are  several 
of  mine  now  on  the  way  still  urging,  I  do  not  yet  despair.  This 
is  the  time  for  you  to  come  if  at  all,  for  the  summer  is  almost 
over,  and  there  never  could  be  more  reasons  for  your  coming. 
I  am  afraid  Dr.  McCormick  will  stay  away  so  long,  and  so 
many  will  be  sick,  you  will  be  unwilling  to  give  him  leave  to 
come  to  us.  I  hope  you  will  send  him  if  possible.  It  would  be 
cheering  to  see  him,  he  suggests  so  many  things  to  alleviate 
and  encourage.  Harriet  would  be  delighted,  and  we  should  all 
be  very  glad.  Trebly  so  if  you  will  come  with  him.  Fisher 
thinks  you  will  come.  Dr.  McCormick,  he  likes  very  much, 
and  would,  like  the  rest  of  us,  be  very  glad  to  have  his  opinion 
of  Harriet. 

Today  we  had  arranged  for  a  picnic,  all  the  families.  We  are 
determined  with  one  consent  not  to  sink  down  into  silence  and 
gloom, "  To  count  the  wretched  minutes  o'er,"  but  to  look  on  the 


LETTERS  OP  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    65 

bright,  smiling  days  as  our  own,  and  bask  in  their  sweet  beauty 
while  the  season  last.  Today  we  were  disappointed.  The 
rain  has  been  steadily  falling,  washing  every  particle  of  dust 
from  the  leaves  and  grass.  When  the  wind  sweeps  over  them, 
they  lift  and  shake  as  if  they  felt  their  freshness,  and  rejoiced 
in  their  beauty.  The  dry  earth  is  drinking,  drinking,  as  though 
she  could  never  get  too  much.  It  is  so  pleasant  to  look  at  it, 
after  the  long  drought,  that  we  do  not  mind  deferring  the  picnic. 
I  have  so  much  to  do  that  I  am  rather  glad  than  otherwise. 
I  have  been  out  in  the  rain  to  Mrs.  Shed's  for  Blanche's  dress  — 
to  Leland's  for  another  to  be  marked  for  embroidery,  to  the  post 
office  for  your  letter.  Home  to  tea,  and  this  evening  writing 
you.  The  children,  Harriet,  and  Mr.  Owen  are  playing  cards. 
And  you,  I  wonder  if  you  have  had  this  storm,  or  is  it  passing 
down  to  you.'^  How  those  dusty  trees  and  the  arid  plain  will 
welcome  it!  You  will  all  be  revived  and  cheered.  The  rain 
will  fall  upon  you  "like  blessed  dews  from  Heaven."  So  may 
other  blessings  follow.  They  will  perhaps,  if  we  are  ready  for 
them.  You  are  very  busy  —  but  have  time  to  love  us  a  little. 
I  do  not  think  I  write  gloomily.     Do  you  think  so? 

Yours,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Aug.  mh,  1864 

My  dearest  little  Wife  :  I  have  got  your  letter  describing 
the  picnic.  You  do  not  know  how  homesick  you  make  me  feel. 
I  would  I  were  with  you,  and  need  not  assure  you  that  every 
effort  a  man  can  make  will  be  done  to  bring  it  about,  if  only  for 
a  day.  We  had  some  pretty  severe  fighting  here  on  the  other 
side  of  the  James.  The  10th  Corps  under  Birney  carried  the 
enemy's  works  above  New  Market  near  White's  Tavern,  and 
captured  three  hundred  prisoners.  I  also  moved  out  from 
Dutch  Gap,  you  will  see  it  on  the  map,  and  carried  some  of  the 
enemy's  works.  In  my  movement  we  made  no  loss  —  the  loss 
in  the  other  was  heavy,  say  1000  killed  and  wounded.  These 
operations,  however,  must  sooner  or  later  come  to  an  end  for 
want  of  men.  They  are  going  home  all  the  time,  and  none 
coming  back.  The  weakness  of  the  Government  is  fearful. 
Why  they  should  do  this?  Something  must  give  way  some 
where.  This  cannot  go  on.  You  do  not  write  me  how  the 
boys  are  getting  on  in  their  studies.  How  do  you  like  Mr. 
Owen.  You  have  not  spoken  of  him.  Is  he  agreeable?  Is  he 
well-mannered  ? 

VOL.    V S 


66    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Is  Blanche  in  any  danger?  Take  care!  Unless  he  is  worthy 
and  well-bred,  and  talented,  and  then  no  care  need  be  taken. 

Poor  Harriet!  it  seems  so  sad,  and  so  good  a  woman,  too,  to 
be  so  aflflicted.  My  very  heart  bleeds  for  her.  Do  all  you  can 
to  make  her  happy. 

Now,  dearest,  do  you  suppose  that  the  sentence  in  your  letter 
which  made  me  most  homesick  was,  "I  would  like  to  throw 
my  arms  about  you  and  kiss  you."  I  wish  not  they  were  long 
enough  to  do  it  here,  because  we  should  then  be  too  far  apart, 
but  that  I  were  with  you  close,  close,  close. 

Truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  B. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  \lth,  1864 

Dearest:  I  have  not  written  lately  at  evening,  but  I  have 
learned  this  afternoon  that  the  mail  for  N.  York  goes  out  but 
once  a  day,  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  My  letters  have  been 
put  in  the  office  after  this  hour,  and  therefore  would  not  go  out 
till  the  following  day.  But  this  does  not  explain  why  you  have 
not  received  them,  for  that  would  only  make  them  a  day  later. 
And  it  does  not  appear  that  you  have  any  yet  from  home. 
Webster  writes  that  Col.  Shaffer  is  coming  somewhere  East. 
If  others  can  leave,  why  not  you?  I  suppose  he  means  your 
Shaffer.  I  have  a  plan  in  my  mind,  that  I  will  explain  to  you. 
I  do  not  give  entire  credit  to  the  Doctor's  opinions.  Harriet 
is  better  than  when  at  the  Fortress.  Her  suffering  is  not  in 
the  breast,  but  back,  and  down  into  the  hips.  The  Sulphur 
Springs  at  Sharon  are  said  to  produce  wondrous  effects  for  all 
aches  and  rheumatic  affections.  I  shall  ask  Kimball,  and  if 
he  does  not  object  I  will  take  Harriet  and  go  out  there  for  a 
fortnight.  Blanche,  too,  if  she  likes  to  go.  I  must  be  doing 
something,  and  I  know  this  would  benefit  me  and  Blanche. 
I  have  great  faith  in  it  for  Harriet.  Now  I  shall  put  this  by 
for  a  little,  if  you  will  give  the  least  possible  hope  that  you  will 
come.  I  have  urged  greatly  in  every  letter  written.  That  is 
the  first  desire  and  thought.  I  pray  you  gratify  it,  if  it  be  possi- 
ble, or  not.  All  things  are  possible.  If  this  wish  is  not  to  be 
granted,  then,  when  I  have  learned  that,  I  will  go  to  the  Springs 
and  telegraph  you  the  time  I  will  be  there.  If  you  can  spare 
Dr.  McCormick  I  think  he  would  be  very  glad  to  join  us  there, 
for  his  own  pleasure.  He  would  be  able  to  direct  what  Harriet 
could  bear,  and  would  be  of  infinite  service,  even  if  his  stay 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    67 

was  short.  It  will  take  nearly  a  week  for  you  to  get  this  and 
return  me  an  answer  back.  But  I  shall  know  from  your  letters 
day  by  day  (and  by  this  time  you  are  getting  mine  urging  you 
so  much)  whether  you  will  come  or  not.  If  you  do  not,  I  shall 
delay  but  little,  for  the  season  is  passing,  and  it  seems  to  me  I 
never  had  so  many  cares  as  have  fallen  on  me  now.  Your 
mother  was  here  this  evening.  She  seems  to  be  in  perfect 
health.  Old  Mr.  Wyman  is  dead,  last  night,  and  his  wife  is 
sick  of  the  same  disease  he  died  of.  I  believe  it  is  not  thought 
she  will  live.  If  they  should  pass  away  together  in  that  way  it 
would  be  a  blessed  close  to  a  long  life,  and  but  little  to  regret. 
You  are  still  in  that  tent.  I  wonder  if  you  really  think  often 
of  me.  I  suppose  there  is  not  much  time  for  that,  as  you  are 
seldom  alone.  But  at  evening  sometimes.  It  is  very  kind  in 
you  to  write  me  every  day.  And  truly  I  need  it.  But  no 
matter  about  that.     You  understand  it  very  well. 

Ever  most  truly  yours,  Sarah 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Metropolitan  Hotel,  New  York,  August  17th,  1864 

Dear  General:  I  arrived  here  Tuesday  morning  having 
left  Monday  evening.  When  I  arrived  there  I  found  several 
persons  that  my  brother  had  telegraphed  to  come  to  New  York, 
and  after  I  had  seen  everybody  I  cared  to  see  I  found  I  could 
get  off  on  the  evening  train  by  not  going  to  see  Stanton,  so  I 
concluded  that  inasmuch  as  my  business  with  him  was  only 
an  excuse  to  go  to  Washington,  I  would  pass  on.  Conse- 
quently, I  did  nothing  with  any  Government  officials.  I  made 
up  my  mind  that  Mr.  Lincoln  was  determined  not  to  make  any 
changes  at  present,  so  I  did  not  want  to  see  him.  Governor 
Ford  came  to  New  York  with  me.  He  has  been  sick  in  bed 
ever  since  he  came  here  but  he  has  seen  many  men,  and  talked 
plain  to  all. 

He  tells  them  that  the  country  has  gone  to  hell  unless  Mr. 
Lincoln  can  be  beat  by  a  good  loyal  man.  Ford  telegraphed 
Ashley  to  meet  him  here  to-morrow.  It  was  thought  better 
than  for  me  to  go  to  Ohio.  I  have  seen  and  talked  with  nearly 
all  the  leading  men  in  the  city,  and  they  all  are  of  one  opinion 
in  regard  to  Lincoln.  They  consider  him  defeated.  "Now 
what  is  to  be  done.'*"  is  the  question,  I  put  to  all.  And  nearly 
all  agree  that  there  is  but  one  course,  that  is,  get  a  Call  pre- 
pared, hold  it  until  the  Chicago  Convention  meets,  and  if  that 


68    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Convention  nominates  a  Peace  Man  or  adopts  a  Peace  plat- 
form, then  ask  the  War  Democracy  to  join  and  issue  the  Call. 
I  can't  write  you  the  different  opinions  of  the  different  persons, 
but  I  can  say  that  my  original  views  take  well  with  all,  and 
many  of  them  are  at  work.  There  is  to  be  a  meeting  at  Mr. 
Opdyke's  on  Friday.  Chase  will  be  there,  many  prominent 
men  are  invited.  I  have  an  invitation  and  will  be  there  if  in 
town.  I  had  an  interview  with  Weed  to-day  of  two  hours,  and 
it  was  very  satisfactory.  He  says  he  thinks  Lincoln  can  be 
prevailed  upon  to  draw  off.  Swett,  who  I  sent  to  Maine  for, 
is  of  the  same  opinion.  Weed  says  Lincoln  told  liim  substan- 
tially that  he  would  not  be  in  the  way  of  success.  Swett  goes 
to  Washington  to-morrow  night  to  tell  Lincoln  that  it  is  the 
judgment  of  all  the  best  politicians  in  this  city  and  elsewhere, 
that  he  can't  carry  three  states,  and  ask  him  to  be  prepared  to 
draw  off  immediately  after  the  Chicago  Convention.  Nearly 
all  agree  that  the  Baltimore  Platform  is  a  mistake,  that  we  have 
reached  that  point  where  we  simply  want  to  make  one  con- 
dition. That  is,  the  restoration  of  the  Union.  Weed,  Swett, 
Wilks,  Ford,  J.  Austin  Stevens,  and  in  fact  all  I  have  seen  agree 
to  this.  Weed  will  go  to  see  you  next  week,  and  possibly  we 
will  both  start  Saturday.  My  brother  had  got  matters  run- 
ning pretty  well  when  I  got  here,  and  had  called  a  number  of 
persons  from  the  country  to  town.  I  may  possibly  have  him 
remain  here. 

You  can  depend  that  work  is  begun,  and  a  Call  that  will 
startle  the  country  will  come  out  Sept.  1st.  I  enclose  you  an 
article  from  Forny,  which  is  suggestive.  I  have  all  the  officers 
in  Congressional  National  Union  Convention  rooms  right  — 
they  pass  the  word  around,  —  don't  commit  yourself  but  wait 
development.     This  word  is  now  being  passed  everywhere. 

Nearly  all  speak  of  you  as  the  man,  but  I  studiously  avoid 
bringing  your  name  in.  I  insist  that  when  we  get  a  convention 
called,  will  be  time  enough  to  speak  of  candidates.  This  I 
consider  the  best  policy. 

To-morrow  I  will  see  Gay  and  Greely  and  Raymond.  Ray- 
mond says  Lincoln  has  gone  up,  all  we  can  expect  of  him  is  to 
get  him  to  help  choke  (others)  off  the  track.  Strange  as  it  may 
appear,  I  believe  Lincoln  will  decline.  I  understand  from  good 
authority  that  he  has  no  hope  of  election. 

All  agree  that  it  is  too  late  for  you  to  go  into  the  Cabinet 
if  offered.  I  will  get  to  the  Fort  Sunday  morning  and  will  go 
direct  to  the  front.     Then  I  will  be  able  to  let  you  know  all. 


I 


LETTERS   OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER  69 

I  have  the  greatest  trouble  in  keeping  the  different  cliques  here 
from  getting  control  of  matters.  Each  is  jealous  of  the  other, 
but  I  tell  you  this  city  and  state  of  New  York  politicians  can 
learn  many  things  from  country  chaps.  I  am  cheerful  at  the 
prospect  but  not  sanguine.     I  believe  all  will  go  right. 

Yours  Truly,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Aug.  I8th,  1864,  10.50  a.m. 

Lt.  U.  S.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  etc.  City  Point 

Did  Warren  make  the  move  that  was  contemplated?  We 
have  heard  nothing  on  our  front.  I  have  heard  no  report  of  any 
result  from  the  rapid  firing  at  Petersburg. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  18,  1864 

The  jfiring  last  night  was  nothing  more,  I  believe,  than  the 

enemy   feeling   to   ascertain   if   we   had   evacuated.     Warren 

moved  this  morning  at  8.30,  the  enemy's  pickets  were  falling 

back  before  him.  tt    o    r^  tu   n     i 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C.  12  m.,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  18,  '64 

Brig.  Gen.  Turner,  Comd'g.  Line  of  Entrenchments 

Warren  moved  this  morning  at  eight  thirty  (8.30),  the 
enemy's  pickets  falling  back  before  him. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.,  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  18th,  1864, 12.15  p.m. 

Our  forces  reached  the  Weldon  road,  meeting  nothing  but 

cavalry.     They   captured   a  few  men  belonging  to  the   7th 

Confederate  Cavalry.  n    a    r^  ta  n  i 

•^  U.  b.  Grant,  Lt.  General 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  August  18th,  1864 

I  SEE  the  str.  "New  York"  has  arrived.  Is  she  going  to 
Aiken's  Landing  or  elsewhere  under  the  flag-of -truce? 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 


70         LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Depf.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  18th,  '64 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  City  Point 

Steamer  "New  York"  is  to  go  to  Aiken's  Landing  under 
flag-of-truce,  at  which  place  she  is  to  receive  certain  com- 
munications and  special  exchanges,  among  whom  is  Gen. 
Bartlett,  and  to  arrange  a  meeting  between  Commissioner  Ould 
and  myself  for  a  conference  in  regard  to  the  treatment  of  our 
prisoners  and  some  cases  of  retaliation. 

Benj.  F,  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  August  18th,  1864 

Major-General  Butler,  Commanding,  &c. 

I  AM  opposed  to  exchanges  being  made  until  the  whole 
matter  is  put  on  a  footing  giving  equal  advantages  to  us  with 
those  given  to  the  enemy.  In  the  meantime,  I  direct  that  no 
flags-of-truce  be  sent  to  the  enemy,  nor  any  arrangements  or 
agreements  entered  into  with  him  without  my  first  being  fully 
advised  of  what  is  being  done,  and  yielding  my  consent  to  it. 

The  steamer  "New  York"  will  not  be  permitted  to  proceed 
to  Aiken's  Landing  until  I  receive  a  report  of  the  full  object  of 
the  mission  and  the  load  she  now  has  on  board. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  II,  Vol.  7,  p.  606. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  18,  '64,  4  p.m. 

Telegram  received.  No  exchange  has  been  made  or  will  be 
made  by  me  which  will  give  the  enemy  any  advantage.  To 
show  that  my  views  and  the  Lt.  General's  are  in  exact  accord- 
ance, I  will  send  letter  written  to  Gen.  Hitchcock  to-day  upon 
this  subject,  with  the  endorsements  upon  it.  I  have  ex- 
changed nobody  but  wounded  men  since  the  first  of  May, 
except  surgeons,  non-competent,  and  a  few  cases  of  special 
exchange. 

A  full  report  will  be  made  to  the  Lt.  General  of  all  that  was 
intended  to  be  done  in  the  matter. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Com.  of  Exchange 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    71 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Hdqrs.  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  August  I8th,  1864 

Major-General  Hitchcock,  Commissioner  of  Prisoners, 
Washington,  D.  C. 
General:  I  have  received  one  or  two  indorsements  from  you 
which  say  in  substance  that  "it  is  desirable  to  have  all  our 
prisoners  exchanged."  I  agree  (to),  that  if  all  means  all.  But 
does  the  Government  intend  to  abandon  the  colored  troops? 
That  is  the  only  question  now  pending.  All  others  can  be 
settled.  From  my  conversation  with  the  lieutenant-general, 
he  does  not  deem  it  desirable  to  move  from  the  position  taken 
on  that  question.  I  will  again  call  the  subject  to  the  attention 
of  Mr.  Ould,  and  obtain  an  interview  with  him  if  possible.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler, 
Major-General  and  Commissioner  of  Exchange 

OflScial  Records,  Series  II,  Vol.  7,  p.  606. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  18,  1864 

I  AM  satisfied  that  the  object  of  your  interview,  besides  hav- 
ing proper  sanction,  meets  with  my  entire  approval.  I  have 
seen  from  Southern  papers  that  a  system  of  retaliation  is  going 
on  in  the  South  which  they  keep  from  us,  &  which  we  should 
stop  in  some  way. 

On  the  subject  of  exchange,  however,  I  differ  from  Gen. 
Hitchcock.  It  is  hard  on  our  men  held  in  Southern  prisons 
not  to  exchange  them,  but  it  is  humanity  to  those  left  in  the 
ranks  to  fight  our  battles.  Every  man  released  on  parole  or 
otherwise  becomes  an  active  soldier  against  us  at  once,  either 
directly  or  indirectly.  If  we  commence  a  system  of  exchange 
which  liberates  all  prisoners  taken,  we  will  have  to  fight  on 
until  the  whole  south  is  exterminated.  If  we  hold  those 
caught,  they  amount  to  no  more  than  dead  men.  At  this 
particular  time  to  release  all  rebel  prisoners  North  would 
insure  Sherman's  defeat  &  would  compromise  our  safety  here. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt  Gen'l. 


72    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  field,  Aug.  18, 1864 

My  deak  Sarah:  I  got  two  letters  from  you  last  night. 
The  mails  are  irregular. 

The  proposition  you  make  about  becoming  a  member  of  the 
church  is  a  most  serious  one.  I  do  not  wish  to  throw  a  single 
thought  in  the  way  as  an  obstacle.  Mr.  Edson's  requirements 
may  be  few,  but  are  the  requirements  of  the  church  so.f^  Can 
you  say  the  Creed  (7  believe)  with  a  full  and  firm  faith?  It  is 
much  to  say.  Can  you  believe  the  dogmas  of  the  church.'^ 
That  your  life  and  thoughts  are  pure  enough  for  the  church  or 
any  where  else  I  have  never  a  doubt.  The  point  is,  do  you 
believe  in  the  "Holy  Ghost,  the  holy  Catholic  Church,  the 
remission  of  sins,"  as  taught  by  the  church?  If  you  do,  and  I 
do  not  say  one  word  against  your  so  believing,  not  even  ex- 
pressing a  doubt,  then  be  a  member  of  the  church  —  but  not 
with  any  expectation  of  finding  any  more  contentment  in  it 
than  now  unless  you  become  a  devotee,  and  that  is  a  species  of 
mania. 

This  has  been  tried  in  all  ages  of  the  world  and  failed.  The 
reasoning  mind  without  faith  desires  something  further,  be- 
yond, more  certain  and  convincing.  The  very  doubts  engen- 
dered by  the  connection  with  the  church  will  become  painful. 
If  I  could  believe,  I  would  become  a  member  of  the  church,  but 
alas!     I  haven't  faith.     You  may  have. 

Our  movement  on  the  north  of  the  James  of  which  you  will 
hear  has  resulted  in  nothing  thus  far.  I  am  afraid  it  will  not. 
One  day  is  so  like  another  here  that  I  can  write  you  nothing  that 
you  have  not  seen  when  here. 

I  will  do  all  I  can  to  come  home  for  a  day  or  two  as  soon  as  this 
matter  settles  down  a  little  from  what  it  is  now. 

You  say  in  your  note,  quiet,  tranquil,  almost  happy.     Why 

appy.  Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  18th,  '64,  1.30  p.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec'y.  of  War 

I  HAVE  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  communication  from 
the  Sec'y  of  War  covering  the  statement  of  the  Sec'y  of  State  of 
Delaware,  alleging  that  the  recruiting  State  Agent  at  Fortress 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         73 

Monroe  has  been  prohibited  by  an  order  of  the  Commander  of 

this  Department  from  mustering  in  recruits  at  that  recruiting 

station,  and  having  them  credited  to  the  State  of  Delaware. 

No  such  order  has  been  issued.     The  statement  is  untrue. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field.  Aug.  18,  '64.  1.40  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Wild,  Newport  News 

The  Sec'y  of  State  of  the  State  of  Delaware  says  the  State 
Agent  is  now  at  Fortress  Monroe  with  recruits  which  the  order 
of  the  Comd'g  Gen'l.  of  the  Department  prohibits  him  from 
having  mustered  and  credited  to  that  State,  and  that  such 
also  is  the  case  with  other  Agents  there. 

Please  report  to  me  by  telegraph  if  there  is  any  foundation  in 
fact  for  this  report.  No  such  order  has  been  issued.  I  have 
not  proposed  to  allow  negroes  to  be  taken  from  Fort  Monroe, 
where  they  are  free,  into  the  slave  state  of  Delaware,  where 
they  may  be  sold  into  slavery.  As  you  know,  all  recruits  can 
be  mustered  in  and  credited  to  the  State,  but  the  men  cannot 
be  carried  off.  If  there  is  no  foundation  in  fact  for  this  state- 
ment, arrest  this  man  &  send  him  to  me. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Aug.  18th,  1864 

Lieut.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  Comd'g.  etc.  City  Point 

We  are  garrisoning  Fort  Powhatan  &  Fort  Pocahontas  (Wil- 
son's Landing)  with  100  days'  men  whose  time  is  now  quite 
out.  We  want  two  regiments  for  that  purpose.  There  must 
be  now  a  large  surplus  of  new  regiments  of  hundred  days'  men 
and  others  in  and  about  Washington  and  Baltimore. 

Can  we  not  have  some  of  these  new  one  hundred  days' 
regiments  ordered  down.^^  It  will  not  do  to  lose  either  of  these 
points.     It  would  shut  us  off  from  the  river. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  18,  1864 

Wilson's  Wharf  &  Fort  Powhatan  must  be  held.  No  troops, 
however,  can  be  had  from  Washington  or  Balto.     They  are 


74         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

calling  on  me  for  troops  to  take  the  place  of  theirs  now  soon 
to  be  discharged.     You  will  have  to  send  some  of  your  colored 

^'"^^P^-  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  GerCl. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  18,  '64,  3.45  p.m. 

Capt.  McKiM,  A.  Q.  M.,  Boston,  Mass. 

I  AM  waiting  very  anxiously  for  some  shells  from  Lowell. 
Have  they  been  forwarded  to  you.^^     Can  they  not  be  forwarded 

*^  ^^-  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  18,  '64,  3.50  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.  etc.,  City  Point 

I  AM  informed  from  the  lookout  at  Dutch  Gap  that  a  brigade 
of  troops  are  crossing  Cox's  Ferry,  going  east. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  ISth,  1864 

Dearest:  I  have  your  letter  of  Aug.  16th  this  evening. 
And  you  say  you  have  up  to  that  time  but  two  letters  from  me 
written  since  I  reached  home.  I  am  quite  discouraged  at  it. 
I  have  written  you  every  day  since  I  left  the  fort.  But  one 
exception,  while  I  was  travelling  between  N.  York  and  Lowell. 
There  should  be  twelve  letters  now  without  this.  I  think  the 
fault  is  at  the  Fortress.  Crane  was  here  today.  I  told  him 
you  did  not  get  my  letters.  He  said  his  mail  was  carefully 
distributed,  and  in  time,  that  on  one  day  when  he  was  there, 
your  clerk  took  away  the  letters  and  dropped  several  of  them 
in  the  street.  He  was  in  drink  and  lost  them.  There  may  be 
some  trouble  of  that  kind  now.  Ask  Webster  to  look  to  it. 
Crane  will  go  back  tomorrow.  Fisher  will  be  at  the  Fortress 
the  first  of  September,  when  Florence  returns  to  school.  All 
the  wishes  I  have  expressed,  my  earnest  appeals  to  have  you 
come  home  even  for  a  few  days,  are  of  no  avail,  you  have  not 
received  the  letters.  I  am  deeply  annoyed.  No  matter  how 
important  it  may  be  that  I  should  get  a  message  to  you  quickly, 
there  is  no  certainty  when  it  will  reach  you.  I  have  given  half 
this  letter  to  the  subject,  and  I  have  no  idea  when  you  will  get 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    75 

it.  I  wanted  to  write  a  little  on  political  movements,  but  I 
do  not  know  that  I  am  well  enough  informed  for  the  last  weeks. 
It  seems  to  me  if  you  could  come  North  yourself  there  would 
be  an  advantage  in  it.  Shaffer  is  very  well  for  Western  move- 
ments, but  he  can  do  nothing  in  the  East  anywhere,  nor  do  I 
know  a  man  who  is  your  friend  that  is  big  enough  for  the  work. 
It  seems  to  me  if  you  could  come  in  contact  with  leading  men 
yourself,  it  would  be  better.  Shaffer  can  never  do  the  work. 
There  is  a  great  chance,  if  Lincoln  and  Fremont  could  be  made 
to  see  that  theirs  is  hopeless. 

I  wanted  to  talk  with  Fisher  about  it  today  at  the  picnic, 
but  there  seemed  no  chance.  I  will  see  him  tomorrow,  though 
I  do  not  always  think  his  views  correct,  I  can  draw  my  own 
conclusions  from  the  information  he  sometimes  gives.  You 
seem  to  me  to  be  lost  down  there  at  this  time,  as  I  do  not  think 
there  is  a  possibility  of  any  great  achievements.  It  seems  to  me 
a  day  in  Philadelphia,  New  York,  Boston,  etc.  would  be  well, 
but  I  may  be  mistaken.  You  have  an  excuse  for  coming,  sick- 
ness in  your  family.  When  I. sat  down  here,  not  one  word  of 
what  I  have  written  was  in  my  mind.  I  was  weary  trying  to 
make  others  cheerful.  Despondent,  almost  bitter  with  the 
tasks  put  upon  me.  But  it  has  partly  gone.  Tomorrow  I 
shall  be  ready  to  begin  again,  active  and  cheerful  I  hope. 
Enough  so  for  others'  uses;  and  therein  I  shall  find  my  own  use 
and  content  with  it.  This  is  not  very  good,  but  I  am  tired 
packing  baskets,  talking,  planning,  and  altogether  the  shutting 
a  door,  a  sharp-toned  voice  makes  my  nerves  quiver.  Now 
they  have  all  crept  into  bed.  The  silence  soothes  me.  The 
night  is  beautiful,  a  full  moon,  and  fresh  earth  from  the  heavy 
rain.  The  picnic  was  very  pleasant,  I  think,  to  most  of  them. 
I  did  not  get  quite  attuned  to  it.  You  cannot  always.  Yet 
the  time  passed  pleasantly.  Mrs.  Read  proposes  to  take 
Harriet  to  Europe.  But  none  of  our  plans  are  fixed  for  cer- 
tainties.    Is  there  aught  certain  on  earth .^^     Yes,  some  things 

I   believe,  such  as  your  n/r    ±    jr   ±-      ^    -mr 

•^  Most  ajjectionate  Wife 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  19, 1864 

Do  you  understand  the  force  crossing  Chapin's  farm  to- 
wards Cox's  Ferry  to  be  moving  towards  Hancock,  or  towards 
Petersburg?  ^^  g^  ^^^^ 


76         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  \mh,  1864,  10.15  a.m. 

I  UNDEKSTAND  the  movement  to  be  toward  Petersburg. 
Will  send  and  ascertain  and  send  word  to  you. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

From  General  Butler 

Aug.  19th,  1864,  10  a.m. 

Lt.  Col.  CoMSTocK,  City  Point 

Bridge  will  be  ready  at  8  o'clock  p.m.  There  are  two  ap- 
proaches on  the  north  side  of  the  river,  one  very  steep  directly 
up  the  hill,  the  other  around  the  base  of  the  bluff.  The  last 
fit  for  artillery  &  wagons,  the  first  entirely  practicable  for  in- 
fantry. I  would  suggest  that  Gen.  Hancock  send  a  staff  officer 
to  direct  the  wagons  and  artillery  by  the  latter  road,  as  if  the 
former  gets  choked,  it  will  entirely  block  the  column  by  that 

^^^*^'  B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Avg.  19,  1864 

Have  you  positive  evidence  of  the  presence  of  Pickett's 
division  anywhere  on  our  front .'^  I  ask  because  Gen.  Halleck 
telegraphs  that  evidence  which  has  heretofore  proved  reliable 
reports  the  whole  of  Longstreet's  corps  moving  from  Culpepper 
into  the  valley.     I  know  Field's  div.  is  not  here. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  19,  '64,  8.30  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  &c. 

I  HAVE  no  positive  evidence  of  Pickett's  Division  lately. 
That  a  portion  of  it  withdrew  on  Monday  &  Tuesday  I  have 
no  doubt,  because  some  dismounted  cavalry  was  among  a 
portion  of  the  picket  line  in  our  front.  But  yesterday  after- 
noon troops  came  back  into  the  Rebel  lines  who  had  been  there 
before,  &  because  one  of  the  Captains  in  talking  with  an  officer 
of  the  picket  line  stated  to  me  a  circumstance  which  happened 
to  his  company  two  weeks  ago.  I  believe  that  but  a  brigade 
or  two  of  Pickett's  Division  is  before  us.  I  am  surprised  at 
your  information  that  Field's  Division  is  not  here.  Most  of 
the  prisoners  captured  by  the  10th  Corps  were  from  brigades  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  77 

that  Division.  The  Richmond  Sentinel,  which  I  sent  you 
yesterday,  speaks  of  Benning's  Brigade  and  another,  which  I 
do  not  recollect,  both  of  which  are  in  Field's  Div.,  having  made 
a  charge  on  our  line  on  Wednesday.  You  will  see  by  the  inter- 
cepted signal  message  of  the  Rebels  that  Lane's  Brig,  is  near 
the  Appomattox. 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  9.30  p.m.,  Aug.  I9th,  1864 

To  Generals  Butler  &  Hancock 

HoKEs',  Heth's,  &  Mahone's  divisions  came  out  &  attacked 
Warren  this  evening.  A  heavy  fight  ensued  with  considerable 
loss  in  prisoners  captured  on  each  side.  As  we  understood, 
Johnson's  division  is  also  at  Petersburg.  This  leaves  Wilcox, 
Pickett,  &  Field,  with  the  possibility  of  part  of  Pickett's  divi- 
sion, gone  to  the  valley  to  guard  from  Petersburg  to  the  James, 
and  to  confront  you  on  the  north  side.  There  must  be  a  weak 
point  somewhere.  ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^^^^ 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point  9.45  p.m.,  Aug.  19,  1864 

My  despatch  as  written  reads,  "I  know  Field's  div.  is  here." 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  19,  1864 

The  Richmond  Enquirer  of  today  says  ''official  intelligence 
was  rec'd  on  yesterday  announcing  a  disastrous  surprise  to  a 
portion  of  our  troops  in  the  valley  at  an  early  hour  on  Sunday 
morning.  It  appears  that  McCausland  &  Bradley,  Johnson 
comd'g  were  in  Moorefield  in  Hardy  Co.,  where  they  were  rest- 
ing after  their  hard  work  of  the  previous  week.  On  Sunday 
morning  while  they  were  sleeping  Averill's  command  made  a 
descent  upon  them,  capturing  four  hundred  men,  900  horses, 
&  four  pieces  of  arty.  The  remainder  of  our  two  commands 
scattered  among  the  mountains."  Washn.  papers  of  yester- 
day contain  similar  statements  as  coming  from  Sheridan. 
Further  than  this  I  have  no  intelligence. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 


78  LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Aug.  I9th,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife  :  We  have  made  one  demonstration  north 
of  the  James,  not  to  take  Richmond,  although  that  might  have 
been  done  if  we  could  move  with  any  celerity,  but  to  draw  Lee 
away  while  we  struck  the  Weldon  Railroad,  which  was  done 
yesterday  below  Petersburg.  We  have  had  a  pretty  sharp 
fight  —  are  losing  heavily.  What  we  are  to  do  for  men  I  do 
not  know.  They  are  going  home  all  the  time,  and  none  com- 
ing back.  The  enemy  are  wearing  out  just  as  fast.  That  is 
some  comfort. 

I  get  your  letters  regularly  now.  They  got  delayed.  The 
mails  were  out  of  joint.  Don't  write  me  to  come  home  any 
more.  You  make  me  so  homesick.  I  shall  have  nostalgia 
like   a   Swiss   soldier. 

Kiss  Blanche  for  me.  Tell  her  she  must  keep  up  her  reading 
and  study,  read  history  now,  and  especially  read  a  little  law. 
Read  Blackstone.  She  will  get  interested  in  it,  I  know.  It 
will  tell  her  more  about  the  Knights  and  Barons  than  she  can 
get  from  all  the  novels.  Keep  the  boys  steadily  at  their 
lessons  —  nothing  so  good  as  steady  discipline.  If  Mr.  Owen 
can  drill,  I  wish  he  would  drill  them  thoroughly  with  Paul's 
light  musket  —  at  the  school  of  the  soldier.  I  will  come  home 
if  I  can,  and  you  know  my  motto,  "Where  there's  a  will  there's 
away." 

I  hope  you  will  be  happy;  you  should  be,  at  home  with  all 
around  you  pleasant.  It  seems  to  me  now  Paradise.  Don't 
believe  the  silly  newspaper  stories  about  my  sickness.  I  was 
with  a  headache  caused  by  being  all  day  out  in  the  sun,  on 
Sunday,  and  forthwith  I  am  sick  by  the  newspapers.  I  wish 
I  could  be  reasonably  sick,  so  as  to  get  home. 

Your  husband  and  lover,  Benj. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  Aug.  I9th,  1864 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec'y  of  War,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  In  relation  to  the  claim  of  Lieut.  Sam'l.  A.  Chambers,  I 
beg  leave  to  report  the  following  facts. 

When  I  took  command  of  this  Department  I  found  an  or- 
ganization attempted  to  be  established,  known  as  the  1st  Loyal 
Virginians ;  and  a  few  officers  mustered  in,  who  were  engaged  in 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  79 

recruiting  for  that  organization.  After  the  most  stringent 
efforts  made  in  every  direction  in  the  Department,  we  were 
never  able  to  obtain  of  recruits  but  one  Company,  which  Com- 
pany is  now  doing  duty  about  the  light-houses  on  the  eastern 
shore. 

There  were  more  than  enough  officers  for  one  company. 
Lieut.  Chambers  had  already  been  mustered  in.  I  examined 
into  the  merits  of  the  various  officers  who  had  been  recruited, 
and  I  am  of  opinion  that  Lieut.  Chambers  did  not  do  his  duty 
as  a  recruiting  officer,  but,  on  the  contrary,  spent  his  time  in  a 
way  not  very  creditable  to  himself  as  an  officer,  on  the  eastern 
shore,  where  he  was  recruiting. 

Finding  that  there  were  not  loyal  Virginians  enough  in  this 
Dept.  either  to  make  a  restored  civil  government  or  fill  a 
regiment  of  loyal  Virginians,  I  have  so  far  as  in  me  lies  put  a 
stop  to  both  concerns,  and  accepted  the  resignation  of  Lieut. 
Chambers.  Had  he  done  his  full  duty  I  should  have  been  in- 
clined to  recommend  his  payment,  and  upon  [this]]  his  claim 
must  rest  without  any  recommendation  of  mine. 

(Benj.  F.  Butler) 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  182  E.  \Sth  St.,  August  19th,  1864 

My  dear  General  :  Having  in  vain  attempted  to  reach  you 
by  telegraph  from  the  Isles  of  Shoals,  I  now  endeavor  to  get 
word  to  you  from  New  York  by  means  of  the  U.  S.  M. 

I  received  your  telegram  of  Aug.  3rd  on  the  8th  of  August, 
at  the  Isles  aforesaid.  I  was  puzzled.  Was  it  then  too  late? 
Should  I  start  immediately .^^  Would  a  week  hence  do  as  well? 
Was  it  business  or  pleasure?  After  much  cogitation,  I  sent  a 
telegram  ashore  for  information,  no  answer  yet.  Yesterday  I 
reached  home  and  found  your  invitation  to  us  both  to  come  and 
see  you,  Mrs.  Parton  to  remain  at  the  Fortress,  I  to  go  on  to 
you;  then  all  was  clear.  But  in  the  papers  of  the  day  before 
it  was  stated  that  Mrs.  Butler  had  gone  home  to  Lowell.  So  I 
was  all  at  sea  again.  Nothing  remains  but  to  wait  for  further 
elucidation.  Mrs.  Parton  is  very  desirous  to  go,  and  I,  of 
course,  regard  you  as  my  commander. 

Meanwhile,  Mrs.  Parton  being  completely  exhausted  with 
the  heat  and  the  baby,  I  am  going  to  take  her,  for  one  week 
only,  to  the  Catskill  Mountain  House.  On  my  return  we  hope 
to  find  your  final  orders,  which  we  shall  hasten  to  obey. 


80         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  enclose  my  little  piece  from  the  Ledger.  In  the  Tribune 
of  to-day  Mr.  Snead  airs  his  grievances.  I  have  only  to  oppose 
to  him  the  order  of  July  31,  which  arrived  during  my  absence, 
and  which  I  will  submit  to  the  editor  of  the  paper. 

Rumors  abound  that  you  are  going  to  be  Secretary  of  War. 
It  is  a  bad  time  to  take  hold,  but  I  hold  fast  to  the  belief  that  if 
anybody  can  help  us  out  of  the  scrape,  you  can.  Everybody 
seems  to  think  that  the  administration  is  doomed.  I  say  it  still 
depends  upon  the  operations  in  the  field. 

At  the  Isles  of  Shoals,  I  met  Franklin  Pierce.  He  says  a 
truce  and  a  negotiation  w^ould  result  in  re-union.  He  spoke 
darkly  of  private  information  that  much  encouraged  him  to 
think  so.  But  what  he  would  do  in  case  the  negotiation  should 
not  succeed,  I  could  not  ascertain.  He  is  a  very  agreeable  and 
companionable  man.  He  was  in  mourning  for  Hawthorne, 
and  was  accompanied  by  his  (Hawthorne's)  son,  a  fine,  sturdy, 
young  sophomore  from  Harvard.  I  understood  Gen.  Pierce  to 
go  for  No  disruption  of  the  Union  on  any  terms;  but  I  may  not 
have  understood  him,  and  we  were  much  interrupted  and  were 
rocking  about  in  a  small  boat.     Ever  yours, 

Very  truly,  Jas.  Parton 

From  General  Butler 

Smithfield,  Va.,  August  19th,  1864 

Rev.  Moses  J.  Kelly,  Waterville,  Me. 

Dear  Sir:  I  am  very  much  obliged  for  your  description  of 
our  commencement,  and  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  of  the  proposal 
to  endow  oiu*  college,  and  wish  I  could  aid  it  in  the  manner  you 
suggest.  Certainly  the  donation  of  Mr.  Colby  was  a  most 
munificent  one,  which  I  wish  I  had  the  power  to  imitate.  The 
difficulty  is  that  I  get  credit  for  wealth  I  do  not  possess.  The 
almost  fabulous  amount  attributed  to  me  by  the  newspapers  is 
simply  fabulous,  and  could  only  have  been  accumulated  by  that 
peculation  and  mal-administration  which  has  been  attributed 
to  me.  My  sworn  income  returns  are  on  file,  my  oath  as  to 
my  brother's  estate  is  also  on  record,  and  I  need  not  assure 
you  that  they  represent  the  true  state  of  affairs.  A  donation 
to  my  Alma  Mater  such  as  you  suggest  would  to  any  reflecting 
mind  be  proof  positive  of  the  truth  of  the  allegations.  No  man 
not  a  merchant  and  most  fortunate  in  mercantile  speculations 
at  that,  at  forty-five  ought  to  be  in  condition  to  make  such 
donations  as  you  suggest,  and  as  Mr.  Colby  has  made  from  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    81 

fortunate  gains  of  a  long  mercantile  life.  Repeating  that  I 
have  no  such  wealth  as  would  enable  me  to  do  it,  yet  if  I  had  I 
should  hardly  make  a  public  exhibition  of  that  amount,  to 
convict  myself  of  the  accusations  of  my  enemies,  yet  at  a  proper 
time,  in  aid  of  the  accumulation  of  the  fund,  I  shall  be  willing 
to  give  such  reasonable  amount  as  a  private  gentleman  with  a 
competence  ought  to  give  to  such  an  object.     I  am 

Very  truly  Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

Metropolitan  Hotel,  Aug.  19,  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  have  this  day  given  my  friend  S.  M. 
Gladwin,  Esq.,  of  Brooklyn,  a  letter  of  introduction  to  you. 
I  mentioned  him  to  you  some  time  since,  and  you  said  let  him 
come  down  and  see  what  he  wants  to  do,  and  if  it  is  right  he  shall 
have  permission,  or  words  to  that  efifect.  Col.  S.  has  given 
him  the  necessary  passes. 

The  application  of  Mr.  Dayton  for  permission  to  cut  wood 
suggested  to  me  that  that  is  probably  the  best  thing  there  is 
to  do  down  there  now.  Mr.  G.  will  look  into  it.  Col.  S. 
knows  nothing  about  it  —  neither  do  I  —  but  if  there  be  im- 
proprieties in  the  enterprise  we  do  not  know  them. 

It  is  Mr.  G's  daughter  for  whom  I  have  you  engaged  as  a 
partner  at  the  Inauguration  Ball  that  does  not  just  now  look 
so  distant  as  it  did. 

The  whole  family  all  right. 

I  have  neglected  to  write  anything  from  here  because  I  knew 
Shaffer  was  writing  you,  and  he  knows  all  I  do  &  "more  also." 

I  think  light  breaks  through  upon  us  —  I  hope  for  great  re- 
sults from  the  Opdyke  meeting  to-night. 

The  Gov.  has  not  left  his  room  since  he  came  here  —  he 

improves  slowly.  -i^         x, ,  .     t    t^    tt 

^  "^  Your  obt.  servt.,  J.  K.  Herbert 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Deft,  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Fort  Moneoe,  Va.,  Aug.  19,  1864 

To  Mrs.  Julia  Gardiner  Tyler 

Madame:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  letter  of  the  15th  of  August  containing  a  request  that  your 
farm  should  be  put  under  the  charge  of  your  overseer,  Mr.  J. 
C.  Tyler,  which  request  I  have  referred  to  the  Comdg.  Ofl&cer 
at  Fort  Pocahontas,  Wilson's  Landing,  and  await  his  report. 

VOL.  V — 6 


82         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  should  not  think  it  advisable  to  send  a  pass  for  a  young 
negro  woman  to  go  to  Charles  City  County  with  the  expecta- 
tion of  returning,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  her  friends.  I  am 
afraid  you  would  not  see  her  again. 

I  have  directed  General  Marston  to  return  the  furniture  to 
your  home,  which  I  understand  has  been  retained  by  him  at 
your  request.  It  may  not  be  too  safe  in  the  house,  but  we 
have  no  storage  for  it  in  camp. 

A  portion  of  your  letter  excites  surprise,  and  you  will  pardon 
me  for  comment  thereon. 

I  had  the  honor  to  inform  you  in  a  former  note  that  Annie 
Maria  Tyler,  niece  of  ex-President  Tyler,  had  married  Private 
Kick  of  the  2d.  New  York,  Mounted  Rifles  of  the  United  States 
Army.  To  that  you  reply  that  "the  circumstances  by  which 
she  was  surrounded  had  no  doubt  driven  her  to  desperation 
into  the  commission  of  an  act  which  I  fear  will  not  much  better 
her  condition.  I  judge  from  the  character  of  her  last  letter 
she  was  bordering  upon  insanity.  The  terrible  scenes  she 
depicted  had  evidently  banished  reason  from  its  throne. 
Otherwise,  I  think  she  would  have  braved  the  starvation  which 
by  her  account  stared  her  in  the  face,  or  met  death  in  any 
other  form,  rather  than  have  taken  the  step  of  which  you 
inform  me." 

To  all  this,  which  you  will  pardon  me  for  calling  rhodomon- 
tade,  I  take  leave  to  answer  first.  If  the  soldier  of  our  Union 
was  brave,  loyal  and  worthy  and  of  that  you  knew  nothing 
either  for  or  against  him  when  you  wrote,  why,  Madame,  brave 
death  either  by  "starvation  or  in  any  other  form"  rather  than 
marry  him.^^  If  you  mean  because  of  Mrs.  Kick's  rebellious 
proclivities,  then  did  it  become  you  writing  to  an  United  States 
officer,  asking  favors  from  the  United  States  while  you  your- 
self are  living  under  its  protection,  to  say  so.f^  The  first  knowl- 
edge I  had  of  Mrs.  Kick's  marriage  was  in  a  letter  from  her 
wherein  she  pleaded  with  great  earnestness,  and  apparently 
with  full  powers  of  reasoning,  that  no  punishment  should  be 
inflicted  upon  her  husband  for  his  dereliction  of  duty  in  not 
joining  his  regiment,  alleging  it  was  partly  her  fault.  If  she 
is  mad,  there  is  certainly  great  method  in  her  madness.  If 
she  was  starving,  it  must  have  been  about  the  middle  of  June, 
when  Private  Kick,  a  straggler  from  the  United  States  Army, 
came  into  her  neighborhood,  and  was  entertained  at  her 
house,  as  he  was  separated  from  his  regiment.  .  .  .  How  ra- 
tions which  you  allege  were  not  sufficient  to  keep  one  from 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER         83 

starvation,  suflBced  for  two,  I  do  not  undertake  to  determine, 
but  I  pray  you  mark  the  date  at  which  Private  Kick  first  ar- 
rived there,  because  I  am  informed  and  beheve  that.  ...  I 
should  be  sorry  to  grieve  you.  Madam,  but  while  the  report 
of  his  ofiicers  is  that  .  .  .  but  I  wish  you  to  be  distinctly  in- 
formed there  has  been  no  prospect  of,  or  occasion  for  starva- 
tion on  the  part  of  Miss  Tyler.  General  Marston,  the  Comdg. 
officer  at  Fort  Pocahontas,  within  a  mile  or  two  of  the  dwell- 
ing of  Miss  Tyler,  has  been  instructed  to  do  and  is  willing  to 
furnish  all  indigent  people  in  his  neighborhood  with  means  of 
subsistence,  and  is  now  so  furnishing  them,  and  to  him  Mrs. 
Kick  has  neither  made  application  for  subsistence  or  assistance, 
nor  has  she  made  any  other  application  to  me  than  an  appeal 
in  favor  of  her  husband,  whom  she  denominates  "her  natural 
protector." 

I  should  not  have  taken  the  trouble  to  pursue  this  unpleasant 
subject  with  you  at  length  except  that  I  had  seen  that  you  have 
chosen  to  take  it  into  the  newspapers,  and  if  any  more  publica- 
tions are  thought  necessary  about  it,  I  shall  feel  obliged  to 
publish  our  correspondence.  It  is  but  fair  to  Mrs.  Kick,  how- 
ever, to  say  now  that  since  she  has  learned  the  character  of  her 
husband,  she  desires  to  repudiate  the  marriage,  which  she 
certified  to,  to  me  over  her  own  signature.  This  under  the 
circumstances  to  be  developed  certainly  should  not  excite 
wonder,  and  is  no  evidence  of  insanity.  ...    I  have  the  honor 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  Obedient  Servant,  (B.  F.  B.) 
From  President  Lincoln 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  August  19th,  1864 

Mrs.  Ex.  Pres't  Tyler 

My  dear  Madam:  I  am  directed  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the 
15th  inst.,  requesting  that  your  home  on  the  James  River  may 
be  restored  to  the  charge  of  your  manager,  Mr.  J.  C.  Tyler. 

The  President  directs  me  to  say  in  reply,  that  military  con- 
siderations must  of  course  control  the  decision  of  your  request, 
and  that  the  subject  is  therefore  referred  to  Major  General 

Butler 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  Jno.  G.  Nicolay,  Private  Secy. 


84  LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  20,  '64 

Dearest:  I  have  your  letter  of  Aug.  18th.  What  you  say 
of  my  becoming  a  member  of  the  church  is  well.  I  tell  you 
truly,  it  is  more  to  give  some  sustaining  power  to  Harriet,  who 
depends  on  me  more  than  ever,  than  from  any  deep  belief  that 
I  can  more  calmly  meet  the  calamities  of  life.  The  demands 
made  upon  me  are  more  than  I,  alone,  am  able  to  meet.  I 
cannot  help  her  "through  the  valley  and  shadow  of  death,"  if 
it  must  come,  though  even  now  I  think  it  may  be  far  off  for 
her  yet.  But  if  through  any  act  of  mine,  or  assistance  by 
sympathy,  I  can  aid  her  to  find  comfort  and  strength  elsewhere 
to  help  her  on,  or  in  seeking  to  aid  her,  should  myself  find 
Heaven,  it  were  time,  thought,  and  feeling  well  bestowed. 
I  have  always  been  more  a  believer  than  a  skeptic.  Christ  is 
the  only  perfect  model  I  have  ever  read  of.  His  life  and  teach- 
ings are  both  perfect,  therefore,  we  may  regard  him  as  divine. 
Man  as  we  find  him  now  is  no  such  being.  The  further  he 
departs  from  the  truths  that  Christ  has  taught,  the  more  use- 
less and  worthless  he  becomes.  The  nearer  he  approaches  to 
Jesus'  requirements,  the  more  beneficial  to  others  and  himself. 
No  one  can  live  a  day  without  some  unworthy  thought,  some 
act  or  speech  that  they  would  be  unwilling  to  trace,  or  have 
traced  to  its  true  cause.  So  that  if  the  conscience  is  ever  honest 
with  itself,  repentance  must  follow,  and  remission  of  sins  can 
be  given  only  by  some  being  possessing  those  attributes  that 
we  ascribe  to  Christ.  For  if  we  forgive  another's  sins  com- 
mitted against  us,  it  does  not  meet  all  that  is  important.  The 
consequences  have  extended,  and  others,  far  off  in  the  future, 
will  continue  to  suffer  from  it.  Some  higher  power  must  accept 
our  repentance,  and  take  from  us  the  iniquities  that  our  dark 
passions  engender,  if  we  do  repent,  and  let  us  be  free  of  it.  Or 
we  must  stagger  on  forever  accumulating  until  we  drop  down 
in  despair,  or  defyingly  throw  away  all  restraints  and  recklessly 
outrage  nature.  But  I  am  not  sure  what  I  had  better  do.  This 
church  is  no  more  to  me  than  any  other  Christian  Church,  only 
that  I  have  attended  there  for  many  years.  I  like  their  ser- 
vices for  the  dead,  and  various  other  things,  better  than  any 
other.  But  I  have  great  dread  of  doing  anything  hypocritical, 
and  many  things  that  I  am  not  now  aware  of  might  come  up  to 
make  me  feel  that  I  was  out  of  place.  But  let  this  pass  now. 
I  have  written  more  upon  it  than  I  have  well  thought  of. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         85 

We  go  over  to  Dracut  this  afternoon  and  look  about  among 
the  various  people.  Tomorrow  I  think  Harriet  and  Paul  will 
make  a  visit  to  old  Dr.  Richardson.  And  what  are  you  doing.?^ 
I  know  the  outside  world  that  surrounds  you,  but  the  inner 
world,  what  is  that?  Are  you  as  happy  as  you  recommend  me 
to  be?  You  are  too  well-aware  that  happiness  does  not 
depend  upon  our  own  determinations  to  say  so,  only  passingly. 
This  letter  is  altogether  too  serious,  and  I  do  not  like  it.  But 
I  do  wish  you  to  love  me  and  be  happy.  You  see  which  I  put 
first.     I  think  you  will  find  time  to  come  home. 

Your  affectionate,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virgitiia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  field,  Aug.  20,  1864 

My  own  dear  Wife  :  You  must  not  write  me  any  more  about 
coming  home.  You  have  made  me  so  homesick  now  I  am 
almost  unfit  for  duty.  I  will  come  as  soon  and  as  fast  as  I  can, 
I  assure  you.  It  would  not  be  fit  that  I  should  come  now. 
You  say  Shaffer  can  go  —  Weitzel  can  go,  why  not  you? 
Neither  Weitzel  or  Shaffer  commands  the  army  of  the  James. 
Meade  does  not  go  home.  Grant  does  not  go  home.  Why 
should  I?     But  I  will  if  I  can. 

Warren  with  the  5th  Corps  moved  out  on  the  Weldon  R. 
Road  below  Petersburg  and  cut  it.  The  enemy  attacked  twice, 
and  was  repulsed  with  heavy  loss  on  both  sides.  The  enemy 
attacked  him  again  last  night,  but  with  what  success  I  have  not 
heard.  A  large  part  of  Lee's  army  have  moved  north,  and  will 
be  in  the  valley  of  the  Shenandoah.  Grant  is  moving  here  in 
every  possible  form  to  attack  the  enemy  while  Lee's  army  is 
away.  So  that  we  are  all  in  activity.  It  has  rained  here  for 
24  hours  and  quite  cold.  Still  raining.  You  have  heard  that 
I  have  taken  to  digging  a  canal  which  will  take  me  ten  days  to 
finish.  So  you  see  I  cannot  come.  McCormick  will  meet  you 
at  Sharon  Springs  if  you  like.  I  believe  they  are  in  Pennsyl- 
vania or  perhaps  New  York.  I  do  not  believe  in  them,  but 
that  is  of  no  consequence. 

How  are  you  all  getting  on  at  home?  Every  leisure  moment 
I  picture  your  movements  at  home.  Specially  at  night  I  go  to 
sleep  thinking  about  you,  and  sleep  dreaming  when  I  dream  at 
all.  You  may  think  that  my  tent  is  not  the  pleasantest  place  in 
the  world.  Greene  has  gone  home.  Weitzel  is  away.  Shaffer 
is  gone. 


86         LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

I  have  no  human  being  to  speak  to  save  the  young  gentle- 
man who  will  not  contradict,  only  agree  with  me,  and  you 
kept  writing  to  me  about  drives  and  children  playing,  and 
picnics  and  nice  chamber  and  beds,  and  then  ask  if  I  think  of 
you.  I  can't  help  thinking  of  your  surroundings.  Will  that 
satisfy  you?  No!  Well  then,  I  can't  help  thinking  about 
you  yourself,  my  little  quiet,  loving  wife,  whom  I  love  and  who 
loves  me  very  much  —  and  wishing  and  wishing  that  I  was 
with  her  at  home,  but  should  be  willing  to  compromise  by 
having  her  here,  even  losing  the  surroundings. 

Yours,  Benj. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C.  1.40  p.m.,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  20,  '64 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.  &c. 

Two  deserters  from  Pickett's  Division  just  came  in.  One  a 
very  intelligent  man.  He  informs  me  that  six  regts.  have  been 
taken  from  Pickett's  Division  and  sent  across  the  James  River. 
That  on  our  left  opposite  Port  Walthall  they  have  reduced  the 
line  so  that  the  line  of  battle  is  scarcely  stronger  than  the 
skirmish  line,  being  one  man  in  every  twenty  feet.  I  believe 
this  statement.  I  think  the  weak  point  now  is  in  front  of  our 
line,  and  if  we  had  the  10th  Corps  here  I  have  no  doubt  we 
could  go  out  on  the  left,  at  least  I  should  be  inclined  to  try  it. 
I  do  not  think  we  have  over  thirty-five  hundred  men  between 
the  two  rivers.  That  you  may  judge  for  yourself.  I  will  send 
you  the  deserter  with  yesterday's  paper.  Please  question  him. 
Allow  me  also  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  last 
of  the  100  days'  regiments  go  away  from  me  to-day.  Certainly 
in  the  absence  of  the  10th  Corps  I  have  no  one  whom  I  can 
send  to  Fort  Powhatan  or  Fort  Pocahontas.  Allow  me  to 
suggest  that  as  the  colored  troops  of  the  9th  Corps  are  so 
much  demoralized  &  broken  up  for  want  of  oflScers  that  if  they 
could  be  sent  to  me,  by  putting  the  weaker  ones  in  Powhatan  & 
Pocahontas  they  might  be  recruited  up  &  got  into  condition. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Aug.  20, 2.20  p.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War 

On  the  29th  of  July  an  order  came  relieving  Lt.  Mordecai 
from  duty  here  and  sending  (him)  to  Watervliet  Arsenal. 

I  had  no  other  ordnance  officer  with  which  to  relieve  him,  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         87 

as  he  was  to  go  to  an  arsenal  I  applied  both  to  the  head  of  his 
bureau  and  to  yourself  for  leave  to  have  Mordecai  stay.  To 
that  application  no  answer  has  yet  been  made.  I  supposed 
that  he  might  not  be  relieved  till  the  answer  came.  To-day 
an  inquiry  comes  why  he  has  not  been  relieved.  I  venture  to 
renew  my  application,  lest  it  has  been  overlooked. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Aug.  20,  1864,  2.30  p.m. 

Maj.  Gen,  Meade,  Comd'g. 

I  HAVE  a  deserter  from  the  32  Va.  Regiment,  Cortes'  Brigade. 
Came  in  twelve  o'clock  last  night. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd''g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  20,  1864,  4  p.m. 

The  10"  Corps,  in  fact  all  the  troops  from  North  of  the  James, 
are  ordered  to  return  tonight.  When  this  change  is  made  it 
will  probably  induce  the  enemy  to  strengthen  his  weak  point 
in  your  front  before  we  can  take  advantage  of  it.  If  you  can 
get  through,  however,  I  should  like  it  very  much.  In  regard  to 
sending  you  the  colored  troops  of  the  9  "Corps,  it  is  now  im- 
possible. The  18"  Corps  &  Colored  Troops  of  the  9  are  hold- 
ing all  of  our  line  at  Petersburg,  whilst  the  white  troops  of  the 
9"  are  operating  with  the  5"  Corps. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Genl. 

From  President  Lincoln 

United  States  Military  Telegraph,  Washington, 

August  iOth,  1864 

To  Major  General  Butler 

Please  allow  Judge  Snead  to  go  to  his  family  on  Eastern 
Shore,  or  give  me  some  good  reason  why  not. 

A.  Lincoln 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Aug.  21rf,  1864 

The  President  of  the  United  States 

I  HAVE  never  hindered  or  intended  to  hinder  E.  K.  Snead, 
who  was  elected  Judge  by  twenty  three  (23)  votes  as  I  am  told, 
from  going  to  his  family  on  the  Eastern  Shore.  I  had  supposed 
he  was  there  until  I  saw  in  the  New  York  Tribune  of  the  19th  a 


88         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

scurrilous  article  by  him  dated  at  Alexandria.  In  fact  I  in- 
tended that  Snead  should  not  leave  the  Eastern  Shore  until  he 
answered  my  inquiries  whether  he  voted  for  Davis  for  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Confederate  States,  or  whether  he  made  a  speech 
cheering  on  the  rebels  of  the  Eastern  Shore  to  attack  the  United 
States  troops,  saying  he  would  shoot  anyone  who  should  run, 
and  if  he  ran  he  hoped  somebody  would  shoot  him,  and  whether 
he  held  the  office  of  commissioner  of  elections  under  the  Con- 
federate States.  These  questions  Snead  has  not  answered, 
because  he  will  convict  himself  of  incapability  of  holding  office 
under  the  United  States  without  a  pardon.  The  trouble  is, 
Snead  is  a  liar,  and  has  deceived  the  President.  A  military 
commission  has  just  convicted  Charles  H.  Porter,  the  Com- 
monwealth Attorney  of  Virginia,  of  treasonable  language  in 
saying  that  the  United  States  government  was  a  rotten,  corrupt, 
bogus  government,  and  that  Abraham  Lincoln  was  doing  all 
he  could  to  break  it  up,  and  ruin  the  country,  and  that  he  would 
rather  live  under  Jeff  Davis.  Porter's  defence  was  that  he 
was  drunk  when  he  said  it.  Of  such  are  the  restored  govern- 
ment of  Virginia. 

Respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Fort  Monboe,  Aug.  21st,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife:  One  day  is  so  like  another  here,  can- 
nonading here  and  shooting  a  little  there,  that  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  write.  To  tell  you  I  am  in  good  health,  I  have 
told  you  that;  that  I  cannot  come  home  at  present,  I  have  told 
you  that;  that  we  are  doing  nothing  here,  I  have  told  you  that. 
That  I  love  you  very  dearly,  you  know  that.  That  I  am  al- 
most homesick  to  see  you  and  the  children  —  all  that  you  know. 
Do  you  want  to  see  me.^*  Do  the  next  best  thing  —  send  down 
to  Brackett  and  get  the  marble  bust  which  he  has  done.  Get 
up  a  handsome  pedestal  for  it  —  he  has  been  paid  for  it.  Gen. 
Weitzel  is  quite  sick  at  home.  So  much  so  as  not  to  be  able  to 
see  visitors.     Shaffer  will  be  back  tonight. 

I  wish  you  all  joy  for  your  fine  picnics  and  rides.     I  am 

homesick!  ,^  j      ;     -d 

Yours  very  dearly,  Benj. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    89 

From  General  Ord 

Head  Quarters,  I8th  Army  Corps  (near)  Petersburg,  August  21,  1864 

Col.  J.  W.  Shaffer,  Chief  of  Staff,  &c. 

Colonel:  I  have  to  report  that  my  Corps  in  the  last  ten 
days  has  been  reduced  principally  by  sickness  from  the  10th 
to  the  19th  inclusive.  Twenty-one  hundred  and  three  officers 
and  men. 

The  sick  men  when  I  took  command  averaged  only  seven 
per  cent.  It  is  now  from  seventeen  to  twenty,  and  increasing 
rapidly.  The  fact  that  these  men  came  here  from  a  malarious 
district  of  the  South,  that  they  have  been  more  than  two  months 
in  the  trenches,  and  that  in  the  last  few  days  they  have  been 
exposed  to  heavy  rains  which  fill  the  pits,  and  to  the  enemy's 
fire  which  prevents  their  obtaining  rest,  will  account  for  this 
condition  of  the  men.  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that 
unless  the  Corps  is  relieved  from  its  present  duty  and  allowed 
rest  in  the  course  of  a  month  I  shall  not  have  five  thousand 
able-bodied  men  for  duty  out  of  the  ten  thousand  men  reported. 
I  have  no  reserves  to  relieve  the  men  from  the  trenches  who  are 
scattered  along  a  line  of  over  three  miles,  besides  doing  picket 
duty  for  five  miles  on  the  river  front.  I  am,  Sir,  Respectfully 
Yours  &c.,  E.  C.  C.  Ord,  Maj.  Gen.  Vols.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Aug.  %\st,  1864,  8  a.m. 

It  being  now  quite  certain  that  the  enemy  have  withdrawn 
very  largely  in  front  of  our  line  between  the  James  and  the 
Appomattox,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  battle  to  Gen.  Warren 
on  the  Weldon  road  below  Petersburg,  it  is  thought  expedient 
that  we  should  make  the  attempt  to  pierce  their  lines  in  this 
front.  For  that  purpose  you  will  take  say  4000  of  your  best 
troops,  and  passing  on  to  the  plain  near  Fort  Walthal  will  just 
before  day,  say  3.30  a.m.,  move  upon  the  enemy's  lines  between 
the  Appomattox  and  Bake  House  Creek,  and  up  the  valley 
of  the  Creek  if  found  practicable.  From  the  point  at  the  old 
mill  pond  near  the  picket  line  held  by  us  it  would  be  well  to 
send  off  say  two  regiments,  or  a  brigade  of  not  more  than  800 
men,  to  move  with  vigor  up  the  road  that  leads  to  the  left  at 
the  same  time  to  make  a  vigorous  attack  in  that  direction.  A 
column  of  say  one  thousand  men  should  at  the  same  time  make 
demonstration  in  the  nature  of  a  feint  on  the  right  near  Ware 


90    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Bottom  Church  so  that  the  enemy  shall  be  held  in  check  there. 
This  column  should  be  kept  under  cover  as  much  as  possible, 
so  as  to  avoid  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  seek  cover 
to  all  possible  extent,  consistently  with  a  demonstration. 

At  the  same  time  all  our  batteries  should  open  on  the  centre 
of  the  enemy's  line.  As  this  movement  if  properly  aimed 
should  be  (speedily)  over,  let  the  troops  take  nothing  but  their 
canteens  filled  and  cartridge  boxes.  So  much  depends  on 
your  executive  energy  and  skill  that  I  forbear  making  other 
details  the  subject  of  an  order. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  9.50  a.m.,  Aug.  21st.  1864 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War,  Washington,  D.  C. 

An  order  has  been  sent  here  to  assign  the  first  five  hundred 
(500)  negro  recruits  to  the  38th  Regiment  U.  S.  Col.  Infantry, 
I  do  not  know  the  reason  for  the  order,  but  it  is  much  more 
advantageous  to  the  service  that  these  recruits  should  be 
distributed  among  the  several  regiments  rather  than  to  fill 
one  regiment  up,  and  that  the  youngest  one,  at  once  to  the 
maximum,  and  that  with  raw  recruits.  To  distribute  them 
among  the  regiments  would  give  them  a  better  chance  to  be 
mingled  with  drilled  troops,  and  more  advantageous  to  the 
service.  Can  I  be  permitted  to  assign  these  recruits  according 
to  my  judgment .f^  There  have  been  but  about  one  hundred 
(100)  recruits  yet.  3^^^    ^    g^^^^^_  j^^^.  ^^,^ 

From  General  Butler 

10.5  A.M.     Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  ilst,  1864 

Major  Van  Vleet,  Q.  M.,  New  York  City 

One  hundred  and  ten  (110)  shells  were  sent  you  to  be  for- 
warded to  me  on  the  10th.  We  are  waiting  for  them.  I  have 
not  heard  from  them. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  1  p.m.,  Aug.  21,  1864 

The  enemy  is  evidently  massing  everything  he  can  to  drive 
our  troops  from  the  Weldon  road.  To  do  this  he  is  undoubtedly 
leaving  his  intrenched  lines  almost  to  their  own  care.     Have  a 


LETTERS  OF    GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  91 

reconnoissance  made,  &  if  with  the  10th  Corps  you  can  break 
through,  do  it.  U    g    (.^^^^_  ^^_  g^^ 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  1.45  p.m.,  Aug.  21,   1864 

Gen.  Ord  has  extended  so  as  to  hold  a  greater  front  to  reheve 
as  many  as  possible  of  the  A.  P.  to  go  to  Gen.  Warren's  support, 
to  hold  what  he  now  has.  Two  or  three  more  batteries  ought 
to  be  sent  to  him.  Have  you  got  them  to  spare.^^  If  so  send 
them,  two  will  probably  be  enough. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  2lst,  1864,  2  p.m. 

Gen.  Birney  and  myself  are  at  this  moment  consulting 
upon  the  movement  which  you  suggest,  and  will  try  and  do  it 
tomorrow  morning.  If  we  do  anything  I  must  have  all  the 
batteries  I  have  left.  I  have  but  seven  in  all  on  the  line  and 
in  reserve  on  this  side  of  the  river.  Will  send  the  one  at  Spring- 
field to  Ord.     Gen.  Hancock  has  twelve. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  3.20  p.m.,  Aug.  21,  1864 

The  last  despatch  from  Gen'l.  Warren  was  dated  at  11  a.m. 
He  then  stated  that  the  enemy  had  attacked  from  the  north  & 
west,  but  were  too  easily  repulsed.  He  did  not  get  them  close 
enough  for  his  fire  to  have  effect.  He  captured,  however,  (400) 
prisoners  that  he  knew  of.  I  hope  there  is  a  mistake  in  the 
intercepted  signal.  ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^   ^^^.^ 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  3.40  p.m.,  Aug.  21, 1864 

The  operator  at  Gen.  Warren's  Hd.  Qrs.  this  moment,  in 
reply  to  a  question  from  me,  says  every  attack  of  the  enemy 
has  been  repulsed,  &  Warren's  position  is  now  stronger  than 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 


92         LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

City  Point,  5.30,  Aug.  21, 1864 

Gen.  BiRNEY,  10th  Army  Corps,  via  Butler's  Hd.  Qrs. 

Get  everything  ready  as  we  talked  for  the  movement  we 
spoke  of.  It  is  approved.  We  are  to  move  on  Petersburg,  so 
we  all  say,  will  be  back  at  once.  Let  the  men  take  nothing  but 
canteen  of  coffee  and  cartridge  box. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

August  21sf,  11.40  p.m. 

Telegram  received.     From  what  you  have  learned,  what  is 
your  opinion  as  to  the  feasibility  of  the  movement,      You  can 
judge  better  than  I,  having  seen  the  parties  making  report. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  ilst,  1864 

Dearest:  It  is  half  past  ten  o'clock,  and  we  rise  tolerably 
early,  but  somehow  I  do  not  feel  quite  right  if  I  do  not  write 
you  a  few  words  before  I  lie  down  to  sleep.  Early  in  the  even- 
ing I  could  have  written  very  pleasantly,  but  now  it  is  too  late. 
I  cannot  recall  the  same  feeling.  There  has  been  company 
through  the  evening,  now  they  have  gone  and  left  their  impres- 
sions, that  are  not  so  agreeable  as  my  own  were.  This  is  a 
lovely  room ;  there  are  but  two  or  three  things  wanted  to  make 
it  very  perfect.  But  if  you  were  at  home,  contented,  I  should 
be  satisfied  if  it  were  less  pretty  than  it  is. 

There  are  rumors  very  frequently  that  you  are  to  be  Secre- 
tary of  War.  Webster  writes  that  Susy  and  I  need  not  trouble 
ourselves  with  too  many  plans  in  relation  to  Fortress  Monroe, 
as  it  is  not  at  all  unlikely  that  Washington  will  be  the  place. 
Write  me  what  you  think  about  it.  If  I  thought  it  would  be  so 
I  should  go  down  when  Fisher  takes  Florence  to  school.  But 
I  hope  that  you  will  be  here  before  that  time.  I  have  left 
very  many  things  at  the  Fort  that  no  one  can  attend  to  so  well 
as  I  can.  Had  I  known  Harriet's  state  of  health,  I  should 
certainly  have  given  more  time  to  it  before  I  left.  If  you  come 
on,  and  know  anything  of  the  future,  I  could  go  back  with  you 
and  settle  everything  at  the  Fort.  Are  you  not  very  weary  of 
staying  where  you  are.'^     But  I  need  not  ask  the  question. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    93 

We  have  news  in  the  morning  papers  of  fighting  by  Warren's 
Corps.  That  we  have  gained,  and  hold  the  Weldon  road. 
Will  these  movements  continue  to  be  made  for  the  next  three 
or  four  weeks  .f^  You  wrote  me  that  Weitzel  had  gone  to  Cin- 
cinnati; but  Webster  writes  he  is  yet  at  the  Fort.  It  has  been 
raining  here  steadily  most  of  the  day.  Yesterday  in  the  after- 
noon quite  chilly,  today  rather  sultry.  Write  me  what  the 
weather  is  with  you.  The  finest  mist  is  falling  now;  it  would 
be  delightful  to  go  out  and  let  it  fall  on  you.  I  do  not  see  why 
on  a  day  like  this  it  would  not  be  as  healthful  as  it  is  to  animals, 
trees,  and  flowers.  Adieu,  dearest.  In  your  next  letter  I  shall 
expect  to  find  you  are  coming.  y       ^ 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  22,  1864 

Prisoners  and  deserters  taken  this  morning  report  the 
enemy's  loss  yesterday  very  heavy.  I  think  it  most  likely  the 
troops  seen  going  towards  Petersburg  are  troops  getting  back 
from  the  north  side  of  the  river.  Gen.  W.  H.  F.  Lee  is  reported 
mortally  wounded  in  yesterday's  engagement. 

U.  S.  Grant,   Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  22,  1864, 12.35  a.m. 

Scouts  report  that  at  five  o'clock  last  evening  the  absent 
troops  made  their  appearance  again  in  their  old  places  in  front 
of  our  lines.  The  officer  in  charge  of  picket  line  reports  it  as 
fully  manned.  I  sent  to  Gen.  Birney  for  his  opinion  of  the 
movement  and  he  telegraphs  as  follows:  "Shall  we  move  at 
two  o'clock  as  proposed?"     j,^^^   p   g^^j_^^_  ^^^  g^^,^_ 

Endorsed:  Important  to  be  delivered  at  once. 
From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  1.30  a.m.,  Aug.  22,  1864 

Your  despatch  of  12.35  a.m.  rec'd.  Under  the  circumstances 
I  think  you  had  better  not  move.  TT    ^    r 


94    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  2ind.  1864 

The  troops  reported  moving  towards  Petersburg  must  be 
the  same  that  were  opposed  to  the  2nd  &  10th  Corps  north  of 
the  James.  They  probably  crossed  the  river  during  the  night 
so  as  to  escape  observation.  TT    ^    r 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  22/irf,  1864 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10th  Corps 

The  signal  oflScers  report  six  (6)  trains  of  cars  passed  the 

junction  last  night  toward  Richmond,  and  a  train  of  fifteen 

(15)  cars  loaded  with  troops  passing  in  the  same  direction  this 

morning  at  6.45.     Have  a  little  reconnoissance  made,  and  see  if 

there  is  any  change  of  troops  in  your  front.     Have  you  any 

deserters  ^ 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

In  the  field,  Aug.  22,   1864 

My  love:  I  can't  write  much  this  morning  as  the  mail  is 
waiting.  I  was  up  till  past  two  o'clock  last  night,  waiting  for  a 
movement  to  commence  which  after  all  is  just  postponed. 
So  you  see  that  it  is  all  of  my  laziness  that  you  do  not  get  a 
long  letter. 

We  hold  still  the  Weldon  road  near  Petersburg.  A  very 
severe  fight  was  made  yesterday  by  the  Rebels  to  get  it.  We 
are  in  the  midst  of  activity  now,  and  shall  be  for  a  few  days, 
and  then  I  can  come  home,  I  think.     At  least,  I  will  try. 

I  do  not  believe  that  being  north  will  help  my  chances  much 
for  other  movements.  We  must  let  it  drift  along  as  it  will. 
There  is  nothing  else  to  be  done  than  duty  here. 

Your  letters  now  come  regularly,  and  I  send  them  back  so 

that  you  will  see  what  I  get.     Love  to  the  boys  and  Blanche, 

and  a  warm  embrace  and  kiss  from  one  who  loves  you  dearly 

will  be  all  I  can  send  this  morning.  t» 

^  Benj. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  22,  1864,  10  a.m. 

Major  Ludlow,  Dutch  Gap 

Have  no  cahorns.  Will  send  an  officer  for  Graham's  gun- 
boat who  understands  the  Sawyer's  shells.     You  ought  to  be 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  95 

able  to  reach  the  range  of  a  cahorn  mortar  with  your  Sawyer 
canister.  Try  them  at  ten  (10)  degrees  elevation,  they  will 
give  you  six  hundred  (600)  yards. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  22,   1864,   11.10  a.m. 

I  WILL  keep  the  sharpest  possible  lookout  upon  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy  in  my  front.  And  will  be  all  ready  to  move 
at  once  day  or  night.  At  10.35,  27  wagons,  14  ambulances,  and 
300   cavalry   passed   toward  Petersburg,   13   wagons   toward 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Aug.  22,  1864.  11.15  a.m. 

The  movement  ordered  last  night  has  not  been  abandoned 
but  only  postponed.  Meanwhile  let  every  preparation  be  made 
for  it.  The  troops  are  organized  so  as  to  move  quickly,  and 
reconnoissances  made  so  that  officers  may  be  instructed  in  the 
features  of  the  country  exactly,  on  which  they  are  to  operate. 
Let  this  be  done  quietly  so  as  not  to  attract  observation.  Large 
parties  of  troops  are  moving  to  Petersburg  to-day.  Large 
bodies  moved  toward  Richmond  early  this  morning  and  last 

^^^^*'  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Aug.  22,  1  P.M. 

By  order  of  the  Lieutenant  General,  to  whom  I  telegraphed 
the  facts  and  your  opinion,  you  will  not  make  the  movement 
ordered.  Please  send  notice  to  Ludlow's  troops  not  to  come 
over.     Acknowledge  receipt. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  iind,  1864 

I  THINK  it  will  be  well  to  hold  the  10th  ready  to  make  the 

effort  that  was  proposed  for  this  morning,  for  a  day  or  two, 

before  moving  it.    The  enemy  may  be  induced  to  move  most  of 

his  troops  from  your  front  in  the  hope  of  driving  us  from  the 

Weldon  road.  tj    a    r^  t±   n 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 


96         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Mrs  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Aug.  iind,  '64 

Dearest:  I  have  a  misgiving  that  something  is  not  right. 
I  do  not  know  if  it  is  with  you  or  me,  "such  a  kind  gain-giving 
as  might,  perhaps,  trouble  a  woman."  I  am  restless  and  dis- 
satisfied with  it.  I  do  not  know  why  I  should  write  tonight. 
I  wrote  yesterday,  Sunday,  and  again  today,  Sunday  and 
Monday,  no  letters  from  you.     I  may  find  one  in  the  morning. 

Benny  is  curled  up  on  my  bed  with  his  eyes  gleaming  at  me. 
He  dislikes  to  close  them  because  when  asleep  he  knows  I  shall 
lift  him  up  and  carry  him  to  his  own  bed.  Paul  is  teasing 
Blanche  to  sleep  in  his  room  and  leave  him  to  sleep  with  me. 
Poor  Benny!  His  eyes  are  closed  down,  and  he  is  carried 
away  to  his  own  bed.  Paul  has  taken  his  place,  and  presently 
will  be  removed  in  the  same  way. 

Corliss  came  up  this  evening  to  consult  about  papers  to  be 
arranged  for  Harriet.  While  we  were  driving  this  afternoon  a 
card  was  left  by  Thomas  P.  Durant.  Can  it  be  the  one  we 
knew  at  N.  Orleans?  Paul  has  succeeded.  Blanche  has  gone 
to  sleep  with  Benny. 

I  cannot  write  you  any  more  tonight,  dearest.  And  some- 
how, I  think  you  will  not  be  sorry.  Col.  Greene  has  not  been 
here,  nor  have  I  yet  written  to  Mrs.  Bell  that  I  am  here.  She 
asked  me  to  do  so  when  I  returned,  as  she  and  her  sister.  Miss 
Bell,  would  make  haste  to  come  up  to  see  me. 

Goodnight!     I  can  do  no  more.     I  send  this  not  because 

there  is  a  word  to  please,  but  that  you  may  not  be  disturbed 

at  finding  none.  ^  .    jv    .•       4  i     a 

Yours  most  ajjectionateLy,  oarah 

I  have  this  heavy  dull  feeling  and  I  cannot  shake  it  off,  —  at 

least  not  tonight.  n^       ^ 

luesday  mornmg 

Good,  here  are  two  letters  from  you!  I  will  not  tease  you 
any  more,  it  is  cruel  for  I  know  you  wish  to  come.  And  I  also 
know  you  must  not  come,  if  there  are  movements  there.  You 
have  given  too  much  to  it  all  to  abandon  at  the  last  moment. 
So  if  I  cannot  sometimes  help  urging,  you  must  always  under- 
stand it  to  mean,  if  you  can  honorably,  that  no  one  can  question 
its  propriety,  not  otherwise.  And  you  will  say,  "I  do  not  need 
to  be  urged,"  when  that  time  comes.  The  children  send  love 
and  all  kinds  of  pleasant  wishes.     I  am  very  glad  those  letters 

came  this  morning.  n^    ^  ^     7  o 

°  Most  truly  yours,  Sarah 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    97 

Sharon  is  in  N.  York,  a  little  distance  from  Albany.  If  it  is 
so  sickly,  could  you  spare  Dr.  McCormick.''  I  will  wait  a  little, 
—  you  may  come  on  together,  and  on  your  return  we  could 
go  with  you  to  N.  Y.  and  from  there  to  Sharon.     Adieu. 


From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  August  iSrd,  1864- 

RoBT.  OuLD,  Esq.,  Commissioner  of  Exchange  of  the 
Confederate  Authorities 

Sir:  Your  note  to  Maj.  Mulford,  Asst.  Agent  of  Exchange, 
under  date  of  10th  of  August,  has  been  referred  to  me. 

You  therein  state  that  "Major  Mulford  had  several  times 
proposed  to  exchange  prisoners  respectively  held  by  the  two 
belligerents,  officer  for  oflBcer  and  man  for  man,"  and  also, 
"that  the  offer  had  also  been  made  by  other  officials  having 
charge  of  matters  connected  with  the  exchange  of  prisoners," 
and  that  this  proposal  has  been  heretofore  declined  by  the 
Confederate  Authorities."  .  .  .  "That  you  now  consent  to 
the  above  proposition  and  agree  to  deliver  to  you  (Major 
Mulford)  the  prisoners  held  in  captivity  by  the  Confederate 
Authorities,  provided  you  agree  to  deliver  an  equal  number  of 
Confederate  oflBcers  and  men."  "As  equal  numbers  are  de- 
livered from  time  to  time,  they  will  be  declared  exchanged. 
This  proposal  is  made  with  the  understanding  that  the  officers 
and  men,  on  both  sides,  who  have  been  longest  in  captivity, 
will  be  first  delivered,  where  it  is  practicable." 

From  a  slight  ambiguity  in  your  phraseology,  but  more 
perhaps  from  the  antecedent  action  of  your  authorities,  I  am 
in  doubt  whether  you  have  stated  the  proposition  made  to 
you  with  entire  accuracy.  It  is  true,  a  proposition  was  made 
to  you  both  by  Major  Mulford  and  by  myself  as  Agent  of 
Exchange,  to  exchange  all  prisoners  of  war  taken  by  either 
belligerent  party,  man  for  man,  officer  for  officer  of  equal  rank, 
or  their  equivalents.  It  was  made  by  me  early  in  the  winter 
of  1863-4,  and  (was)  not  accepted.  In  May  last  I  forwarded 
to  you  a  note,  desiring  to  know  whether  the  Confederate 
Authorities  intended  to  treat  colored  soldiers  of  the  United 
States  Army  as  prisoners  of  war. 

To  that  inquiry,  no  answer  has  yet  been  made.  To  avoid  all 
possible  misapprehension  or  mistake  hereafter  as  to  your  offer 
now,  will  you  please  say  whether  you  mean  by  "prisoners  held 
in  captivity,"  colored  men,  duly  enrolled  and  mustered  into  the 

VOL.    V 7 


98         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

service  of  the  United  States,  who  have  been  captured  by  the 
Confederate  forces;  and  if  your  authorities  are  wilhng  to 
exchange  all  soldiers  of  the  United  States  so  mustered  into  the 
United  States  Army  whether  colored  or  otherwise,  and  the 
officers  commanding  them,  man  for  man,  officer  for  officer. 

At  an  interview  which  was  had  between  yourself  and  the 
Agent  of  Exchange  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  at  Fortress 
Monroe  in  March  last,  you  will  do  me  the  favor  to  remember 
the  principal  discussion  turned  upon  this  very  point;  you,  on 
behalf  of  the  Confederate  Government,  claiming  the  right  to 
hold  all  negroes  who  had  heretofore  been  slaves  and  not  eman- 
cipated by  their  masters,  who  should  be  enrolled  and  mustered 
into  the  service  of  the  United  States,  when  captured  by  your 
forces,  not  as  prisoners  of  war,  but  upon  being  captured  to  be 
turned  over  to  their  supposed  masters  or  claimants,  whoever 
they  might  be,  to  be  held  by  them  as  slaves. 

By  your  advertisements  in  your  newspapers,  calling  upon 
their  masters  to  come  forward  and  claim  these  men  so  cap- 
tured, I  suppose  that  your  authorities  still  adhere  to  that  claim. 
That  is  to  say,  that  whenever  a  soldier  of  the  United  States  is 
captured  by  you,  upon  whom  any  claim  can  be  made  by  any 
person  residing  within  the  States  now  in  insurrection,  that  such 
colored  soldier  shall  be  taken  and  turned  over  to  his  supposed 
owner  or  claimant,  and  put  at  such  labor  or  service  as  that 
owner  or  claimant  may  choose,  and  not  to  be  exchanged  as 
Prisoner  of  war,  and  the  officers,  in  the  language  of  a  supposed 
Act  of  the  Confederate  States,  to  be  turned  over  to  the  Gov- 
ernors of  States  upon  requisitions,  for  the  purpose  of  being 
punished  by  the  laws  of  such  States  for  acts  done  in  war  as 
United  States  soldiers. 

You  must  be  aware  that  there  is  still  a  proclamation  by 
Jefferson  Davis  claiming  to  be  Chief  Executive  of  the  Confeder- 
ate States,  declaring  in  substance  that  all  officers  in  command 
of  colored  troops  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States 
were  not  to  be  treated  as  prisoners  of  war,  but  were  to  be  turned 
over  for  punishment  to  the  Governors  of  States,  and  the  colored 
soldiers  delivered  to  their  masters. 

I  am  citing  these  public  acts  from  memory,  and  will  be 
pardoned  for  not  giving  the  exact  words,  although  I  believe  I 
do  not  vary  the  substance  and  effect. 

These  declarations  on  the  part  of  those  whom  you  repre- 
sent yet  remain  unrepealed,  unannulled,  unrevoked,  and  must 
therefore  be  still  supposed  to  be  authoritative.     Is  the  Govern- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    99 

ment  of  the  United  States  to  understand  that  these  several 
claims,  enactments  and  proclaimed  declarations  are  to  be 
given  up,  set  aside,  revoked,  and  held  for  nought,  by  the  Con- 
federate authorities,  and  that  they  are  ready  and  willing  to 
exchange,  man  for  man,  those  colored  soldiers  of  the  United 
States,  duly  mustered  and  enrolled  as  such,  and  heretofore  have 
been  claimed  as  slaves  by  the  Confederate  States,  as  well  as 
white  soldiers? 

If  this  be  so,  and  you  are  willing  to  exchange  these  colored 
men  claimed  as  slaves,  and  you  will  so  officially  inform  the 
Government  of  the  LTnited  States,  then,  as  I  am  instructed,  the 
principal  difficulty  in  effecting  exchanges  will  be  removed. 
As  I  informed  you  personally,  in  my  judgment  it  is  neither  con- 
sistent with  the  policy,  dignity,  or  honor  of  the  United  States, 
upon  any  consideration  to  allow  those  who  by  our  laws,  solemnly 
enacted,  are  made  soldiers  of  the  Union,  and  who  have  been  duly 
enlisted,  enrolled,  and  mustered  as  such  soldiers,  who  have 
borne  arms  in  behalf  of  their  country,  and  who  have  been  cap- 
tured while  fighting  in  vindication  of  the  rights  of  their  country, 
not  to  be  treated  as  prisoners  of  war,  and  remain  unexchanged 
and  in  the  service  of  those  who  claim  them  as  masters;  and  I 
cannot  believe  that  the  Government  of  the  United  States  will 
ever  be  found  to  consent  to  so  gross  a  wrong.  Pardon  me  if 
I  misunderstand  you  in  supposing  that  your  proposition  does 
not  in  good  faith  mean  to  include  all  the  soldiers  of  the  Union, 
and  that  you  still  intend,  if  your  ojffer  is  accepted,  to  hold 
colored  soldiers  of  the  United  States  unexchanged  and  at 
labor  in  service,  because  I  am  informed  that  very  lately,  almost 
contemporaneously  with  this  offer  on  your  part  to  exchange 
prisoners,  and  which  seems  to  include  all  prisoners  of  war,  the 
Confederate  authorities  have  made  a  declaration  that  the  ne- 
groes heretofore  held  to  service  by  the  owners  in  the  states  of 
Delaware  and  Maryland  are  to  be  treated  as  prisoners  of  war 
when  captured  in  arms  in  the  service  of  the  United  States. 
Such  declaration  that  a  part  of  colored  soldiers  of  the  United 
States  are  to  be  treated  as  prisoners  of  war  would  seem  most 
strongly  to  imply  that  others  were  not  to  be  so  treated,  or  in 
other  words  that  colored  men  from  the  insurrectionary  states 
are  to  be  held  to  labor  and  returned  to  their  masters  if  captured 
by  the  Confederate  forces,  while  duly  enrolled  and  mustered 
into  and  actually  in  the  armies  of  the  United  States. 

In  the  view  which  the  Government  of  the  United  States  takes 
of  the  claim  made  by  you,  to  the  person  of  these  negroes. 


867372  i 


100        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

it  is  not  to  be  supported  upon  any  principle  of  National  or 
Municipal  Law. 

Looking  upon  these  men  only  as  property  upon  your  theory 
of  property  in  them,  we  do  not  see  how  this  claim  can  be  made, 
certainly  not  how  it  can  be  yielded.  It  is  believed  to  be  a  well 
settled  rule  of  public  international  laws  of  war,  that  the  capture 
of  movable  property  vests  the  title  to  that  property  in  the  cap- 
tor, and  where  one  belligerent  gets  into  his  full  possession 
property  of  the  subjects  or  citizens  of  another  belligerent, 
the  title  to  that  property  at  once  vests  in  the  Government 
obtaining  and  holding  such  possession.  Upon  these  rules  of 
international  law,  all  civilized  nations  have  acted,  and  both 
belligerents  have  dealt,  with  all  movable  property,  save 
slaves,  taken  from  each  other  during  the  present  war. 

If  the  Confederate  forces  capture  any  number  of  horses  from 
the  United  States,  the  animals  immediately  become,  as  we 
understand  it,  and  are  claimed  to  be,  the  property  of  the  Con- 
federate authorities.  If  the  United  States  forces  capture  any 
movable  property  belonging  to  persons  in  the  rebellion,  by  our 
regulations  and  laws  in  conformity  with  the  principles  of  inter- 
national law  and  the  laws  of  war,  it  is  turned  over  to  our  Gov- 
ernment as  its  property.  Therefore,  if  we  obtain  possession 
of  that  species  of  property  known  to  the  laws  of  the  insurrec- 
tionary states  as  slaves,  why  should  there  be  any  doubt  that 
that  property,  like  any  other,  vests  in  the  United  States?  If 
it  does  so  vest,  then  the  jus  disponendi,  the  right  of  disposing 
of  that  property,  vests  in  the  United  States. 

Now,  the  United  States  have  disposed  of  the  property  which 
they  have  acquired  by  capture,  in  slaves  taken  by  them,  assum- 
ing your  theory,  by  giving  that  right  of  property  to  the  man 
himself,  to  the  slave,  i.e.  emancipating  him  and  proclaiming 
him  free  for  ever,  so  that  if  we  have  not  mistaken  the  principles 
of  international  law  and  the  laws  of  war,  we  have  no  slaves  in 
the  armies  of  the  United  States.  All  are  free  men.  Slaves, 
being  captured  by  us,  and  thus  the  right  of  property  in  them, 
thereby  vested  in  us,  that  right  of  property,  is  disposed  of  by 
us  by  manumitting  them,  as  has  always  been  the  acknowledged 
right  of  the  owner  to  do  to  his  slave.  The  manner  in  which  we 
dispose  of  our  property,  while  it  is  in  our  possession,  certainly 
cannot  be  questioned  by  you. 

Nor  is  the  case  altered  if  the  property  is  not  actually  captured 
in  battle,  but  comes  either  voluntarily  or  involuntarily  from 
the  belligerent  owner  into  the  possession  of  the  other  belligerent. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        101 

I  take  it,  no  one  would  doubt  the  right  of  the  United  States  to 
a  drove  of  Confederate  mules,  or  a  herd  of  Confederate  cattle, 
who  should  wander  or  rush  across  the  Confederate  lines  into  the 
lines  of  the  United  States  Army.  So  it  seems  to  me,  treating 
the  negro  as  property  merely,  if  that  piece  of  property  passes 
the  Confederate  lines,  and  comes  into  the  lines  of  the  United 
States,  that  property  is  as  much  lost  to  its  owner  in  the  Con- 
federate States  as  would  be  the  mule  or  ox,  the  property  of 
the  resident  of  the  Confederate  States,  which  should  fall  into 
our  hands. 

If,  therefore,  the  principles  of  international  law  and  the  laws 
of  War  used  in  this  discussion  are  correctly  stated,  and  they 
are  believed  to  be  so,  then  it  would  seem  that  the  deductions 
logically  flow  therefrom  in  natural  sequence,  that  the  Con- 
federate States  can  have  no  claims  upon  the  negro  soldiers 
captured  by  them  from  the  Armies  of  the  United  States  except 
such  as  result  from  their  capture  merely,  under  the  laws  of  War. 

Do  the  Confederates  claim  the  right  to  reduce  to  a  state  of 
slavery  prisoners  of  war  captured  by  them.^^  This  claim  of 
right  our  fathers  fought  against  under  Bainbridge  and  Decatur 
when  set  up  by  the  Barbary  powers  on  the  Northern  shore  of 
Africa,  about  the  year  1800,  and  in  1864,  their  children  will 
hardly  yield  it  upon  their  own  soil. 

This  point  in  the  discussion  I  will  not  pursue  further,  be- 
cause I  understood  you  to  repudiate  that  idea,  that  you  will 
reduce  free  men  to  slaves  because  of  capture  in  war,  and  to  base 
the  claim  of  the  Confederate  authorities  to  reenslave  our  negro 
soldiers  when  captured  by  you  upon  the  "jus  postliminii,"  or 
that  principle  of  the  law  of  nations  which  rehabitates  the  prior 
owner  with  property  taken  by  an  enemy,  when  such  property  is 
recovered  by  the  forces  of  his  own  country.  But  this  post- 
liminary  right,  as  understood  and  defined  by  all  writers  of 
national  law,  is  applied  simply  to  unmovable  property  only, 
and  that,  too,  only  after  the  complete  resubjugation  of  that 
portion  of  the  country  upon  which  the  right  fastens  itself.  By 
the  laws  and  customs  of  war  this  right  has  never  been  applied 
to  movable  property. 

True  it  is,  I  believe,  that  the  Romans  attempted  to  apply  it 
in  the  case  of  slaves.  But  for  two  thousand  years  no  other 
nation  has  attempted  to  set  up  this  right  as  against  persons,  and 
make  it  a  ground  for  treating  slaves  differently  from  other 
property.  But  the  Romans  even  refused  to  enslave  men  cap- 
tured by  the  opposing  belligerents  in  a  civil  war  such  as  this  is. 


102        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Consistently,  then,  with  any  principle  of  the  law  of  nations, 
treating  slaves  as  property  merely,  it  would  seem  to  be  impossi- 
ble for  the  Government  of  the  United  States  to  permit  the 
negroes  in  their  ranks  to  be  reenslaved  when  captured  or 
treated  otherwise  than  as  prisoners  of  war. 

I  have  forborne.  Sir,  in  this  discussion  to  argue  the  question 
upon  any  other  or  different  grounds  of  right  than  those  adopted 
by  your  authorities,  understanding  that  your  fabric  of  opposi- 
tion to  the  Government  of  the  United  States  has  the  right  of 
property  in  man  as  its  corner-stone.  Of  course  it  would  not 
be  profitable  in  settling  a  question  of  exchange  of  prisoners  of 
war,  to  attempt  to  convince  your  authorities  that  they  ought  to 
abandon  the  very  corner-stone  of  their  attempted  political 
edifice.  Therefore  I  have  omitted  all  the  considerations  which 
should  apply  to  the  negro  soldier  as  a  man,  and  dealt  with  him 
upon  the  Confederate  theory  of  property  only. 

I  unite  with  you  most  cordially.  Sir,  in  desiring  a  speedy 
settlement  of  all  these  questions,  in  view  of  the  great  suffering 
endured  by  our  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  your  authorities,  of 
which  you  so  feelingly  speak,  and  would  desire  to  ask  in  view  of 
that  suffering  why  you  have  delayed  eight  months  in  answering 
a  proposition  which  by  now  accepting  you  admit  to  be  just, 
right,  and  humane?  One  cannot  help  thinking,  even  at  the 
risk  of  being  deemed  uncharitable,  that  the  benevolent  sym- 
pathies of  the  Confederate  authorities  have  been  lately  stirred 
by  the  depleted  condition  of  their  armies,  and  a  desire  to  get 
into  the  field,  to  affect  the  present  campaign,  the  hale,  hearty, 
and  well-fed  prisoners  held  by  the  United  States  in  exchange 
for  the  half-starved,  sick,  emaciated,  and  unserviceable  soldiers 
of  the  United  States  now  languishing  in  your  prisons.  The 
events  of  this  war,  if  we  did  not  know  it  before,  have  taught  us 
that  it  is  not  the  northern  portion  of  the  American  people 
alone  who  know  how  to  drive  sharp  bargains. 

The  wrongs,  indignities,  and  privations  suffered  by  our 
soldiers  would  move  me  to  consent  to  anything  to  effect  their 
exchange  excepting  to  barter  away  the  honor  and  faith  of  the 
Government  of  the  United  States,  which  has  been  so  solemnly 
pledged  to  the  colored  soldiers  in  its  ranks.  Consistently  with 
national  faith  and  justice,  we  cannot  relinquish  this  point. 
With  your  authorities,  it  is  a  question  of  property  merely.  It 
seems  to  address  itself  to  you  in  this  form:  Will  you  suffer 
your  soldier,  captured  in  fighting  your  battles,  to  lie  in  confine- 
ment for  months,  rather  than  release  him  by  giving  for  him 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        103 

that  which  you  call  a  piece  of  property,  and  which  we  are  willing 
to  accept  as  a  man? 

You  would  seem,  certainly,  to  place  less  value  upon  your 
soldier  than  you  do  upon  your  negro.  I  can  assure  you,  much 
as  we  of  the  North  are  accused  of  loving  property,  our  citizens 
would  have  no  difficulty  in  yielding  up  any  piece  of  property 
they  have  in  exchange  for  one  of  their  brothers  or  sons  lan- 
guishing in  your  prisons.  Certainly  there  could  be  no  doubt 
that  it  would  be  done,  were  that  piece  of  property  less  in  value 
than  five  thousand  dollars  in  Confederate  money,  which  is 
believed  to  be  the  price  of  an  able-bodied  negro  in  the  insurrec- 
tionary states. 

Trusting  that  I  may  receive  such  a  reply  to  the  questions 
propounded  in  this  note  as  will  lead  to  a  speedy  resumption  of 
the  negotiations  for  a  full  exchange  of  all  prisoners,  and  a  de- 
livery of  them  to  their  respective  authorities.     I  have  the  honor 

Very  Respectfully  Your  obedient  servant 
From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Aug.  23,  1864 

You  may  now  send  the  10th  Corps,  or  as  much  of  it  as  can 
be  spared  from  Bermuda  100,  to  relieve  as  far  as  possible  the 
18th  Corps.  When  the  18th  is  relieved,  let  them  go  into  camp 
on  the  high  ground  in  rear  of  their  present  position.  So  long 
as  we  hold  the  Weldon  Road  it  is  prudent  for  us  to  keep  all  the 
force  we  can  south  of  the  Appomattox. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  23, 1864, 12.35 

Telegram  received.  I  will  immediately  proceed  to  relieve 
the  18th  division  by  division.  And  encamp  that  corps  as  a 
reserve,  so  that  fewer  men  can  hold  the  trenches  than  if  they 
were  not  so  encamped. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

August  23rd,  1864 

Will  you  ride  over  with  me  to  meet  Gen.  Ord,  and  consult 
with  him  about  relieving  the  18th  Corps  with  a  portion  of  the 
10th.?     We  will  leave  my  Head  Qrs.  at  3.30  p.m. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 


104        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  23,  1864 

My  Chief  Paymaster  is  here  with  a  small  amount  of  money. 
There  are  now  two  payments  due.  All  my  troops  .  .  .  [unin- 
telligible^l  a  week  from  to-day.  The  money  will  go  but  little 
way,  as  so  many  of  the  troops  have  instalments  of  bounties  and 
recruiting  bounties  due  them,  so  that  it  takes  so  much  for 
each  soldier  that  but  few  can  be  paid.  For  example,  four 
months'  pay  is  58  dollars,  but  an  instalment  of  bounty  is  50 
dollars,  and  some  have  two  instalments,  and  so  that  in  fact 
we  can  have  nearly  twice  as  many  if  we  do  not  pay  the  bounties. 
Now,  as  the  bounties  are  gratuities,  should  we  not  endeavor  to 
pay  as  many  as  we  can  [their  pay]  so  that  many  may  get  a  lit- 
tle for  their  wants  and  not  a  few  get  a  good  deaLf^  If  you  see 
no  objection,  I  will  order  the  paymaster  to  pay  only  the  pay 
proper  till  he  gets  more  money.  Another  thing,  offer  next 
Wednesday  as  a  new  muster  day.  Nobody  can  be  paid  on  the 
old  rolls,  and  must  wait  nearly  a  month  for  the  new  rolls  and 
return,  which  is  an  additional  reason  for  paying  as  many  as 
possible  during  this  week.      ^^^^    ^   BvT^^n,  Maj.  GenH. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

United  States  Military  Telegraph.    City  Point, 

Augvst  23rd,  1864,  10  p.m. 

General  Grant  directs  me  to  say  that  he  approves  of  the 

policy  suggested  by  you,  and  that  you  are  authorized  to  issue 

the  necessary  order.  tot*  a     a     r^ 

•^  J.  S.  BOLLERS,  A.  A.   G. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  23rd,  1864 

Dearest:  What  a  number  of  letters  all  in  one  day!  Two 
this  morning,  one  this  afternoon.  Ought  I  not  to  be  in  great 
spirits?  You  can  see  that  I  waited  two  or  three  days  without 
one,  and  naturally  felt  a  little  dull.  I  do  not  like  you  to  feel 
obliged  to  write  when  you  are  weary,  and  think  there  is  not  an- 
other word  to  say  that  you  have  not  already  repeated.  It  is  a 
pleasure  to  me  to  have  them,  and  I  do  not  mind  that  you  have 
not  important  news  to  send  me  every  day.  But  yet  if  there 
comes  a  morning  when  you  are  tired  from  exertion  of  the  day 
before,  and  disinclined  to  move,  let  that  day  pass,  and  you  will 
feel  more  like  writing  another  time. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        105 

Fisher  will  start  for  Washington  next  week.     I  have  half  a 

mind  to  go  with  him,  only   that   the   journey  is   so  tedious 

In  fact,  I  have  been  thinking  of  the  feasibility  of  going  by 

Sharon,  leaving  Harriet  and  Mrs.  Read  there  till  I  returned, 

and  go  down  to  Fortress  Monroe  with  Fisher.     On  my  return, 

stop  a  week  at  Sharon,  and  bring  them  back  to  Lowell.   Harriet, 

though  in  a  condition  that  may  become  dangerous,  is  able  to 

travel,  and  if  I  will  go  with  her  would  prefer  to  do  it.     She  is 

inclined  to  be  and  to  go  with  me.     I  wanted  her  to  go  to  old 

Dr.  Richardson's  with  Paul  and  your  mother  or  Mrs.  Read, 

but,   although  she  concluded  to   go,   she   still   showed   such 

distaste  to  it  that  we  have  given  it  up.     I  think  it  would  still  be 

the  same  if  any  other  place  were  proposed,  unless  I  went  with 

her.     She  is  quite  ready  to  go  to  the  Fortress,  any  where  if  I 

will  go  with  her.     What  do  you  think;   would  it  be  too  much 

for  me  to  go  down  with  Fisher,  and  back  to  Sharon  .^^     We  seem 

to  be  in  a  migratory,  unsettled  state.     If  it  were  the  last  of 

September  I  should  take  the  whole  family  to  the  Fort,  and 

close  up  the  house.     Do  you  know,  I  feel  as  though  I  have  as 

much  care,  trouble,  and  personal  attention  to  give  to  others 

as  you  are  obliged  to  give.     I  wish  there  was  a  little  more  time 

for  each  other.     But  wishing,  I  fancy,  will  not  help  it,  or  I 

would  wish  you  here  for  an  hour  of  two  of  chat,  and  I  know  I 

should  have  all  the  talking  to  do,  a  quiet  night's  sleep,  and  a 

cheerful  breakfast  in  the  morning.         ,.  ,         .  ^ 

^         Yours,  dearest,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler 

In  Field,  August  ISfd,   1864 

John  H.  Hackett,  Esq.,  Counsellor  at  Law,  New  York 
At  what  day  can  you  attend  to  the  probate  of  the  will  if  I 
f       can  be  present,  or  can  it  be  done  on  any  day.^^     Answer  by 
telegraph.  ^^^^    p    Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Kensel 

By  Signals.    August  23rd,  1864 

Send  up  the  "Greyhound"  to  Broadway  at  once.     Ask  if 

Grant  is  at  home.     Answer.  -d    t^    -o 

B.  F.  Butler 


106       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Aug.  23,  1864,  1.30 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War 

Monsieur  Tabanelle,  Consul  of  France  at  Richmond,  desires 
to  come  through  the  lines  as  bearer  of  despatches.     He  does 
not  say  to  whom  or  from  whom  or  whereto.     Shall  he  come.'* 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

War  Dept,  Wash'n.,  11.50  p.m.,  Aug.  24,  1864 

Your  telegram  received  today  in  regard  to  Monsieur  Taba- 
nelle, having  been  referred  to  the  Sec'y  of  State.  He  gives  the 
following  instructions  which  you  will  please  observe.  Let  the 
French  Vice  Consul  state  where  he  proposes  to  go  within  our 
military  lines,  &  whether  the  despatches  are  sent  by  any  French 
authority,  whether  they  are  addressed  to  the  French  Legation 
here  or  the  French  Govt,  at  Paris,  or  other  French  authority,  & 
on  satisfactory  affirmative  answer  being  given  on  these  points, 

E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec'y  of  War 
From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  August  Uth,  1864 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g  10th  Corps 

Will  with  his  corps  relieve  the  18th  Corps,  under  com- 
mand of  Maj.  Gen.  Ord  from  duty  on  the  left  of  the  line  of  this 
Army.  Major  Gen.  Ord,  upon  being  relieved  by  the  troops 
under  General  Birney,  will  occupy  the  north  side  of  the  James 
with  his  brigade  of  negro  troops  at  Deep  Bottom.  With  Ames' 
Division  he  will  occupy  the  entrenched  line  between  the 
Appomattox  and  the  James.  He  will  encamp  at  Spring  Hill, 
the  division  under  Brig.  Gen.  Carr  as  a  reserve. 

Gen'ls.  Birney  and  Ord  will  consult  together  and  make  such 
movements  of  their  troops  as  will  allow  this  change  without 
attracting  the  notice  of  the  enemy,  save  that  there  is  no  objec- 
tion that  the  enemy  shall  see  the  troops  of  the  10th  Corps 
marching  to  the  left.  The  movement  of  the  18th  Corps  to 
the  right  it  would  be  better  to  conceal.  The  light  artillery 
along  the  two  lines  will  be  quietly  changed  by  detachments  so 
as  to  attract  no  notice,  and  be  all  the  time  in  a  state  of  efficiency. 
So  much  of  the  artillery  of  the  18th  Corps  as  will  replace  that 
which  is  now  serving  with  18th  Corps  from  the  10th  Corps,  will 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        107 

be  left  on  the  lines  on  the  left,  so  as  to  preserve  there  the  neces- 
sary number  of  guns.  Further  orders  to  arrange  details,  if 
necessary,  will  be  issued  as  the  movements  progress. 

B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Ord 

Aug.  iUh,  1864,  1  o'clock 

Your  order  and  that  of  Gen.  Birney  went  at  11  o'clock  to 
both  of  you.  Have  you  received  it.^  I  have  ordered  Birney 
to  send  you  a  Division  at  once. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  1.30  p.m.,  Aug.  24,  1864 

Has  a  division  of  the  10th  Corps  started  yet  to  replace  the 
ISth.f^  Gen.  Ord  has  just  asked  Meade  for  any  spare  troops  he 
may  have,  stating  that  there  are  indications  of  an  attack,  and 
that  a  number  of  deserters  having  gone  over  to  the  enemy  last 
night  who  may  have  given  information  of  his  weakness,  makes 
him  fear  the  result. 

If  a  division  of  Birney 's  has  not  gone,  how  long  will  it  take  to 
get  one  there.?  ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^   ^^^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.,  August  i,ith,  1.45  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  etc..  City  Point 

General  Ord  telegraphs  me  that  his  lookouts  inform  him 
that  large  bodies  of  troops,  supposed  to  be  five  thousand 
(5,000),  are  concentrating  in  front  of  his  lines,  and  asking 
for  one  division  of  General  Birney's  command,  which  I  have 
ordered,  he  fearing  attack  either  to-day  or  to-night. 

Deserters  say  that  Mahone's  division  was  relieved  by 
Pickett's  Sunday.  The  fact  that  Mahone's  division  was  in  the 
fight,  appears  in  to-day's  Examiner,  which  I  have  sent  you. 
That  there  has  been  some  change  in  my  front  between  the 
James  and  the  Appomattox  would  appear  from  the  fact  that 
for  the  first  time  in  many  weeks  picket  firing  was  started  on  our 
left  near  Fort  Walthal.  g^^^    j,    Buti^bu,  Maj.  Genl. 


108        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Aug.  iUh,  1864,  3.5  p.m. 

Major  Gen.  Birney,  Comd'g  10th  Corps 

Do  I  understand  you  to  say  that  you  got  my  order  for  this 
movement  signed  by  the  Adjutant  General  at  2.45  p.m..^* 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Geril.  Comd'g. 

From  Salmon  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

Cherry  Hill,  near  Salem,  Massachusetts,  August  iAth,  1864 

Dear  General:  Major  Way  is  a  gentleman  of  excellent 
position  in  Ohio,  and  was  appointed  Paymaster  on  my  recom- 
mendation. Misfortune,  in  no  way  affecting  his  repute  for 
integrity,  compelled  him  to  resign  that.  He  thinks  if  he  can 
obtain  a  permit  for  trade  in  Norfolk,  including  sale  of  liquors  by 
wholesale,  he  can  repair  his  losses.  If  such  permits  can  be 
granted  to  anyone,  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  have  one  granted 

Yours  sincerely,  S.  P.  Chase 
From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  Washington  City,  August  24,  1864 

Maj.  Gen,  B.  F.  Butler,  Commanding  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C. 

General  :  The  Secretary  of  War  directs  that  you  cause  to  be 

furnished  to  this  Department  a  copy  of  a  contract  made  by 

your  direction  between  Brig.  Genl.  C.  M.  Graham  and  Mr. 

Norman  Wiard,  providing  for  certain  changes  in  the  boilers  or 

other  parts  of  four  steamers  made  by  him,  now  in  the  service 

under  your  command.  ^r         7   j  •    ^ 

Your  obedient  servant, 

C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Secy  of  War 
From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  field,  Aug.  24, 1864 

My  dearest  love  :  What  a  pettish,  mocking,  sarcastic  little 
thing  it  is.?  Railing  at  all  the  world,  abusing  the  doctors,  fly- 
ing about,  jumping  out  of  its  skin,  and  then  boasting  how 
"calm  and  smooth"  it  is  going  to  be!  How  it  would  like  to 
have  me  by  to  torment  me  good  every  way !  I  know  the  nature 
of  the  little  creature  thoroughly. 

Everything  jogs  on  here  as  before.     We  still  hold  the  Weldon 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        109 

Road.  My  canal  is  getting  on  famously.  I  most  grieve  to 
hear  that  Gen.  Weitzel  is  sick,  sick  abed  too.  He  has  had  an 
extension  of  his  leave.  Shaffer  got  back  to  the  fort  last  night 
—  will  be  here  tonight.  I  am  in  reasonably  good  health,  and 
hope  to  get  to  you  soon  for  a  flying  visit.  I  do  not  believe  I 
would  go  to  Sharon.  I  have  but  little  faith  in  the  virtues  of  its 
waters,  but  if  you  have  I  would  go.  But  do  not  go  without 
letting  me  know,  so  that  I  may  not  come  home,  if  I  get  away, 
for  nothing.  You  will  get  this  now  in  two  days,  the  twenty- 
sixth.  Then  you  will  write  and  it  will  reach  me  the  28th. 
What  changes  may  take  place  in  that  time !  All  the  relation  of 
things  to  each  other  may  change  even  in  that  four  days,  but 
there  is  one  thing  that  cannot  change,  and  that  is  your  un- 
changing, deep  love  for  me,  and  my  appreciation,  reverence,  and 
love  of  you,  my  own  dearest  wife.  -„ 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  2ith,  1864 

Dearest:  Do  you  not  begin  to  weary  of  my  letters .^^  I  still 
write  to  you  of  home,  nothing  else.  Nothing  of  what  is  abroad, 
of  what  should,  or  might  be  done,  to  save  us  from  the  dis- 
astrous state  we  are  falling  into.  Do  you  not  think  it  strange 
that  the  Radicals  have  no  sense  of  that  they  ought  to  be.  Dr. 
Kimball  was  here  two  hours  this  forenoon,  talking  politics. 
He  does  not  like  Wade's  and  Davis'  course.  He  thinks  it 
injures  Lincoln  and  aids  the  Democrats.  But,  I  said,  they 
make  no  movement  until  they  see  it  is  impossible  to  elect 
Lincoln.  There  never  was  any  great  hope  that  he  could  be 
elected  if  this  campaign  was  unsuccessful.  The  only  chance 
the  party  has  now  is  to  choose  a  new  man,  Lincoln  and  Fre- 
mont to  withdraw  and  give  their  best  support  to  another. 
*'  Well,"  he  says,  "who  is  there?  There  is  no  one  to  take,  un- 
less," he  said,  after  a  little  hesitation,  "they  should  choose 
Gen'l  Butler,  and  they  won't  do  it."  "  Then  the  Radicals  are 
beaten,  Doctor,  for  there  is  no  other  man  in  the  party  who  can 
defeat  McClellan."  Kimball,  I  think  is  a  Lincoln  man.  Now, 
can  you  tell  me  why  this  thing  is  so?  Why  won't  they  choose 
you?  Almost  the  only  man  who  has  really  accomplished  any- 
thing in  this  war !  The  only  one  in  the  party  who,  at  the  head 
of  Government,  can  carry  it  to  a  successful  issue.  Strange  as 
it  may  seem,  I  do  not  feel  deeply  interested  about  it,  one  would 
think  it  would  be  quite  a  personal  matter  to  me,  but  it  is  not  so. 


110        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  can  look  at  it  as  coolly  as  though  it  were  a  person  I  had  never 
known.  But  I  am  amazed  at  the  oversight  of  the  Radicals, 
as  I  was  astonished  long  ago  that  the  Democrats  did  not  gain 
their  power  again  by  showing  how  inefficient  the  Administration 
had  been,  how  far  it  lagged  behind  the  wishes  of  the  people. 
They  did  not  do  it  when  they  might,  the  Radicals  will  not  save 
their  party  by  the  only  means  that  offers.  I  would  give  much 
had  I  seen  Seward  when  he  came  to  the  Fortress.  Strange  that 
should  happen  so!  I  wished  to  write  further,  but  Frazer  is 
going  down  to  the  office  and  I  must  send  it  now. 

Yours,  dearest  love,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Aug.  25,  5.40  a.m. 

If  the  enemy  are  in  earnest,  you  will  next  hear  of  them  on 
your  left.     Look  to  that  a  little. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Ord 

August  i5th,  1864 

You  may  send  over  here  as  much  of  Ames'  Division  as  you 
can.  Caution  him  to  march  so  as  to  prevent  straggling.  If 
you  can  relieve  his  troops  without  loss,  they  may  as  well  be 
relieved.     Take  measures  to  pick  up  the  stragglers  of  Terry's 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Aug.  25,  1864,  8  a.m. 

Ord  does  not  like  to  let  Ames  go  this  morning.  Must 
you  have  him,  or  in  other  words,  is  the  movement  in  your 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Hd.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  25,  '64,  11  a.m. 

What  is  your  loss  in  this  morning's  operations  .f* 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        111 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  25,  1864,  5.30  p.m. 

The  enemy  made  an  attack  on  my  picket  line  this  morn- 
ing at  daylight,  which  has  been  kept  up  at  intervals  ever 
since.  They  have  not  forced  it  back.  Prisoners  captured  say 
Mahone's  Division  has  reenforced  Pickett.     I  suppose  is  reliev- 

^  '  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qts.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Aug.  i5th,  '64 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  etc. 

The  enemy  made  a  charge  on  our  picket  line  early  this 
morning  because  of  the  information  of  some  deserters  who  went 
over  last  night,  saying  that  our  troops  were  all  moving  away. 

Thereupon,  Gen.  Pickett  is  reported  saying  that  he  wanted 
to  straighten  his  line  near  Ware  Bottom  Church,  and  made  a 
charge  for  that  purpose  with  a  very  strong  skirmish  line. 

For  the  moment  our  pickets  were  pressed  back,  but  they 
recovered  and  charged  in  return,  and  retook  all  our  own  picket 
line  and  part  of  theirs. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  is  pretty  large.  Ours  I  have  not  yet 
learned,  but  it  is  trifling.  We  have  captured  fifteen  prisoners. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  ComcTg. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Aug.  25,  1864,  12.30 

Gen,  Birney  reports  that  he  has  reestablished  his  picket 
line  which  was  forced  back  by  a  charge  from  the  enemy,  that 
in  a  charge  in  return  he  has  taken  fifty  prisoners,  two  commis- 
sion oflScers.  We  have  also  five  deserters.  Our  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded  is  trifling.  It  was  a  plucky  little  affair  on  the 
part  of  Gen.  Foster.  As  all  seems  to  be  going  right  now,  I  will 
at  two  o'clock  start  north.  A  telegram  will  reach  me  at 
Williard's,  at  5th  Avenue,  N.  Y.,  if  you  should  desire  to  com- 
municate with  me. 

I  have  turned  over  the  command  to  Gen.  Ord,  the  senior 
during  my  absence. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


112        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Aug.  25,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Halleck,  Chief  of  Staff 

I  AM  about  to  go  North  by  leave  of  Gen.  Grant  to  probate 
my  brother's  will,  which  cannot  be  done  without  my  personal 
presence.  There  are  matters  of  business  connected  with  my 
command  and  the  exchange  of  prisoners  which  will  require  me 
to  visit  Washington.     Have  I  permission  to  do  so? 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

In  the  field,  Aug.  25,  1864 

My  DEAR  Sarah:  Although  I  knew  that  I  should  not  get  a 
letter  last  night  because  the  mail  did  not  connect  on  Sunday, 
yet  I  was  disappointed  when  I  did  not  find  one. 

They  as  are  necessary  to  me  as  my  daily  food,  and  you  must 
not  let  them  fail  any  more  than  you  would  the  dinner.  But  one 
thing  I  must  lay  strict  commands  not  to  write,  and  that  is  about 
my  coming  home.  You  make  me  absolutely  so  homesick  that 
I  shan't  be  fit  for  duty.  Your  pictures  of  home  scenes  are  very 
pleasant,  and  I  would  not  lose  them,  but  your  entreaties  to 
come  home  added  thereto  are  too  much.  We  are  still  holding 
on  to  the  Weldon  Road.  The  enemy  were  foiled  in  the  attempt 
to  drive  us  off.  My  canal  is  progressing  favorably.  We  came 
near  having  a  fight  on  our  line.  The  Rebels,  however,  pre- 
vented it  by  moving  a  large  body  of  troops  in  our  front,  so  that 
we  did  not  attack.  We  must  have  more  men.  The  draft  must 
be  enforced,  and  then  we  can  end  the  war  in  two  months.  I 
think  Lincoln  is  beaten,  but  who  can  be  nominated  at  Chicago 
that  will  not  lose  the  country,  —  but  why  talk  of  all  this.^^ 

How  are  the  boys  getting  on.^*  How  is  Blanche  getting  on.^^ 
I  know  how  her  dresses  are,  for  you  have  told  me.  I  hope  to 
see  you,  but  you  had  better  not  put  by  any  party  or  movement 
on  that  account.  If  I  come  home  it  will  not  be  for  the  purpose 
of  going  to  parties,  or  seeing  anybody  but  you  and  the  children. 
All  the  rest  will  be  a  nuisance.  Now,  love,  do  not  be  low- 
spirited  or  doubtful  or  desponding.  There  is  no  cause  why  you 
should  be  so,  let  me  assure  you  again  and  again.  A  thousand 
kisses,  as  you  would  get  were  I  to  see  you,  with  as  warm  an 
embrace  from  y^^^  ^^^^^ 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        113 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

August  25th,  1864 

My  dear  Wife  :  No  letter  from  you  last  night.  What  can 
be  the  reason?  Are  you  gone  to  Sharon  Springs  and  without 
letting  me  know,^  Perhaps  I  shall  come  home  and  find  you 
gone.  Who  knows .^^  It  would  be  just  my  luck.  I  am  up  very 
early  this  morning. 

The  enemy  made  an  attack  in  force  along  my  line  this  morn- 
ing at  daylight,  and  drove  in  my  pickets  a  little  way,  but  I 
believe  they  have  been  repulsed.  The  fighting  is  still  going  on 
while  I  write.  If  this  turns  out  nothing  but  a  spurt,  I  shall  be 
home  in  a  day  or  two  after  you  receive  this,  but  mind,  I  do  not 
promise.     Only  better  not  be  away  from  home  in  the  meantime. 

You  are  sure  of  one  thing,  however.  I  will  come  as  soon,  for 
as  long  as  I  can,  but  the  stay  will  be  short  of  necessity. 

Most  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  i6th,  1864 

Dearest:  I  send  you  this  line  to  tell  you  I  cannot  write 
today,  nor  could  I  last  evening. 

There  is  not  one  thought  that  I  can  transfer  to  paper  that 
would  please  you.  An  ungrateful,  perverse  state  of  mind, 
while  the  sun  shines  in  Heaven,  the  flowers  bloom  on  Earth, 
and  children's  voices  are  murmuring  in  your  ears. 

But  so  it  is.     The  only  thing  I  can  say  that  I  hope  will 

P  "^     '  Most  affectionately.  Yours,  Sarah 

Fisher  will  go  to  the  Fortress  the  last  of  next  week. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  (26<A),  1864 

Dearest:  I  had  just  sent  you  a  letter  today,  five  minutes 
before  yours  came,  saying  I  could  write  nothing  that  you 
would  wish  to  read.  Two  of  yours  came  together.  And  both 
have  a  kind  of  promise  that  you  may  come  home.  I  shall  not 
go  to  Fortress  Monroe,  or  Sharon  —  until  I  am  sure  you  cannot 
come.  And  I  must  not  urge  you  another  bit,  because  I  know 
you  wish  to  come  and  will  if  it  is  possible,  or  at  all  proper  that 
you  should. 

Fisher  will  go  to  the  Convention  before  he  returns.     I  do  not 


114        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

know  that  his  going  to  the  Fortress  will  prevent  your  coming, 
but  I  have  a  sort  of  misgiving  that  it  may  for  a  little  while. 

I  am  not  so  dull  as  this  morning.  And  this  evening  shall 
commence  a  long  letter  to  you.  It  must  be  dreadful  there 
where  you  are  part  of  the  time.  The  only  alleviation  is  that 
you  are  very  busy.  I  have  only  time  to  get  this  to  the  mail. 
You  say  it  will  be  there,  that  is,  to  you  on  the  twenty-eighth. 
My  other  has  not  been  gone  half  an  hour.  I  am  very  thank- 
ful for  your  letters  today,  dearest,  and  with  truest  love  shall 

^  ^  Most  affectionately,  Sarah 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Aug.  Ilth,  '64 

Dearest  :  The  promise  of  a  long  letter  last  evening  is  broken. 
Blanche,  Florence,  and  Mr.  Owen  had  an  invitation  to  Tyng's 
Pond;  it  was  thought  as  well  they  should  go.  I  did  not  wish 
to  go  —  and  drove  over  at  five  to  tell  Fisher  he  must  take  my 
place.  It  was  past  six  when  they  left  his  house.  They  re- 
turned at  eleven  in  the  evening.  That  left  me  at  Fisher's 
with  no  way  to  get  home.  About  nine,  Milton's  boy  came 
along  with  his  father's  old  "shay,"  and  brought  me  half  way 
home,  and  then  turned  back  to  carry  Mrs.  Read  on  her  way. 
When  I  reached  home  I  found  Col.  Kinsman,  The  hour  and 
half's  talk  with  him  left  no  time  for  you.  Is  it  not  odd  that 
trifles  displace,  so  often,  things  of  more  consequence.'* 

Col.  Tirrel  and  a  man  from  the  machine  shop  called  on  me 
yesterday  afternoon.  They  are  working  out  guns  for  you. 
Tirrel  said  he  wished  you  to  see  some  guns  somewhere  in 
Connecticut,  and  sent  you  word  to  that  effect,  so  that  I  have 
a  fancy  some  duty  may  call  you  north  as  well  as  the  pleasure 
of  coming  home.  I  sometimes  fear  I  have  urged  you  too  much, 
but  I  do  not  think  it  will  prove  so.  When  you  and  Gen'l. 
Grant  have  fully  thought  of  it,  and  he  is  willing  you  should 
leave,  there  cannot  in  the  course  of  a  week  or  fortnight  any- 
thing chance  that  would  be  disastrous  in  your  absence.  Indeed 
I  think  it  would  worry  me  more  than  you  if  there  should. 

Do  you  know,  very  much  of  the  time  I  am  very  much  afraid 
I  may  write  what  I  ought  not  to.  No  doubt  I  flatter  myself, 
and  am  very  foolish  to  suppose  that  your  moods  are  affected  by 
mine.  I  do  not  think  they  are,  only  momentarily,  but  where 
one  is  dealing  with  thousands  of  people  even  a  moment  of 
wrong  influence  might  do  much  mischief.     So  it  is  not  unusual 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        115 

when  I  have  sent  away  a  letter  to  think  how  stupid !     why  did 

I  write  that?     But  after  all,  it  is  useless  to  hedge  oneself  in 

that  way.     I  must  express  myself,  and  the  varying  feelings,  and 

contending  passions  that  beset  me,  and  the  look  of  men  and  of 

nature  as  seen  through  my  eyes,  or  my  letters  will  be  so  meagre 

and  threadbare  you  will  not  care  to  read  them.     It  will  not 

be  me  that  writes  but  a  thing  I  am  trying  to  fashion  to  suit  you, 

which  would  soon  become  a  nonentity,  made  up  of  platitudes. 

I  will  express  the  evil  and  the  good  that  is  in  me,  life  as  it  looks 

to  me,  let  my  own  individuality  have  fair  expression  (it  will,  no 

matter  how  close  I  hedge),  and  if  I  hurt  sometimes,  I  may  be 

able  to  atone  at  others. 

I  trust  that  like  Benedict  and  Beatrice  you  and  I  are  not 

"too  wise  to  live  peaceably,"  but  that  we  are  wise  enough  to 

bear  much  from  each  other  for  love's  sake.     I  cannot  say  for 

Christ's  sake.     Neither  you  or  I  are  lifted  high  enough  above 

the  things  of  Earth  to  make  our  rest  there.     That  may  come 

yet.     In  earnestness  I  wish  it  may.     Do  not  think  it  flippant 

that  I  have  said  so  here.     It  is  written,  and  the  letter  must  go 

in  the  next  half  hour.     There  is  no  chance  for  correction  when 

one  writes  in  this  way.     We  drive  down  this  afternoon  though 

it  rains  every  little  while.     I  wish  you  were  with  us,  dearest, 

so  do  the  children  wish  it.  i^  ^  ^     7     a 

Yours  most  truly,  oarah 

From  Johnson  Harvey  to  General  Butler 

Sandwich,  De  Kalb  Co.,  Illinois,  August  28,  1864 

My  dear  Sir:  In  the  name  of  God  and  Humanity  can 
nothing  be  done  by  the  constituted  authorities  to  terminate  the 
sufferings  of  our  brave  boys  confined  as  prisoners  of  war  in  the 
bull-pens  at  Andersonville,  Ga.-f*  35,000,  it  is  said,  are  there 
without  shelter,  clothing,  or  food  sufficient  to  keep  soul  & 
body  together,  nearly  two  hundred  are  dying  daily,  while  four 
hundred  are  raving  maniacs  already. 

Tens  of  thousands  of  these  prisoners'  friends  at  the  North 
have  no  rest  night  or  day  on  their  account.     I  am,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant,  Johnson  Harvey 

From  General  Butler  to  Johnson  Harvey 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina 

Dear  Sir:  Your  letter  reed.  Our  Govt,  are  doing  all  they 
can,  and  have  made  every  offer  that  is  consistent  with  our 


116        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

dignity  to  the  Rebels  to  effect  an  exchange.     I  am,  however, 

glad  to  be  able  to  say  that  matters  look  more  bright,  and  I 

hope  ere  long  we  will  succeed  in  relieving  our  brave  soldiers 

now  in  prison.  t^ 

^  Yours 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina 

Fort  Monroe,  Virginia,  August  i9th,  1864 

Dear  General:  I  have  just  arrived  from  the  front  to  see 
poor  Turner;  he  cannot  live  24  hours.  The  Doctors  all  agree 
that  he  is  past  recovery.  I  feel  very  sad,  as  he  was  very  dear 
to  me. 

Everything  was  quiet  when  I  left.  Ord  had  entire  charge  of 
matters,  and  desired  that  no  orders  of  any  kind  be  issued  for 
any  purpose  except  by  him.  I  of  course  was  content,  as  I  was 
relieved  of  all  responsibility.  Do  I  issue  for  Head  Quarters 
by  Ord's  order  what  is  needed?  I  think  General  Ord  is  dis- 
posed to  exercise  authority  while  it  lasts.  He  would  not  con- 
sent to  Heckman's  Brigade  going  to  N.  C.  for  the  present,  and 
he  moves  slow  in  getting  off  100  men,  but  all  this  makes  little 
difference.  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  call  sent  me  by  J.  Austin 
Stevens.  He  says  it  was  a  compromise  with  all  hands  after  I 
left.  Governor  Andrew  had  the  principal  hand  in  drawing 
it.  He  says  it  is  being  signed  in  all  the  states,  to  be  put 
out  immediately  after  the  Chicago  Convention. 

Nothing  of  importance  to  write  about.  There  is  of  course 
much  speculation  among  oflBcers  as  to  your  being  in  Wash- 
in  haste  and  love,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

Call  referred  to  in  Following  Letter 

TO  THE  PEOPLE 

The  undersigned,  citizens  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  and  uncondi- 
tional  supporters   of   the  National   Government,   convinced, 

That  a  Union  of  all  loyal  citizens  of  the  United  States  upon 
the  basis  of  a  Common  Patriotism  is  essential  to  the  safety  and 
honor  of  the  Country  in  this  crisis  of  its  affairs,  and 

That  none  of  the  Candidates  for  the  Presidency  already  pre- 
sented can  command  the  united  confidence  and  support  of  all 
loyal  and  patriotic  men. 

Do  Therefore  respectfully  invite  their  fellow-citizens  of  like 
views,  in  this  and  other  states,  to  send  delegates  equal  in  num- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        117 

ber  to  their  respective  Congressional  delegations  to  a  Con- 
vention to  be  held  at  Cincinnati,  on  Wednesday,  the  28th 
day  of  September  next,  for  friendly  consultation,  and  for  the 
selection  of  Candidates  for  the  Presidency  and  Vice-Presidency 
of  the  United  States,  in  the  confident  hope  of  securing  through 
their  election  the  early  return  of  Peace,  by  conquering  the 
Rebellion,  and  of  maintaining  the  Integrity  of  the  American 
Union,  the  Honor  of  the  Government,  and  the  Rights  and 
Liberties  of  the  People. 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Aug.  27,  1864 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  General:  This  call  is  being  signed  by  nearly 
everybody  here.  Groesbeck  &  five  Judges  have  given  it  the  lead, 
and  some  of  them  are  shoving  it  in  person.  Nothing  ever  hit 
this  public  so  well,  (so)  I  am  told  by  such  men  as  L.  D.  Camp- 
bell, who  has  been  working  with  me  here  for  48  hours,  and  just 
now  gone  home. 

I  enclose  you  copies  of  editorials  that  I  dictated  to  the 
Gazette  &  Times  —  they  w^ere  in  this  morning's  and  evening's 
papers. 

Knowing  how  much  they  wanted  somebody  to  lean  upon  at 
the  Tribune  and  Post  oflSces  in  New  York,  I  have  at  my  own 
expense  telegraphed  these  two  documents  to  Jno.  A.  Stevens, 
Jr.  this  P.M.,  asking  him  to  give  them  to  the  papers,  &  saying  to 
him  that  ''every  body  is  signing  here."  Hon.  L.  D.  C.  charges 
me  to  represent  him  in  the  meeting  at  Dudley  Field's  parlor 
on  the  30th,  as  saying,  "For  God's  sake,  gentlemen,  don't 
let  up  now  —  let  us  go  through  and  we  will  carry  everything 
by  storm."  Ben.  Eggleston  bids  us  privately  God  speed  — 
can't  lead  just  now.  Judge  Stanley  Mathews,  a  Lincoln 
elector  in  this  city,  signs  the  call  and  circulates  it  for  signa- 
tures. 

I  have  sent  it  to  B.  Gratz  Brown,  Z.  Charde,  Jno.  Hickman, 
&  others,  with  copies  of  the  editorials  enclosed. 

Every  man  I  have  met  says,  "Give  me  Butler."  A  great 
many  here  think  it  would  be  wise  to  retain  Johnson  on  the 
ticket  as  he  is.     Campbell  is  of  those. 

I  try  to  get  this  in  the  mail  to-night  —  go  to  New  York  to- 
morrow night  10  o'clock,  may  write  at  length  tomorrow.  All 
goes  charmingly  —  never  was  a  more  center  shot  at  pub- 
lic desire  &  aim,  —  the  whole  prayer  here  is  for  the  East  to 


118        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

"stand  firm"  and  have  the  Con.  even  if  they  ratify  Mr.  L's 
nomination  again. 

I  am  much  pleased  with  all  I  find  west  —  the  best  men  &  two 
papers  are  committed  here  so  that  they  cannot  back  out.  You 
shall  hear  from  me,  &  I  remain 

Faithfully,  &c.,  J.  K.  Herbert 

P.S.     The  Com.  Gaz.  &  Times,  have  all  told  me  they  preferred 
you  to  any  other  man  for  Pres. 

From  F.  W.  Bird  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  Aug.  ^\st,  1864. 

Dear  General:  The  bearer,  my  friend  and  business  agent 
Mr.  H.  W.  Presley,  is  experiencing  some  inconvenience  in  busi- 
ness matters  at  Norfolk. 

He  is  a  man  of  character,  and  you  can  rely  upon  his  state- 
ments. I  have  no  doubt  it  is  the  result  of  a  misunderstanding, 
and  if  he  had  been  there,  Gen.  Shepley  would  have  been  satisfied. 

Whatever  you  can  properly  do,  please  do  for  him,  as  you 

^^'^^'^^^''  Your  Obd't  ServH,  F.  W.  Bird 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Personal.    Fort  Monroe,  September  %nd,  1864 

Dear  General:  I  learn  from  Puffer  that  you  will  be  de- 
tained longer  than  you  had  expected.  I  learn  this  morning 
that  Meade  has  gone  North  on  short  leave,  and  I  am  disposed 
to  think  that  it  would  be  well  for  you  to  get  here  as  soon  as 
you  conveniently  can.  You  know  that  your  absence  North 
creates  much  speculation,  some  of  which  is  to  your  advantage 
and  some  not. 

I  think  just  now  that  Grant  wants  some  one  to  advise  with 
and  point  out  the  dangers  ahead.  I  may  be  mistaken,  but 
I  don't  think  I  am,  in  the  signs;  we  may  escape  trouble  in  the 
North,  but  I  feel  confident  that  we  will  have  it.  Bad  blood 
is  being  engendered,  and  the  Military  will  have  to  assume  control. 
Mark  what  I  say.  Let  the  dissatisfied  with  the  present 
nomination  work,  keep  clear  of  these  yourself.  Your  shots 
have  been  fired.  You  have  nothing  more  to  say,  unless  called 
out  by  a  letter  from  a  convention  of  loyal  men.  Such  con- 
vention will  meet.  Whether  it  will  be  of  suflScient  importance 
in  point  of  numbers  and  character  to  authorize  you  to  attach 
your  fortunes  to  it,  is  a  question  for  the  future  to  decide.     If 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        119 

it  is  of  suflBcient  importance,  I  am  for  your  throwing  your 
strength  with  it, — if  not,  then  clearly  your  true  role  is  the 
Soldier's.  In  playing  that  role,  you  can  plead  that  your 
duties  are  in  the  field  and  not  the  political  arena.  Now,  as 
to  coming  back  as  soon  as  possible,  there  are  several  reasons 
for  it,  1st  Ord  is  not  able  to  manage  the  command.  2nd  You 
have  many  enemies  in  the  Army  of  Potomac  who  fear  and 
hate  you.  Your  absence  gives  them  opportunity  to  talk. 
Third.  You  will  escape  any  possibility  of  being  compromised 
by  being  in  the  neighborhood  of  where  the  new  political  com- 
binations are  being  formed.  You  will  be  able  to  point  out  to 
Grant  the  necessity  of  trimming  his  sails  for  the  storm,  as  he 
is  now  reaching  a  point  where  he  must  be  both  Soldier  and 
Politician  (or  if  you  like  the  word  better.  Statesman) .  Certain 
it  is  the  People  are  in  a  condition  to  be  reasoned  into  any 
kind  of  crazy  demonstrations  by  excitable  and  devilish  leaders. 
And  we  all  know  when  that  point  is  reached  that  Mr.  Lincoln's 
imbecility  more  than  ever  will  show  itself,  and  then  the  only 
safety  is  in  a  strong  will  and  cool  head  at  Army  H'd  Qr's. 
That  is  your  place.  I  have  written  you  just  as  things  look 
to  me,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  you  see  matters  in  the 
same  light. 

Turner  is  improving  slowly,  but  still  is  in  a  very  critical 
situation.     Please  telegraph  me  when  you  will  be  here. 

Your  Friend  until  the  End,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sept.  3rd,  1864 

Dearest:  I  will  not  write  a  word  of  the  condition  of  the 
house,  and  the  apathy  and  silence  that  steals  in  when  friends 
go  out,  not  to  return  for  some  time.^  You  were  wise  and 
kind  when  you  asked  me  upstairs,  and  spoke  those  words 
that  you  thought  would  comfort  me.  I  was  growing  more 
still  and  wretched  every  moment.  I  should  not  have  sought 
you  again.  If  you  had  left  me  with  that  feeling  hardening 
at  my  heart,  it  would  be  ill  for  both  of  us. 

After  our  conversation  of  the  night  but  one  before,  which 
I  dreaded,  dearest,  many  times  more  than  you  could,  but  yet 
must  have  or  suffer  when  you  had  gone,  our  minds  were  not 
attuned,  as  I  thought  they  would  be  in  a  day  or  two,  if  you 
could  stay  so  long.     When  you  came  to  me  and  said  a  little 

1  General  Butler  returned  to  Lowell  between  Aug.  27tli  and  Sept.  3rd,  1864. 


120        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

roughly,  "I  go  this  afternoon,  see  that  my  things  are  ready,"  I 
could  not  reconcile  myself  to  it  at  once.  And  on  your  return 
from  the  office,  when  you  began  counting  your  money,  and 
finally  when  I  asked  if  you  had  anything  to  say  and  you 
answered,  so  indifferently,  "No,  nothing;"  then  grew  the  hard, 
wild  feeling  in  my  bosom,  let  me  look  elsewhere  for  the  gentle- 
ness and  sympathy  that  he  has  no  time  or  wish  to  give.  He 
hates  me !  I  may  find  it  with  children  or  friends  as  something 
that  will  give  help,  but  not  here !  This  was  all  very  wicked,  and 
I  would  not  write  it  to  you,  but  that  you  may  see  wherein  you 
dealt  wisely  in  speaking  to  me  as  you  did  before  you  left. 

Now,  the  house  is  not  so  dull,  the  children's  voices  are 
merry,  and  tomorrow  we  shall  be  so  busy  that  the  great  change 
will  not  be  so  marked.  They  are  all  in  bed  now.  Good- 
night, dearest,  very  kindly.  I  am  not  unhappy,  but  very 
still  and  full  of  thoughts,  that  I  should  like  to  send,  but  when 
on  paper  they  are  not  the  ones  I  wanted. 

Friday  morning.  We  are  all  very  active  today.  There  are 
a  world  of  things  to  do  for  all  of  us.  Gilman  has  sold  the 
black  horse  for  a  hundred  and  twenty -five  dollars.  I  really 
do  not  see  why  you  should  keep  a  horse  and  cow  for  another 
man's  use.  The  hay  and  grain  are  very  dear.  Mr.  Pearson 
looked  solely  to  his  own  advantage,  not  yours,  in  his  proposal. 
I  will  talk  to  him  again,  and  see  what  it  amounts  to.  You 
have  the  buckskin  horse  with  you,  worth  a  dozen  like  this; 
would  it  not  be  as  well  for  Mr.  Pearson  to  buy  this  horse  and 
take  care  of  him,  even  if  he  has  him  at  a  cheap  rate.?  I  will 
go  down  to  Boston  tomorrow  with  Blanche  and  look  at  your 
bust.  Dr.  Edson  came  this  morning  to  call  on  you,  and 
wishes  me  to  send  his  regards.  There  are  several  things  I 
wished  to  ask  you  about,  but  I  forget  them.  —  Your  ward- 
robe, if  it  should  be  sent  home  from  Paul's,  etc.  When  you 
are  back  at  camp  you  will  think  of  your  visit  with  more  pleasure 
than  in  the  turmoil  of  meeting  political  people,  and  the  excite- 
ment of  a  city.  You  will  think  of  me  more  kindly  even  than 
when  you  left,  for  you  will  see  things  just  as  they  are.  And 
you  will  be  glad  that  I  am,  so  truly  and  devotedly  your  own 
Sarah. 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  Sept.  3,  1864 

My  dear  Gen'l.:  I  have  just  had  a  long  interview  with 
Sen.  Chandler.     I  have  not  had  time  to  write  at  length  &  be 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        121 

certain  to  reach  you  in  time.  But,  briefly,  he  is  sent  here 
by  Wade  and  others  from  the  west  to  say  to  Mr.  L.,  &  he  & 
Washburn  &  Harlan  did  say  to  him  to-day,  throw  overboard 
your  Cabinet  or  we  can't  save  you.  He  is  to  see  Mr.  L. 
tomorrow  again  to  get  his  ultimatum. 

He  has  telegraphed  to  Wade  to  meet  him  at  the  Astor 
House  on  Tuesday  5  A.  M.  He  wants  to  see  you  by  all  means, 
and  will  try  his  utmost  to  get  ready  to  come  on  with  me  to- 
morrow night,  but  if  he  cannot  he  begs  that  you  remain  until 
he  &  Wade  both  can  see  you  on  Tuesday.  Cannot  you  have 
Richardson  or  some  of  the  boys  telegraph  me  by  "Indepen- 
dent" telegraph  tomorrow  "Cannot"  or  "Can,"  meaning 
that  you  can  or  cannot  remain  until  Tuesday.  I  assure  you 
it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  for  you  personally. 

They  want  L.  to  put  you  in  the  War  Dept.  or  say  that  he 
will  make  no  change  at  all,  when  they  are  in  favor  of  doing 
another  thing  that  we  have  been  laboring  for. 

I  won't  write  more  but  try  to  have  you  get  this  without 

fail.     In  the  greatest  haste,      ,,         j.  .^j  j.  „     t  t^  tt 
°  V ours  faithfully,  J.  K.  H. 

From  Erastus  Wright  to  General  Butler 

Spkingfield,  Illinois,  Sept.  ith,  1864 

Dear  Sir:  Allow  me  to  suggest  a  thought  touching  this 
long,  protracted,  and  bloody  war.  The  great  wickedness 
of  this  nation  has  been,  and  is  today  Slavery.  The  plague 
is  in  the  hearts  of  the  people.  The  leprosy  is  there.  The 
curse  is  not  removed.  The  nation  has  got  to  put  away  the 
Achans.  The  7th  chapter  of  Joshua  might  be  read  as  easy 
as  to  make  50  Parrott  guns,  and  if  heeded,  would  be  ten  times 
more  efficient.  If  one  Achan  put  a  "spell"  on  the  whole 
Army  of  Israel,  God's  chosen  people,  and  with  Joshua,  a 
Godly  man,  as  commander,  what  might  we  expect  from  a 
score  of  Achans  not  alone  in  the  army  but  some  in  the  Cabinet. 
I  had  a  talk  recently  with  my  old  neighbor  Father  Abraham. 
I  stand  by  him  yet,  although  many  of  his  best  friends  have 
their  feelings  alienated  and  wounded  by  his  sympathy  with 
slavery,  as  though  there  was  any  goodness  in  so  Godless  a 
wretch  as  a  slaveholder.  The  curse  has  to  be  put  away; 
and,  dear  Genl.,  I  say  again,  put  away  the  accursed  thing 
or  we  ought  to  bleed.  Yea!  the  Nation  ought  to  be  destroyed. 
We  have  joined  issue  with  God,  our  Maker.  The  colored 
man  is  a  human  being,  and  is  as  precious  in  the  sight  of  God 


122        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

as  you  and  I,  has  a  right  to  his  wife  and  children  as  much  as 
Mr.  Lincoln,  or  his  Godless  master  that  has  robbed  him  not 
only  of  wages  his  whole  life,  but  the  children  and  wife  that 
God  gave  him.  Dear  General,  if  "God  is  no  respector  of 
persons,"  what  penalty  would  be  justly  due  the  nation  or  the 
inhuman  monster  that  would  do  to  your  family  or  Gen.  Grant's 
as  we  have  to  the  friendless,  crushed  slave  .'^  The  crime  of 
the  horse  thief,  the  highway  robber,  is  nothing  to  the  crime 
of  robbing  you  of  an  immortal  soul  that  God  gave  you,  no 
comparison. 

We  are  bleeding  as  we  richly  deserve  until  we  put  away 
the  Hellish  thing  and  every  sympathiser.  There  is  no  property 
in  man. 

Talk  of  compensating  so  Godless  a  wretch  as  a  slave  monger ! 
It  is  an  abomination.  Since  the  move  in  Congress  to  that 
end,  I  laid  the  case  before  my  God,  and  ardently  desired  its 
frustration.  I  wrote  to  many  members  who  I  am  persuaded 
understand  more  of  Law  than  Gospel,  that  the  Divine  Mind 
is  clearly  expressed  in  a  case  in  point  in  Exodus  12th,  34  to 
37.  Where  God  directed  the  Children  of  Israel  (slaves)  to 
borrow  of  the  Egyptians  (masters)  their  jewels  of  silver  and 
jewels  of  gold  and  raiment,  which  they  did,  and  Spoiled  the 
Egyptians  (masters)  as  all  the  slaveholders  in  America  ought 
to  be  spoiled,  for  God  knew  they  ought  not  and  never  would 
return  them.  This  is  God's  rule,  and  this  is  Justice.  Away 
with  Compensation;  away  with  the  thought  of  property  in 
man.  Cast  overboard  every  slaveholder  or  sympathiser 
with  the  Hellish  System,  whether  in  the  cabinet  or  in  Com- 
mand in  the  army.  The  nation  would  be  a  hundred  per  cent 
stronger  without  them  than  with  them.  Halleck,  Blair, 
Scofield,  and  I  could  name  several  in  the  cabinet.  I  solemnly 
believe  it  would  be  a  God-send  if  they  could  be  removed. 

I  have,  a  number  of  times,  heard  it  urged  against  volunteer- 
ing. They  object  because  of  sympathisers  with  a  system 
that  God  will  curse,  being  kept  in  command. 

Every  reading  man  knows  it  is  a  Damning  Sin  —  hence  it 
is  repulsive  to  his  feelings  and  against  enlistment. 

The  change  of  commanders,  McClellan  or  Fremont  for 
Lincoln,  will  not  alter  the  result:  the  Stain  is  in  the  heart 
of  the  Nation,  and  has  got  to  be  burnt  out,  until  we  shall  not 
only  be  willing  to  "let  the  oppressed  go  free,"  but  to  define  and 
plead  their  cause,  not  treat  them  with  contempt  like  this 
skin-deep   Christianity  for  the  last  30  years;    neither  treat 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        123 

them  as  cotton  bales  as  Gillmore  is  reported  to  have  done  at 
Fort  Sumpter  and  brought  disaster.  Did  not  God  see  half 
that  Regt.  slaughtered,  raw  troops  put  in  front?  Sumpter 
is  not  taken  yet.  And  let  me  say,  dear  General,  as  I  keep 
the  record  a  little,  in  every  instance  for  the  last  3|  years  of 
this  Day  of  Penalty,  where  kindness  and  mercy  have  been 
shown  toward  the  Slaves,  God's  favor  has  been  manifested, 
and  in  every  instance  of  inhumanity  His  wrath.  Is  one  of 
those  slaves  to  blame  for  this  Judgment  of  the  Almighty: 
if  not,  let  him  be  released  and  defended. 

In  the  last  30  years,  many  in  agony  and  torment  have 
said  in  the  words  of  the  Prophet,  "  The  Lord  look  upon  it,  and 
require  it."  The  magnitude  of  the  crime  is  indicated  by  the 
Penalty. 

If  our  penalty  is  not  enough,  let  us  hold  on  to  the  accursed 
thing  a  while  longer.  General,  in  yours  to  me  in  1861,  dated 
at  Old  Point  Comfort,  many  were  the  high  commendations  of 
those  who  perused  it.  Can  I  ask  the  favor  of  a  short  answer. 
Also  that  this  letter  may  pass  under  the  eye  of  Lt.  Gen.  Grant, 
whose  interesting  good  Lady  and  family  I  had  the  pleasure 
of  travelling  with  up  from  Cairo  just  after  the  battle  of  Fort 

Yours  truly,  Erastus  Wright 

This  letter,  you  say,  too  long  for  a  Major  General  in  com- 
mand. I  say,  too  much  blood  for  slavery,  slavery,  slavery. 
Pleading  for  God's  poor  as  he  requires  is  honoring  God,  and 
God  says,  "them  that  honor  me,  I  will  honor."  Hence  the 
success  of  our  noble  General  Butler. 

I  profess  to  be  a  Bible  man,  and  am  satisfied,  if  slavery  is 
not  entirely  put  away,  this  nation  will  be  destroyed.  It  is  a 
damning  sin  as  high  as  Heaven  and  deep  as  Hell.  If  God 
has  heard  the  cry  of  the  poor  and  come  for  deliverance,  who 
shall  hinder.  Remember  old  Pharaoh,  whose  track  we  are 
following,  was  Pharaoh,  and  all  his  host  turned  into  Hell, 
not  a  man  escaped.  If  his  slavery  (for  he  never  took  wife  or 
child),  mild  as  it  was,  received  the  penalty  of  death,  what 
misery  and  torment  has  this  whole  Nation  merited  for  that 
same  sin  in  superlative  degree.'^  All  written  "For  our  in- 
struction."    E.  W. 


124        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Fifth  Avenue  Hotel,  New  York,  Sept.  5th,  1864 

To  the  Editor  of  the  Times 

Enclosed  I  send  you  a  note  from  the  Agent  of  Exchange  of 
Prisoners  to  the  Confederate  Commissioner,  Mr.  Ould,  in 
reply  to  his  offer  to  accept  in  part  proposition  made  by  me 
eight  months  since,  to  exchange  all  prisoners  of  war  held  by 
either  belligerent  party. 

Without  awaiting  my  reply,  Mr.  Ould  has  printed  his  offer, 
for  which  purpose  it  seems  to  have  been  made.  I  am  therefore 
driven  to  the  same  mode  of  placing  my  justification  of  the 
action  of  this  Government  in  possession  of  the  public  before  it 
reaches  the  Confederate  Commissioner. 

Respectfully, 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  &  Com.  of  Exchange 

From  Hiram  Barney 

Custom  House,  New  York,  Collector's  Office,  Sept.  6th,  1864 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Army  of  the  Potomac 

My  dear  General  :  I  was  sorry  not  to  see  you  again  before 
you  left  the  city.  I  write  to  say  that  your  letter  to  Ould  is 
the  subject  of  universal  admiration  and  praise.  Men  of  the 
highest  literary  attainments  and  of  excellent  judgment  in 
such  matters  have  said  that  it  is  the  ablest  and  most  satis- 
factory public  document  that  has  appeared  during  the  war  — 
another  said,  "It  is  the  best  paper  I  ever  saw." 

Let  me  congratulate  you  on  this  successful  achievement. 
It  is  rare  that  a  man  handles  both  the  sword  and  the  pen 
with  great  skill  and  ability. 

I  am  always  yours,  Hiram  Barney 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

5th  Avenue,  Sept.  5th,  1864 

My  dear  little  Wife:  I  am  so  glad  that  any  act  of  mine 
can  make  you  cheerful  and  happy.  I  have  had  not  one 
moment  to  spare  since  I  got  here.  I  took  the  invitation  of 
Mr.  Barney  to  go  out  to  his  country  house  to  spend  Sunday, 
because  I  would  not  have  myself  complicated  by  all  the 
politicians  who  insisted  on  calling  upon  me.  He  has  a  very 
fine  country  house  about  12  miles  from  here.     I  found  there 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        125 

his  son  and  two  daughters,  one  a  Httle  girl  of  fifteen  and  the 
other  a  miss  of  twenty,  a  fine  girl.  It  so  happens  that  I  have 
not  spoken  to  any  other  woman.  Isn't  that  strange?  Had 
a  pleasant  time  —  came  back  this  morning.  The  good  news 
from  Atlanta  has  set  the  people  wild.  I  think  one  more 
success  and  Mc'L's  chances  vanish.  I  wish  you  were  here. 
I  have  nobody  whom  I  can  talk  to  when  all  the  others  are 
gone.  Fisher  and  Florence  went  on  Saturday.  They  were 
not  on  the  train  that  ran  off  the  track. 

How  are  you  getting  on  at  home?  Get  ready  to  come 
down  with  me  as  soon  as  possible,  for  I  do  want  to  see  you 
very  much.  Could  you  see  how  everybody  is  afraid  of  the 
Administration  you  would  then  see  how  little  can  be  done 
outside  of  regular  nominating.  I  go  down  tonight  and  Parton 
goes  with  me,  and  is  trying  to  persuade  Mrs.  Parton  to  go. 
Don 't  be  jealous  —  you  will  be  well  rid  of  an  annoyance  if 
she  does  go.  I  think  you  will  hear  of  severe  fighting  near 
Petersburg  soon,  and  I  must  be  there. 

Goodbye,  dearest,  Your  little  note  gave  me  great  pleasure 
as  they  always  do  when  they  do  not  give  me  great  pain  to 
find  you  unhappy  and  sad.  Be  happy  and  love  very  much 
in  spite  of  his  faults  —  your  husband  t>  f  B 

From  Dudley  Bean  and  Co. 

Norfolk,  Sept.  5th,  1864 

Gen.  G.  F.  Shepley 

We  respectfully  ask  permission  to  move  from  North  West 
Locks,  about  16  miles  distant,  to  Norfolk,  by  the  lighter 
"George  Washington,"  No.  289,  twenty-one  bales  cotton. 
This  we  purchased  between  the  20th  of  June  and  12th  of 
July  last.  It  has  already  been  greatly  damaged  by  depreda- 
tion and  exposure  to  all  weather.  Crew  of  the  lighter  "  Asariah 
Perkins"  and  one  man  (colored). 

Most  respectfully,  Yours,  Dudley  Bean  and  Co. 

From  General  Shepley 

Head  Quarters,  District  of  Eastern  Virginia,  Norfolk,  Va.,  Sept.  8tk,  1864 

[Not  in  chronological  orderj 

Approved  subject  to  condition  that  the  applicant  shall 
sell  it  only  to  the  Agent  of  the  United  States. 

G.  F.  Shepley,  Brig.  Gen.  Comdg. 


126        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Count  Adam  Gurowshi  to  General  Butler 

Long  Branch,  Sejpt.  7th,  1864 

My  dear  General:  According  to  your  kind  permission, 
hereby  included  is  the  application  of  Mr.  Moore  for  a  permit. 
The  list  is  carefully  prepared  according  to  the  regulations  of 
the  War  Department,  and  is  perfectly  in  good  faith.  When 
you  have  endorsed,  order  to  send  and  direct  it  to  J.  B.  Moore, 
309  F  Street,  Washington.  Neither  bitters  or  brandy  peaches 
are  included,  so  your  kind  permit  will  release  me  body  and 
soul. 

My  dear  General,  allow  me  to  talk  politics.  I  am  wholly 
upset.  I  have  horror  to  vote  for  Lincoln,  I  wish  from  my 
soul  to  destroy  McClellen.  What  to  do.'*  I  consider  that 
the  nomination  of  McClellan  can  easily  be  beaten  to  pieces, 
and  that  our  party  ought  to  nominate  a  man  for  the  emer- 
gency. You  leaders  ought  to  do  it.  I  die  from  impatience 
to  be  able  to  write  for  a  man  of  my  choice  as  you. 

And  if  A.  Lincoln  is  elected,  what  security  have  the  true 
patriots  that  you  will  have  a  preponderating  influence  in  his 
councils,  and  that  you  will  have  a  broad  and  grand  space  for 
action?     I  am  perplexed  almost  to  despair. 

Your  truly  devoted,  Gurowski 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Sept.  7,  1864 

My  dearest  Sarah:  I  am  here  in  the  house  after  a  very 
stormy  voyage  down  the  bay.  Mrs.  Parton  was  as  sick  as 
you  could  be,  and  that  is  putting  it  strong  enough.  All 
nearly  sick.  Fisher  is  here,  having  come  this  morning.  I 
am  right  off  to  the  front  this  morning.  There  is  no  news 
whatever. 

The  struggle  will  come  between  Lincoln  and  McClellan, 
and  the  latter,  if  he  writes  a  patriotic  letter  putting  himself 
squarely  on  the  side  of  the  country,  has  the  best  chance. 
Turner  is  much  better  —  it  is  believed  he  will  recover. 
Webster  is  here  all  right. 

I  send  enclosed  a  lot  of  letters  which  I  found  waiting  me 
here,  and  only  wish  I  had  found  one  letter,  which  I  hope  to 
do  when  the  mail  comes  in. 

Yours  truly  as  ever,  my  dearest,  Benj. 

P.  S.     The  mosquitoes  are  terrible.     B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        127 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Fort  Monkoe, 

Sept.  8,  1864 

My  dear  Sarah:  I  am  back  in  camp  again,  and  oh!  so  lonely 
after  all!  Why  should  I  stay  here  fretting  and  laboring? 
Who  will  thank  him  who  does  it?  I  am  sure  I  would  not  do 
this  if  I  did  not  really  think  I  could  do  my  work  better  than 
any  man  in  the  country.  Events  have  settled  it  better  than 
any  other  way  that  Lincoln  is  to  be  run  again,  and  again 
elected  perhaps.     I  have  therefore  nothing  to  hope  or  to  fear. 

A  truce  to  this,  however.  I  had  much  rather  hear  that 
you  are  peaceful  and  happy  in  your  thoughts  and  feelings 
than  that  the  election  had  gone  one  way  or  the  other.  You 
will  come  down,  I  suppose,  in  the  course  of  thirty  days,  and 
then  I  think  you  can  come  for  some  time  to  the  front. 

It  is  very  cool  here  —  so  cool  as  to  need  fires.  Mrs.  and 
Mr.  Parton  are  delighted  with  theirs,  only  they  see  so  many 
things  to  be  delighted  at.  You  will  kiss  the  boys  for  me, 
and  tell  them  their  father  loves  them  very  much,  and  is  very 
proud  of  them  as  good  boys,  and  that  they  must  study  so  as 
to  grow  up  and  fill  his  place  and  more  too. 

I  am  writing  in  the  morning,  and  the  mail  calls. 

Yours,  dearest,  Benj. 

From  General  Butler 

Hdqrs.  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  in  the  Field,  September  9th,  1864 

Hon.  Robert  Ould,  Commissioner  of  Exchange  of  the 
Confederate  Authorities 

Sir:  I  propose  that  the  belligerent  parties,  waiving  all 
other  questions,  shall  from  time  to  time  exchange  all  sick  and 
invalid  officers  and  men  who  from  wounds  or  sickness  shall, 
in  the  judgment  of  the  party  holding  them,  be  unfit  for  duty 
and  likely  to  remain  so  for  sixty  days. 

I  make  this  proposition  in  order  to  alleviate  the  sufferings 
of  those  unable  to  bear  the  confinement  incident  to  a  prisoner 
of  war,  and  whose  condition  might  be  benefited  by  the  com- 
forts of  home  and  medical  treatment  by  their  friends. 

I  trust  and  believe  that  this  measure  of  obvious  humanity 
will  meet  your  agreement,  as  I  am  satisfied  no  advantage  can 
accrue  to  either  party  by  retaining  such  men  in  confinement. 
As  a  further  evidence  of  the  strong  desire  on  the  part  of  this 
Government  to  expose  their  soldiers  to  as  little  hardship  as 


128        LETTERS   OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

possible,  consistently  with  such  action  as  they  feel  called 
upon  to  take  to  observe  their  good  faith,  pledged  alike  to  all 
soldiers,  although  it  will  involve  the  Government  in  a  very 
considerable  expense,  yet,  to  save  the  sick  and  suffering  a 
long  and  tedious  transportation  by  rail,  I  will  receive  such 
invalid  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  United  States  as  may  be 
confined  in  the  States  of  North  and  South  Carolina  and 
Georgia  at  Fort  Pulaski,  near  Savannah,  and  will  transport 
thither  any  such  invalids  of  the  Confederate  forces  as  may  be 
in  our  possession  who  can  be  more  easily  carried  thither. 
Other  invalid  prisoners  in  the  Western  departments  I  will 
deliver  at  such  points  on  the  Mississippi  River  as  may  here- 
after be  agreed  upon;  the  invalid  soldiers  of  the  United  States 
to  be  received  in  exchange  therefor  who  are  convenient  to 
those  points.  Full  rolls  of  invalids  so  exchanged  to  be  kept, 
so  that  the  equivalents  may  be  adjusted  hereafter. 

Asking  as  early  as  possible  attention  to  this  proposition,  I 
have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Major-General  and 

Commissioner  of  Exchange 

Official  Records,  Series  2,  Vol.  7,  Page  793. 


From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Sept.  9th,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife:  I  do  not  like  this  camp  life,  and  if  I 
have  to  stay  here  I  shall  be  sorry.  I  went  home  and  tasted 
the  sweets  and  comforts  of  domestic  and  home  pleasures. 
I  didn't  know  how  much  I  was  weaned  from  them,  and  how 
custom  had  made  the  tent  and  trundle-bed  pleasant.  Nothing 
has  changed  here  at  all.  We  are  awaiting  the  arrival  of  men. 
Meanwhile,  the  canal  is  slowly  progressing.  We  can  hardly 
be  said  to  do  more  than  exist. 

Since  I  wrote  you,  Seward's  speech  has  come  to  hand,  and 
lest  you  should  not  get  it  I  will  send  the  Herald  with  it. 

Greely  has  given  in  his  adhesion  to  Lincoln,  and  it  is  now 
him  or  nothing.  Grant  has  written  in  favor  of  Lincoln. 
But  the  non-enforcement  of  the  draft  will  kill  them,  I  fear. 
The  draft  should  be  enforced. 

Turner  is  better  and  out  of  danger.  Shaffer  has  gone  to 
Washington. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        129 

My  dearest  wife,  suppose  you  and  I  go  home  together,  and 

stay  there  and  not  go  away  again.     I  believe  that  would  be 

best.     I  am  sick  and  tired  of  it  all.  ^.  -r, 

I  ours,  Benj. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Sept.  10th,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife,  Sally:  How  do  you  do  this  fine  morn- 
ing.? You  are  not  yet  up,  eh!  Have  you  slept  well?  Did 
you  dream  of  me?  Or  did  you  dream  of  snakes,  having  eaten 
salad  over  night?  What  will  you  have  for  breakfast?  Mutton 
chops  and  a  cantelope?  Can't  have  it.  Cantelopes  all  gone 
and  sheep  ran  away.  Coffee  and  toast  and  a  tomato.  Can't 
have  eggs.  Eggs  are  dear,  but  get  up  and  I  will  tell  you  what 
I  am  doing.     Well  then  —  nothing! 

We  are  waiting  here  for  troops.  Lee  is  massing  all  he  can 
get  for  another  attack  on  the  Weldon  Road,  which  we  shall 
have  in  a  day  or  two.  Grant  dined  with  me  yesterday.  He 
feels  very  much  annoyed  that  there  is  to  be  no  draft.  Intends 
sending  to  the  President  to  meet  him  at  Fortress  Monroe. 

All  well  here  except  that  I  have  had  an  attack  of  the  old 
complaint  —  of  the  hotel.  Turner  is  rapidly  recovering. 
Shaffer  has  gone  to  Washington.  Our  mail  has  failed  us. 
Baltimore  boat  has  broken  down.  I  have  received  but  two 
letters  from  you  —  one  at  Fifth  Avenue  and  one  directed  to 
Fortress  Monroe.  There  must  be  three  or  four  behind. 
Write  me,  dearest,  so  that  I  may  have  some  comfort. 

Yours,  Benj. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sept.  11th,  '64 

Dearest:  There  will  be  several  days  pass,  and  no  letter 
from  me.  When  the  opportunity  has  gone  we  cannot  recall 
it.  Now,  I  should  be  glad  if  the  letters  were  on  the  road. 
A  letter  for  every  day.  But  the  days  passed  and  I  did  not 
write  them. 

There  were  none  from  you  until  yesterday.  Two  came 
together.  Yes,  there  was  one  from  N.  York,  written  the 
week  before.  Your  stay  was  longer  there  than  at  home. 
And  it  seems  without  any  expected  result.  I  mean  that 
nothing  anticipated  was  accomplished.  If  either  of  these 
men  are  elected  (as  one  must  be  I  suppose),  it  does  not  look 
as  though  your  opportunities  would  be  very  good.     Yet  they 

VOL.    V — 9 


130        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

may.  Men  and  politics  change  so  rapidly  that  one  cannot 
look  four  months  ahead,  and  judge  with  any  certainty  of 
what  may  occur.  Your  brightest  hopes  at  present  must  be 
in  the  field  and  with  Grant.  To  look  forward  the  next  four 
years,  with  no  better  rule  for  the  country  than  that  of  the 
last  four,  is  disheartening.  But  it  must  be  borne.  But  yet 
I  think  you  will  find  enough  to  fill  the  time  very  much  to 
your  satisfaction.  I  should  be  very  glad  to  be  nearer  to  you. 
My  mind  acts  more  freely  when  close  to  the  scenes  of  action, 
and  in  daily  contact  with  those  engaged  in  the  strife  of  either 
war  or  politics.  I  hope  Weitzel  will  soon  return  to  you. 
I  am  not  sorry  that  Shaffer  leaves.  You  will  find  it  lonely 
for  a  few  days  after  the  excitement  of  the  last  fortnight.  But 
soon  you  will  be  so  actively  engaged  you  will  hardly  have 
time  to  speak  to  me  when  I  arrive.  Mrs.  Parton,  too,  will 
make  the  days  lively  while  she  is  present.  But  with  all  the 
pleasure  that  she  or  others  have  the  charm  to  give,  you  must 
yet  "remember  to  keep  promises,  love." 

Harriet,  Paul,  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pearson,  go  up  to  stay  a 
week  with  old  Dr.  Richardson.  They  start  tomorrow.  I 
have  two  dressmakers  in  the  house,  and  have  worked  so 
much  ripping  and  cutting  that  one  of  my  eyes  became  in- 
flamed. That  is  one  reason  why  I  did  not  write  every  day. 
I  shall  look  for  a  letter  from  you  tomorrow,  and  that  will 
give  me  spirit  to  write  again.     This  work  must  be  done,  but 

Yours  very  dearly,  Sarah 

Mrs.  Ames  was  here  this  week.  If  I  think  of  it  when  I  see 
you,  I  will  tell  you  some  of  her  stories  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lincoln 
and  her  adventurous  (or  ess!)  self. 

I  felt  disgusted,  I  must  confess,  that  he  should  give  her 
opportunity  to  mix  herself  with  himself  and  wife,  though  not 
dishonorably  yet  not  altogether  creditably,  and  give  her  the 
chance  to  boast  of  it.  And  pretend  to  call  in  question  the 
conduct  of  a  lady  holding  the  highest  position  in  the  land  for 
want  of  courtesy  to  Mrs.  Ames!  Pshaw!  it  goes  against  the 
grain  to  hear  it. 

They  are  waiting  for  me.     Goodbye. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        131 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  field,  Sept.  Uth,  1864 

My  dear  little  Wife  :  Another  day  has  passed  by  like  all 
the  rest,  save  that  I  have  been  quite  sick.  I  began  to  fear 
that  I  should  have  chills  and  fever,  but  I  trust  I  am  not. 
Here  we  are  waiting  for  men  and  nothing  being  done  to  get 
them.  I  verily  believe  the  rebels  are  getting  their  men  faster 
than  we  are. 

We  have  had  no  mail  for  two  days,  and  I  do  not  know 
when  we  are  to  get  another,  but  I  suppose  we  shall  get  one 
sometime.  I  have  had  but  two  letters  from  you  since  I  left 
home. 

How  are  you  getting  on  with  your  arrangements  for  coming 
away?  You  may  get  ready,  as  I  hardly  suppose  that  I  shall 
stay  in  Lowell  this  winter  in  any  event.  The  mail  is  ready, 
my  own  love,  and  so  goodbye  p. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  12,  '64 

I  HAVE  rec'd  the  following  despatch  from  Deep  Bottom. 
"Rebels  say  on  this  line  that  they  attacked  us  at  Ream's 
Station  last  night  and  were  badly  whipped." 

Have  you  any  information  on  it.f^     Please  answer. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Fort  Monroe, 

Sept.  12,  1864 

My  dearest  Sallie:  What  is  the  matter  with  you? 
Couldn't  you  be  without  a  letter  a  single  day  and  not  make 
up  faces?  I  agree  I  did  no  good  in  going  to  New  York  so 
soon,  for  there  was  nothing  to  be  done,  but  I  left  New  York 
Monday  night. 

As  for  the  sons  of  Mr.  Barney  —  they  were  somewhat 
commonplace,  as  indeed  were  the  daughters.  Neither  in- 
terested me. 

I  am  thinking  that  you  will  find  out  after  a  while  who  is  the 
most  attentive  in  writing  and  who  values  letters  most.  I 
have  written  every  day,  and  I  only  got  two  letters  last  night. 
I  send  you  the  key  of  my  pistol  box,  presented  me  by  the 


132        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

Sanitary  fair.  Write  me  if  the  box  comes.  What  has  hap- 
pened to  the  children  that  you  do  not  mention  them?  Perhaps 
you  think  I  do  not  want  to  hear  from  them.  There  you  are 
mistaken.  You  see,  I  am  in  ill-humor  this  morning,  as  I  am 
still  sick.  I  do  not  know  what  ails  me.  I  have  no  appetite, 
am  feverish,  nauseated,  and  feel  aches  and  pains  all  over. 
If  I  had  you  to  nurse  me,  I  would  go  to  bed  and  be  sick,  but 
it  won't  do  in  camp,  and  so  I  shall  keep  up.  You  mustn't 
expect,  therefore,  a  long  letter  or  a  pleasant  one  from  yours, 
dearest,  Benj. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Sept.  ISth,  1864 

My  dear  Sarah  :  No  mail  last  night  —  no  letter,  so  be- 
tween the  vagaries  of  the  mail  and  your  little  whims  I  think 
I  am  hardly  used,  don't  you.^^  I  am  better  this  morning,  I 
hope  permanently.  The  truth  is,  I  have  been  very  unwell 
for  three  days  past,  and  began  to  fear  that  I  had  contracted 
the  fever  of  the  climate. 

Nothing  on  earth  is  going  on  here  to  relieve  the  tedium. 
As  to  politics,  I  see  nothing  yet  to  give  a  clew  to  a  change. 
Grant  has  written  a  letter  in  favor  of  Lincoln,  in  fact. 

What  are  you  all  doing  at  home?  How  are  the  boys? 
How's  Blanche?  How's  your  little  self?  —  "last  not  least" 
and  best,  with  your  little  whims,  humors,  and  fancies.  .  .  . 

Goodbye  dearest,  .  .  .  Benj. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  field,  Sept.  14,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife:  No  letter  again  last  night.  I  suppose 
the  mails  broke  down  again.  Fisher  is  here.  Shaffer  came 
up  last  night,  just  from  Washington.  All  are  confident  there 
of  Lincoln's  election.  Everything  quiet  here.  I  had  a 
visitation  in  the  shape  of  Dudley  Bean.  Oh,  but  he  is  a  true 
man  and  so  deep !  Slimy  too  —  makes  you  feel  like  a  snake 
was  running  over  your  naked  foot  while  he  is  talking,  a  green 
snake.  He  had  seen  McClellan.  Had  I  seen  McClellan? 
No!  Had  heard  I  had.  I  could  elect  him.  McClellan  knew 
it.  Dr.  Marcy  said  so.  Dr.  Marcy  is  McClellan's  wife's 
brother,  a  remark-a-a-bly  a-a-ble  man.     Haven't  seen  McClellan 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    133 

since  '62.  Well,  I  declare.  Perhaps  I  didn't  think  McClellan 
could  be  elected.  Not  on  the  platform.  Well,  to  be  sure, 
that  is  an  objection,  etc.  etc. 

Now,  having  said  nothing  in  all  that  conversation,  what  do 
you  suppose  the  scamp  will  say  I  said.  I  am  getting  better, 
I  believe,  and  I  hope  to  be  quite  well.  Dr.  McCormick,  who 
returned  last  night,  advises  me  to  go  down  to  the  fort  to  get 
well,  but  I  guess  I  shall  get  over  it  without  that.  There  is 
no  attraction  at  the  fort  now.  Goodbye,  dearest,  I  would 
give  a  good  deal  for  a  kiss  and  good  morning.  t> 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sept.  lith,  '64 

Deaeest:  You  write  that  you  are  ill,  or  rather  that  you 
are  recovering  from  sickness.  There  is  no  great  earnestness 
in  your  letter,  as  if  you  cared  much  for  it,  or  anything.  You 
do  not  ask  me  to  hurry  my  arrangements,  nor  was  it  worth 
while,  the  time  will  roll  round  and  gradually  they  will  become 
complete. 

Do  you  still  find  it  lonely  and  wearisome?  With  sickness 
added  it  must  be  tedious.  But  you  have  not  said  you  would 
be  glad  if  I  were  there,  and  so  I  have  no  excuse  for  hurrying. 
My  impatience  of  all  these  irksome  things  inflicts  a  special 
discipline,  well  devised  no  doubt  for  present  and  future  benefit. 
Ah,  my  love,  you  do  not  miss  me  much,  not  as  I  have  you! 
"But  travelers  must  be  content.  Aye,  be  so,  good  Touch- 
stone!" 

Yesterday  Judge  Morgan  rode  up  in  the  rain,  simply  to 
call  on  me  and  send  his  regards  to  you.  I  urged  him  to  stay 
over  night,  but  he  could  not.  So  many  have  said  Banks  was 
dead  and  buried.  I  told  Shaffer,  who  scouted  all  future 
attempts  on  his  part,  that  in  one  year  he  would  again  be  an 
object  of  admiration.  In  less  time  he  rises,  not  with  "twenty 
mortal  gashes  on  his  head,"  but  from  defeat  and  the  basest 
stigma  on  his  character  to  take  a  seat  in  the  Senate.  Judge 
Morgan  says  he  will  be  sent  from  Louisiana.  Could  anything 
be  more  delightful  to  him  or  Mrs.  Banks?  Those  lovely  lace 
dresses  will  make  the  Washington  ladies  wince  with  envy. 
Sustained  by  Seward,  and  coming  in  with  a  new  beginning  of 
the  Administration,  what  position  could  be  better?  Morgan 
says  McClellan  has  not  a  chance,  that  his  letter  has  killed 
him,  that  he  is  not  a  peace  but  a  war  democrat,  and  that  his 


134        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

platform  does  not  differ  from  Lincoln's.  Now,  I  supposed 
there  never  was  a  chance  for  him  if  he  represented  the  peace 
party,  and  that  in  fact  he  had  taken  the  right  ground  for 
success.     So  you  see  how  opinions  differ. 

When  Judge  Peabody  was  here,  he  asked  me  to  speak  to 
you  of  a  case  of  yours  that  Durant  has  charge  of,  now  left  in 
the  courts,  which  he  thinks  should  be  discharged,  not  left  to 
hang  there,  perhaps  to  be  again  called  up.  If  Durant  will 
move  it,  he  is  ready  to  aid,  and  Banks  is  willing  to  dismiss  it. 
That  is  all  I  know  of  it.  It  seems  Durant  did  not  think  it  of 
much  consequence. 

I  should  be  very  glad  to  look  in  upon  you  tonight  to  know 
if  you  are  well.  And  you,  how  would  you  like  to  see  me 
walk  in?  I  surprised  you  once  that  way.  Where  is  the 
officer  who  had  the  gallantry  to  ride  so  far  that  night  .^^  He 
was  sensible  and  gentlemanly.  I  meant  to  remember  his 
name  and  urge  his  promotion.  Well,  dearest,  would  you 
like  to  see  me!  "Yes,  very  well  if  you  did  not  weary  me  with 
asking  the  question."     Goodnight,  goodnight. 

Thursday  morning.  The  day  is  breezy  and  beautiful.  If 
you  were  here  we  would  go  out  for  a  picnic.  Our  time  in 
Lowell  is  nearly  finished.  We  shall  never  live  here  for  any 
length  of  time  again.  I  will  write  you  my  views  one  of  these 
days.  Or  maybe  wait  till  I  see  you.  I  try  to  hurry  the 
time,  and  know  I  am  foolish  to  do  it. 

Yours,  dearest,  most  affectionately,  Sarah 

From  George  Wilkes  to  General  Butler 

Private.    New  York,  Sept.  15th,  1864 

Dear  General:  Since  writing  you  on  Tuesday  I  have  seen 
Gov.  Curtin  and  received  a  letter  from  Winter  Davis.  The 
former  says  he  will  send  a  delegation  to  Cincinnati,  and  Davis 
says  he  will  do  the  same  from  Delaware  if  I  will  say  the  word. 
I  thought  the  best  I  could  do,  therefore,  was  to  put  them  in 
correspondence  with  one  another. 

After  I  left  you  at  the  Fifth  Ave.  Hotel,  it  struck  me  we 
should  not  have  to  consult  the  Lincoln  powers  at  all  to  proceed 
with  the  machinery  of  our  convention,  and  hence  the  position 
of  my  leader.  It  strikes  me  yet,  if  we  could  only  get  a  con- 
vention together  we  could  make  it  the  master  of  the  situation, 
in  despite  of  the  Lincoln  influences. 

I   confess,    however,    the   prospect   now   looks   very    slim. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        135 

Stevens  virtually  deserted  when  he  went  out  of  town.  When 
he  came  back  I  overhauled  him,  and  during  an  hour's  council 
at  Field's  office  had  it  settled  that  he  should  print  the  call  on 
Wednesday  morning  last,  in  all  the  dailies,  supported  by  four 
columns  of  indiscriminate  names.  It  appeared  to  me  that  such 
an  apparent  popular  ground-swell  would  be  more  imposing  than 
any  40  or  50  signatures,  however  good;  but  Stevens  unfortu- 
nately failed  again.  Greely's  defection  and  the  Maine  election 
quite  took  the  starch  out  of  him.  If  you  have  any  suggestions 
to  make,  or  directions  to  give,  I  will  gladly  follow  them. 
Moreover,  if  strong  measures  are  ever  necessary  to  save  the 
country,  please  bear  in  mind  that  there  is  one  man  in  New  York 
who  will  gladly  risk  all  he  has  to  take  a  part  in  them. 

Very  respectfully  yours,  George  Wilkes 

From  George  Wilkes  to  General  Butler 

Office  Wilkes'  STpirit  of  the  Times,  201  William  St.,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  15,  1864 

Dear  General:  I  have  already  mailed  a  note  to  you  this 
morning,  but  since  then  it  has  struck  me  that  if  the  Convention 
fails,  we  can  at  least  call  mass  meetings  in  every  state,  and 
request  the  people  to  inscribe  their  preferences  on  their  ballots, 
by  way  of  instructing  the  President  how  to  form  a  Govern- 
ment, and  also  as  a  protest  against  his  inferiority  and  un- 
worthiness. 

It  would  be  a  noble  proof  of  the  intelligence  and  patriotism 
of  this  people  to  see  them  accept,  through  their  electors,  a 
man  for  President  whom  they  could  thus  be  made  to  repudiate 
by  a  vote  of  two  to  one. 

If  Mr.  Lincoln,  thus  rebuked,  could  not  be  forced  to  retire, 
in  favor  of  the  successful  name,  the  result  would,  at  least,  so 
humble  him  that  he  would  be  tractable  to  the  public  wishes  in 
the  future. 

Please  let  me  know  how  this  strikes  you  as  a  dernier  resort? 
Would  it  not  be  in  fact  an  election,  and  under  certain  ultimate 
moral  (?)  pressure  as  good  an  election  as  we  want.'^ 

This  will  enable  us,  here,  to  get  gracefully  out  of  the  failure 
of  the  Cen.  Convention,  and,  if  you  think  well  of  it,  I  will 
propose  the  change  of  programme  next  week. 

A  telegram  with  a  simple  affirmative  signed  by  Col.  Shaffer 
will  instruct  me. 

This  seems  to  me  to  be  better  than  sinking  to  the  earth 

^   '  Very  respectfully,  yours,  Geo.  Wilkes 


136       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

P.  S.  Under  this  programme,  organization  would  have  to 
be  formed  of  course  on  one  particular  name,  and  committees 
take  charge  of  printing  the  endorsed  ballots  in  all  the  states. 
I  think  the  people  would  be  so  tickled  with  this  idea  that  old 
Abe.  would  not  get  a  I  vote.     I  go  to  press  on  Monday.     G.  W. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Sept.  15th,  1864 

My  dearest  Sarah:  Where  do  you  think  I  am  writing  this? 
Why,  at  Fortress  Monroe  to  be  sure,  sitting  in  your  chamber  at 
the  head  of  your  bed  on  the  same  little  table  that  you  write  on, 
and  hardly  realizing  the  fact  that  you  may  not  speak  any  minute. 
But  why  are  you  writing  there?  say  you.  Well,  to  tell  the  truth, 
I  have  been  trying  to  be  sick,  so  McCormick  insisted  that  I 
should  come  down  to  the  fort  and  take  a  sweat  last  night.  So 
down  we  came  (mind  I  am  not  the  least  sick  enough  for  a  doc- 
tor), got  here  about  9  o'clock,  found  Webster  gone  to  Norfolk 
and  not  to  return  we  didn't  know  when,  and  all  the  keys  gone 
with  him.  So  we  broke  open  the  door  to  our  room,  heated 
some  water,  I  took  a  warm  bath,  a  preparation  by  the  doctor, 
a  warm  toddy,  two  bottles  of  hot  water  to  my  feet,  and  went 
to  bed,  with  six  blankets  on  and  sweat  "powerful."  Not  a 
wink  of  sleep  did  I  get,  however,  the  doctor's  opiate  was  so 
strong  that  it  kept  me  broad  awake.  The  mosquito  bar  was 
so  wrong  that  it  fell  down  on  my  nose,  affording  the  mosquitoes 
a  resting  place  while  they  bit  me.  I  woke  up  this  morning, 
however,  very  considerably  better,  that  is,  the  threatened  fever 
has  gone  and  left  me  powerful  weak. 

Gen.  Grant  goes  north  to  the  Valley  tonight,  so  I  shall  go 
back  tomorrow.  Don't  argue  that  I  am  sick  from  all  this, 
not  so  —  I  was  only  afraid  I  was  going  to  be  sick. 

I  got  your  two  notes  this  morning.  I  am  impressed  with 
the  unhappy  tone  of  them.  Why  is  not  all  well  with  you? 
I  try  to  make  it  so,  but  you  seem  determined  not  to  let  me 
do  so.  I  am  glad  I  did  not  get  them  last  night,  as  they  would 
have  been  sad  bed-fellows  in  the  long,  uneasy  night.  You 
speak  of  hopes  for  the  future.  I  haven't  any  —  the  future 
is  now  here  to  me.  All  that  I  am,  all  that  I  am  to  be,  I  am 
now.  In  fact,  it  may  be  that  this  thing  existence  or  being 
called  I,  elevated  or  depressed,  may  be  expanded  or  com- 
pressed thereby,  but  not  to  the  consciousness  of  I.  Therefore 
the  future  is  here,  for  it  can  bring  to  me  fears  none,  hopes  few, 
and  expectations  from  it  none. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   137 

I  hope  Harriet  will  receive  some  benefit  from  the  Lancaster 
journey,  but  I  think  not,  save  in  the  change  of  scene.  You 
ask  me  to  think  of  you.  There  is  no  need  of  that.  I  do  so 
think  of  you  very  much  more  and  more  as  this  future  comes 
nearer  and  nearer,  but,  my  dearest,  it  is  beneath  you  to  write 
me  admonitions  which  are  reproaches.  If  you  will  read  the 
letters  I  have  received  since  I  came  from  home  you  will  see 
what  I  mean,  and  then  understand  why  I  was  then,  still  am, 
and  ever  shall  be  sure  that  I  was  right,  and  should  have  re- 
mained steadfast  in  that  right  of  not  speaking  of  any  thing 
that  should  not  be  spoken  of.  I  knew  too  well  the  result, 
foresaw  it,  and  was  fool  enough  to  be  persuaded  into  changing 
what  was  a  lifetime  conviction  upon  some  supposed  idiocy 
that  you  were  not  like  other  women.  Now  you  have  a  right 
to  write  me  such  admonitions,  but  you  had  better  not.  I  do 
not  think  it  will  help  the  condition  of  either  of  us  for  me  to 
receive  such  warnings  as  can  be  found  in  the  old  copy  books, 
"Evil  communications  corrupt  good  manners,"  "Be  virtuous 
and  be  happy,"  "Remember  your  promise,"  etc.  etc.  We 
might  as  well  begin  with,  "In  Adam's  fall  we  sinned  all." 
What  do  I  most  deserve .^^  Eternal  torment  in  hell  from 
which  I  have  been  mercifully  saved  through  the  sacrifice  of 
my  blessed  Savior,  and  so  through  the  Catechism.  I  have 
had  gentlemen  friends  to  whom  I  never  could  exhibit  a  weak- 
ness without  being  perpetually  reminded  of  it  whenever  I  saw 
them.  "Do  you  remember,  Butler,  how  tight  you  were  that 
night .f^  etc."  Or  one  never  meets  you  without  he  commences, 
"Do  you  remember  how  you  used  to  live  in  that  little  house 
undeB  the  hill.'^  etc."  "It  wasn't  such  a  grand  house  as  you 
live  in  now."  Or,  "Have  you  seen  Jo  Brindlet,  that  you  hit 
with  your  stick  because  he  called  you  a  little  cock-eyed  devil  .f*" 
Does  ever  one  like  to  meet  such  reminders?     How  far  will 

one  go  out  of  the  way  not  to  meet  one  of  them.''  t. 

^  -^  Benj. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sept.  \Qth,  1864 

Dearest:  Now  I  know  you  are  sick  from  your  letter.  It 
is,  as  you  say,  a  little  bit  ugly.  But  I  do  not  mind  that. 
I  am  troubled  that  you  are  ill.  I  shall  look  early  for  a  letter 
from  you  today.  If  you  are  ill,  you  must  not  wait  to  write 
but  telegraph  to  me  at  once.  I  can  leave  on  the  day,  as  I 
did  Fortress  Monroe.     I  depend  on  this,  and  shall  not  be 


138   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

easy  till  you  promise  it.  I  do  not  like  your  symptoms  as  you 
describe  them.  They  are  something  like  those  that  belong 
to  the  breakbone  fever.  That  is  not  dangerous,  I  think,  but 
very  troublesome.  Tell  Dr.  McCormick  to  write  me  word 
what  ails  you.  And  do  not  keep  me  from  coming  an  hour  if 
you  are  down  to  the  bed.  Now,  dearest,  trusting  that  this 
letter  will  find  you  better,  I  shall  answer  the  remainder  of 
yours.  You  mistook  me  a  little.  It  was  for  Blanche  I  was 
interested  to  know  of  the  sons.  You  know  I  like  the  old 
gentleman,  and  fancy  his  sons  would  be  agreeable.  The 
daughters  are  less  objects  of  interest,  except  to  compare  with 
her.  And  I  suppose  that  under  it  I  wanted  to  spite  you  a 
little.  You  must  see,  it  was  a  trial  of  patience  to  have  you 
leave  in  that  abrupt  way,  and  then  detained  for  nothing.  I 
knew  well  enough  you  must  go,  and  the  likelihood  that  you 
would  be  detained,  still  I  could  not  feel  indifferent  for  we  do 
not  always  govern,  but  are  governed  hy  our  feelings.  Have 
I  made  the  amends,  you  testy  baby  of  the  family.'^  If  I  have, 
kiss  me  this  minute,  and  do  not  prate  any  more  that  you 
cannot  write  me  "long,  and  pleasant  letters."  Is  it  long, 
or  love  letters  .f^  I  cannot  exactly  decide  which  word  you 
have  written.  But  you  will  write  both  long  and  loving  letters, 
if  you  are  not  sick.  No,  mine  are  the  long  letters.  Yours 
shall  be  the  loving,  short  and  sweet!  Is  not  that  fair.^^  But 
if  you  are  sick,  I  will  be  long,  loving,  and  of  infinite  kindness 
and  tenderness,  so  that  you  will  like  to  have  me  near  you  every 
moment. 

Did  I  not  write  of  the  children.'^  That  is  because  nothing 
would  do  but  I  must  monopolize  all  your  attention.  That 
was  very  contemptible.  To  begin  with,  our  lovely  eldest, 
she  is  growing  so  full  and  ruddy,  she  looks  like  luscious  fruit, 
grown  in  a  sheltered  spot  that  the  sun  has  kissed  and  ripened 
to  delicious  perfection.  The  richest  peach  Benny  has  brought 
in  his  basket  cannot  compare  with  the  color  in  her  cheeks. 
He  has  displayed  the  treasures  he  has  gathered  this  morning, 
and  piled  them  all  about  me,  tempting  with  the  white  and 
pink,  the  deep  yellow  and  bright  crimson,  explaining  the 
superior  quality,  flavor,  and  juiciness  of  each.  Paul  and 
Harriet  are  at  Dr.  Richardson's,  return  in  a  few  days.  Now 
I  must  take  room  to  write  you  about  a  horse,  sent  here  yester- 
day. A  boy  brought  him  with  a  bill  of  expenses,  three  dollars, 
from  Boston.  Frazer  says  he  was  sent  from  New  York. 
Have  you  ordered  one  home  from  the  Fort.^^     Frazer  says 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        139 

he  is  wholly  worthless.  Blind,  poor,  and  has  the  heaves. 
He  is  afraid  to  put  him  with  the  other  horses,  and  will  turn 
him  into  the  field.  Did  you  send  a  horse,  or  is  this  a  practical 
joke?  What  shall  we  do  with  him.^  Ah,  I  did  not  finish 
with  Blanche,  I  was  so  afraid  I  should  forget  the  horse.  Yester- 
day she  wore  a  lovely  green  muslin,  an  easy  fit  four  weeks 
ago,  and  truly  it  is  very  becoming  to  her  with  the  splendid 
color  in  her  cheeks.  Unfortunately,  she  was  compelled  to 
sneeze  —  the  belt  burst  asunder,  and  the  buttons  flew  off  at 
the  neck.  She  looked,  as  Trifle  has  said,  like  a  carnation  just 
bursting  from  its  pod.  The  "Swan"  is  well  and  happy,  and 
full  of  love  for  his  father.     In  most  things  he  imitates  his 

°^^    ^^*  Yours  as  ever,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  17th,  1864,  3.45  p.m. 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant,  at  Baltimore,  Care  of  Maj.  Gen.  Wallace 

All  is  quiet  along  the  entire  line.  Yesterday  afternoon 
three  brigades  of  Hempton's  Cavalry  turned  our  left,  and 
struck  cattle  corral  about  seven  miles  below  City  Point. 
Captured  about  (2000)  two  thousand  head  of  cattle  and  one 
telegraphic  construction  party.  A  cavalry  force  was  sent 
out  to  cut  them  off,  also  Hancock  moved  to  intercept  them 
with  a  division  of  infantry.  The  result  is  not  yet  known. 
Rumor  is  that  the  cattle  are  recaptured.  They  broke  the 
telegraph  lines  so  that  we  send  to  Powhatan,  will  advise 
farther  through  Gen.  Wallace  to  send  you  at  Burlington. 
The  line  will  be  repaired  this  evening. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Meade 

In  the  Field,  4.20  p.m.,  Sept.  llth 

Have  you  any  information  concerning  the  captured  cattle 
or  movements  on  the  left.?       g^^^  -p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  17th,  1864 

Hon.  Simon  Cameron,  Philadelphia 

Your  note  to  me  at  New  York  just  received.  Is  it  not 
possible  for  you  to  come  here.?  I  think  it  would  be  worth 
your  while.  g^^j^  p^  Butler 


140        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sej)t.  I7th,  '64 

Dearest:  I  have  two  letters  from  you  today,  one  from 
Bermuda  Hundred,  the  other  from  the  Fortress.  You  have 
been  ill.  You  say  you  are  better.  When  you  wrote  of  course 
you  thought  so.  But  you  could  hardly  tell  so  soon  after  a 
sweat.  If  you  are  incautious  after  such  a  night  I  know 
how  bad  it  will  be  for  you.  The  Doctor  will  be  careful  if  you 
will  allow  him.  Do  submit  to  his  directions.  But  I  need 
not  weary  you  with  urging  it.  My  letter  will  reach  you 
after  the  critical  time.  Your  letter  from  the  Fort  was  long, 
dearest,  the  longest  you  have  written  me.  A  part  of  it  (only 
that  you  were  writing  from  a  sick  bed)  was  very  pleasant. 
The  remainder  was  almost  cruel.  I  have  read  the  letters  that 
you  returned  me.  But  I  do  not  see  in  them  what  you  describe. 
I  have  no  cause  to  admonish,  no  reason  to  reproach.  I  miss 
you,  dearest,  sometimes  very  much.  At  others  I  am  busy, 
and  the  time  runs  on  easily.  When  I  miss  you  most,  there 
may  be  a  sadness  in  my  letters,  but  if  there  is  bitterness  I  do 
not  know  it.  WTien  I  remember  how  little  time  men  have 
for  the  feeling  that  absorbs  so  much  of  woman's  life,  that 
theirs  is  made  up  of  action,  as  it  should  be,  then  I  think,  he 
has  no  time  for  me.  And  like  a  child  or  foolish  girl  I  write, 
"do  not  forget"  "do  you  wish  to  see  me.'^"  "remember  your 
promise!"  "you  must  be  tired  of  my  letters!"  etc.  But 
there  is  no  ugly  feeling  in  this.  I  recollect  you  did  not  like 
it  when  you  first  went  up  the  river.  And  wrote  me  a  little 
coldly  that  it  implied  a  doubt,  that  "I  ought  to  be  convinced 
by  this  time  that  I  possessed  a  reasonable  share  of  your  affec- 
tion." But  I  am  sometimes  an  unreasonable  woman.  But  I 
will  admit  that  all  those  phrases  are  silly.  They  belong  to 
youth  and  not  to  me,  to  a  period  of  life  when  reason  has  not 
the  greatest  ascendency;  to  a  time  when  hopes,  fears,  doubts, 
and  passion  chase  each  other  in  endless  succession.  To 
boyhood  and  girlhood,  not  to  manhood  and  womanhood. 

In  this  way  I  admit  that  you  are  right.  And  know  that  my 
letters  are  commonplace  enough,  sometimes,  though  that 
is  not  what  you  meant.  This  one  of  yours  is  harsh,  though 
you  may  not  think  it  unjust.  Your  sickness  may  make  you 
irritable,  or  your  hopes  are  not  so  high,  and  that  disturbs 
you.  I  do  not  wish  to  think  that  I  am  the  only  cause.  I 
could  weep  at  your  letter,  but  shall  not.     It  is  not  sadness 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        141 

you  want,  but  a  cheerful,  happy,  contented,  trusting  wife. 

Yours  most  truly,  Sarah 

Sunday.  You  have  broken  no  habit,  altered  no  life-time 
conviction,  in  what  you  have  said  to  me.  You  ought  not  to 
bemoan  it  as  folly  that  you  gave  me  another  picture,  less 
terrible  than  the  one  already  limned  in  my  mind,  which  you 
did  not  give  me.  If  you  mean  in  saying  "like  other  women" 
that  I  have  urged  your  confidence  meanly,  to  abuse  it,  you  do 
me  injustice  and  injury.  I  was  grateful  for  your  confidence 
though  it  was  limited,  in  my  heart  I  was  grateful,  and  am  so 
still.  I  have  not  written  one  word  with  a  thought  to  annoy, 
but  if  I  have  done  so,  what  is  the  difference  —  not  much  I 
think.  Once  more  adieu.  If  you  want  me,  if  you  are  still 
sick,  I  will  not  wait  for  the  family.  They  can  come  after. 
The  pistol-case  came  last  night. 

From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  18tk,  12  m. 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant,  Care  of  Maj.  Gen.  Wallace, 
Baltimore  {To  be  forwarded) 
All  perfectly  quiet.  The  cattle  were  not  recaptured. 
Deserters  are  coming  in,  all  reporting  exertions  making  to  fill 
up  the  army.  No  change  in  disposition  of  troops  in  our 
front.  No  cannonading  of  consequence  during  the  morning 
or    last    evening.     Line    repaired    and    working    to    Fortress 

^^"^^^^^  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  Simon  Cameron  to  General  Butler 

Private.     Union  State  Central  Committee  Rooms,  No.  1105  Chestnut  Street, 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  18th,  1864 

Dear  General:  There  is  a  young  Lieutenant  of  Artillery 
who  left  his  law  oflBce  at  the  first  outbreak  of  the  rebellion  to 
come  and  help  us  as  a  private  in  the  first  company  that  reached 
Washington,  and  to  whom  I  tendered  the  commission  he 
now  holds,  and  for  whom  I  have  great  regard  and  feel  much 
interest.  There  seems  to  be  no  promotion  in  his  corps,  and 
I  have  tried  often,  and  generally  without  success,  to  have 
him  placed  under  the  care  of  some  general.  The  people  at 
Washington  always  have  had  some  excuse  for  not  being  able 
to  oblige  me. 


142       LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Last  year,  when  Couch  was  preparing  to  run  away,  he  was 
at  home  on  sick  leave  —  and  against  the  advice  of  his  doctor 
he  came  here  and  offered  his  services  to  Gen.  Smith,  who  made 
him  Chief  of  Artillery,  and  while  Smith  was  in  Maine  he 
was  retained  by  him.  My  object  is  now  to  gain  for  him  your 
notice.  His  name  is  Charles  P.  Muhlemberg,  of  Battery  A, 
5th  Artillery,  18th  Army  Corps,  now  Petersburg.  He  is  in  deli- 
cate health;  and  to  save  him  from  resigning  until  the  war 
closes  I  would  be  greatly  obliged,  if  you  could  place  him  on 
some  detached  service  at  Fort  Monroe  or  near  your  person. 

You  will  find  him  a  faithful  and  attached  friend,  with  great 
intelligence.  His  family  have  controlled  in  this  state  since 
the  time  of  the  revolution,  and  there  has  never  been  a  trickster 
or  coward  or  traitor  of  the  name.  I  will  esteem  anything  you 
can  do  for  him  a  great  personal  favor. 

We  will  carry  the  state,  and  thus  help  you  to  capture  Rich- 

Yours  truly,  Simon  Cameron 
From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  18th,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife:  You  see  I  am  back  again  to  my  old 
tricks,  having  entirely  recovered  my  health,  I  think. 

Your  letters  are  very  irregular,  and  I  missed  yesterday's 
mail  coming  up  here  as  that  went  down.  You  wish  to  know 
why  I  do  not  say  that  I  wish  you  to  come  back?  You  know 
I  never  tease.  It  is  quite  enough  that  you  should  desire  to 
come  back,  and  that  I  should  have  arranged  it  and  expected 
it  without  my  continually  annoying  you,  making  you  home- 
sick, with  questions  upon  the  subject.  I  assume  you  will 
come  as  soon  as  you  can,  that  you  desire  to  do  so,  and  that 
you  will  do  everything  you  can  to  come,  and  am  therefore 
satisfied.     This  ought  to  be  satisfactory,  is  it  not.'^ 

I  should  be  glad  to  look  in  upon  you  this  fine  Sunday  morn- 
ing —  to  take  some  beans  and  fish-balls  and  cofifee,  but  alas, 
I  cannot. 

What  do  you  intend  to  do  about  closing  the  house.'*  We 
shall  go  on  here  all  winter,  I  think.  I  reckon  you  may  as  well 
make  up  your  mind  to  do  so.  There  is  no  political  news 
that  I  hear.     All  is  quiet. 

Yours  most  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   143 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  I9th,  1864,  10.5  a.m. 

Brig.  Genl.  Shepley,  Norfolk 

I  HAVE  ordered  one  Co.  of  the  New  York  Mounted  Rifles 
to  report  to  you  at  Williamsburg.  I  have  also  ordered  the 
remains  of  the  Wisconsin  Regt.,  about  one  hundred  (100)  men, 

to  report  to  you  for  duty  to  relieve  the  27th as  Jail  guards, 

the  men  of  which  will  be  ordered  to  join  their  regiment.  I 
would  not  at  present  relieve  the  negro  troops,  as  a  Provost 
Guard  in  the  city  of  Norfolk  [which]  must  be  fully  settled  by 
perfect  quiet  before  we  can  consent  to  relieve  them. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Sept  imh,  1864 

We  have  4500  infantry,  old  troops.  4000  new  Pennsylvania 
troops.  2500  negro  troops  at  Deep  Bottom.  4000  at  Dutch 
Gap.  2  brigades  of  a  thousand  each  has  gone  across  river  to 
City  Point,  now  on  the  march. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Sept.  I9th,  1864,  1.20  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Benham,  Commanding  Defences,  City  Point 

I  HAVE  ordered  two  Brigades  to  cross  the  river  at  pontoon 
bridge,  to  march  toward  the  Old  Court  House  and  report  to 
you.  You  will  send  a  staff  oflScer  to  the  Point  of  Rocks  road 
to  direct  the  march  of  the  troops  upon  such  points  or  point 
as  may  be  desired  upon  the  information  or  direction  of 
Gen.  Meade.  g^^^  -p  b^^^er,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  19th,  1864,  1.30  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Shepley,  Norfolk 

Have  you  heard  or  seen  anything  of  the  enemy  in  your 
neighborhood.^     Answer. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


144        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Meade 

Sept.  19th,  1864,  1.45  p.m. 

Despatch  received.  I  have  ordered  two  brigades  of  Gen. 
Heckman's  Division  to  proceed  at  once  toward  the  old  Court 
House,  and  report  to  Gen.  Benham. 

I  have  also  ordered  Gen.  Benham  to  send  a  staff  officer  to 
meet  the  troops  at  Point  of  Rocks  road,  and  direct  them  to 
march  upon  the  point  agreed  upon  between  you  and  him. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen' I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  I9th,  1864, 

My  dear  Wife:  I  will  kiss  you  this  minute,  once,  twice, 
three  times,  and  make  up,  so  you  don't  do  so  again. 

As  to  the  horse,  tell  Frazer  to  feed  him  very  well,  keep  him 
well  groomed,  and  fetch  him  up.  Why,  he  is  as  good  blood 
as  Godolphin,  only  he  has  been  abused.  I  am  afraid  you  do 
not  know  about  horses.  He  is  worth,  I  don't  know  how  many 
thousand  dollars.  He  is  Frantz  Cheatham's  thoroughbred, 
and  sire  to  a  long  line  of  illustrious  sons.  He  is  like  old  china, 
or  old  yellow,  dingy-looking,  thread  lace,  of  which  nobody 
can  see  the  value  but  the  owner,  and  those  that  fancy  it. 
Practical  joke!  indeed  is  it  possible  that  this  famous  horse 
has  come  to  that!  Seriously,  it  may  be  more  than  he  is 
worth,  but  tell  Frazer  to  fatten  him  up. 

I  am  better,  thank  you,  and  I  do  not  know  but  quite  well, 
and  I  will  write  you  certainly  whenever  I  am  sick.  I  had 
Fisher  for  nurse,  and  he  is  a  pretty  good  one. 

Grant  is  away  up  at  Burlington,  N.  J.,  where  he  has  taken 
a  house.  Will  be  back  tomorrow.  We  have  lost  a  large  herd 
of  cattle  near  City  Point  by  the  raid  of  the  enemy's  cavalry, 
almost  two  million  dollars'  worth.  It  was  an  enormous 
blunder.  It  has  almost  paid  the  enemy  in  supplies  for  cutting 
off  the  Weldon  road.  However,  I  suppose  nobody  will  be 
blamed  for  it.  Weitzel  will  come  back  tomorrow.  Shaffer 
leaves  this  week.  I  shall  relieve  Davis  today.  Shepley  is 
getting  on  very  well  at  Norfolk,  I  believe. 

Make  that  tall  daughter  of  ours  ride  horseback  every  day  for 
exercise.  She  does  not  take  enough.  She  can  ride  the  colt 
easily,  not  the  least  trouble  in  the  world.  Tell  her  she  must  do 
it.  I  hope  to  see  you  soon,  as  I  suppose  the  fitting  and  trim- 
ming is  nearly  done  now.  nr  .  .  i  -n  t^  t» 
*              "^                           Most  truly  your,  Benj.  F.  B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   145 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Sept.  20,  1864,  7.15  a.m. 

My  dearest  little  Wife:  You  are  not  up  yet,  but  lazily 
stretching  yourself  in  bed.  Why  don't  you  get  up  —  don't 
you  see  I  am  up  writing  to  you  before  breakfast? 

There  is  no  news  here  whatever  except  the  return  of  Grant, 
who  got  back  last  night.  Shaffer  leaves  today.  Weitzel  has 
not  got  back  yet.     Fisher  is  here  —  goes  down  this  morning. 

I  send  you  a  bill  of  that  furniture.  See  if  it  compares  with 
the  bill  you  have  in  the  house.  If  so,  send  it  back.  When  do 
you  think  Harriet  will  be  able  to  come  back?  Has  her  trip 
done  her  any  good? 

I  don't  think  the  rubbing  will  do  Paul  any  good  —  he  is 
over  that  now. 

Write  me  all  the  news,  and  believe  me,  as  the  mail  closes, 
yours,  with  many  kisses  (if  you  are  good), 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  September  iOth,  1684,  9.15  a.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War,  Washington,  D.  C. 

I  HAD  the  honor  to  ask  authority  for  the  recruitment  of 
another  regiment  from  prisoners  of  war  at  Point  Lookout, 
for  service  on  the  Northern  frontier.  This  is  recommended 
by  the  Lieutenant  General.  Having  heard  nothing  from  the 
communication  I  presume  it  miscarried. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  iOth,  1864,  9.45  p.m. 

Brig.  Genl.  Paine,  Deep  Bottom 

Please  send  me  an  exact  analytical  report  of  your  Division 
showing  first  where  every  man  is.  I  do  not  like  the  way 
your  division  is  detailed  about.  I  am  inclined  to  get  it 
together.  Also  a  list  of  all  vacancies  of  officers  with  such 
promotions  as  you  can  approve.  I  have  not  received  an 
answer  yet  to  my  proposition  that  you  should  examine  such 
candidates  for  promotion  in  your  division  as  I  shall  from  time 
to  time  send  you.        g^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


VOL.    V — lO 


146        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  21,  1865 

My  dearest  Sally:  Your  nice  letter  came  to  me  when  I 
was  very  dull.  Write  me  in  your  own  mood  whether  grave 
or  gay.  I  shall  like  them  all.  We  have  made  no  move  here 
yet. 

Sheridan  has  gained  really  a  great  victory  over  Early  in 
the  Valley,  capturing  some  five  thousand  of  his  alive  and 
wounded  prisoners,  and  a  large  number  of  his  dead.  We  have 
fired  a  hundred  guns  in  honor  of  the  victory.  Grant  is  very 
happy  over  it,  as  he  went  up  and  arranged  the  battle. 

I  have  quite  recovered.  Weitzel  has  got  back.  I  do  not 
understand  why  you  should  now  delay  a  very  great  while  at 
home.  Certainly  not  longer  than  the  1st.  When  you  leave 
the  house,  have  all  the  water  drawn  off  from  the  pipes  — 
down  in  the  cellar  there  is  a  shut-off.  Therefore  leave  open 
all  the  cocks  except  the  one  that  shuts  off  the  water. 

I  will  send  you  Parton's  letter.  He  seems  to  have  been 
much  pleased  with  the  visit.  Many  kisses  to  you  and  love 
for  the  children.  Slap  Blanche  for  me  —  she  is  looking  so 
fat  and  saucy.  g^^j  ^ 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  ilst,  1864,  1.20  p.m. 

Lt.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

Telegram  received.  Orders  will  be  given  for  the  utmost 
vigilance  to  watch  any  movement  of  the  enemy,  and  prompt 
advantage  of  it  taken.  ^^^^  ^  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Telegram.     Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  21s<,  1864 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant,  City  Point 

I  HAVE  an  old  regiment  dismounted,  the  1st  Maryland 
Cavalry.  Our  cavalry  force  is  very  much  diminished  here. 
Is  it  possible  to  mount  them.^  May  I  request  you  to  order 
the  horses  from  the  Cavalry  Bureau  to  mount  them. 

By  an  order  of  the  War  Dept.,  8  companies  of  our  cavalry, 
armed  with  Henry  rifles,  have  been  ordered  to  the  other 
army,  and  these  are  to  replace  them. 

Respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER         147 

From  General  Butler 

Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  21s/,  1864 

Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

I  AM  about  to  make  a  move  with  my  cavalry.  It  is  of  the 
utmost  consequence  that  I  have  eight  hundred  (800)  Spencer 
rifles  and  (80,000)  eighty  thousand  rounds  of  ammunition. 
The  requisitions  are  long  since  in.  May  I  ask  you  thus 
informally  to  see  that  I  get  them?  Please  notify  me  by 
telegram  so  that  I  can  make  preparations  as  though  I  had 

Benj.  F,  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sept.  ilst,  1864 

Dearest:  Your  letter  this  afternoon  is  very  pretty.  Not 
a  bit  savage,  and  by  no  means  so  grave  as  the  one  I  had  this 
morning.  I  am  very  glad.  It  puts  me  in  miserable  spirits, 
and  unfits  me  for  work,  when  there  is  not  the  kindness,  gentle- 
ness, and  consideration,  that  we  ought  to  have,  —  in  short, 
when  we  are  ugly  and  show  it.  Then  it  worries  me  exces- 
sively. I  do  not  know,  but  I  have  a  fancy  there  is  a  necessity 
for  it.  Life  with  people  like  you  and  me  cannot  roll  on  like 
a  long,  calm,  quiet  summer's  day.  We  shall  have  the  variety 
of  the  seasons,  storm,  calm,  the  bright  promise  of  spring,  the 
sick  and  melancholy  glories  of  autumn.  All  experiences  of 
life  will  come  to  us  because  we  are  capable  of  them  all,  we 
shall  sound  every  string  from  the  lowest  note  to  the  top  of 
our  compass.  May  we  learn  to  touch  those  strings  gently 
that  produce  discord ! 

Now,  dearest,  what  are  you  doing?  It  is  nearly  ten  o'clock. 
Reading  the  newspapers,  examining  prisoners,  and  presently 
you  will  sink  down  onto  the  little  bed  and  sleep  into  morn- 
ing.    You  have  not  told  me  if  it  is  very  hot  there  yet. 

It  is  funny  about  the  horse.  Do  you  know,  I  told  Frazer 
the  creature  was  rather  smooth-looking.  I  thought  he  was 
delicate  in  shape.  Frazer  still  declares  if  the  animal  is  not 
worthless  he  is  no  judge  of  a  horse.  We  shall  close  the  house 
I  think,  in  about  two  weeks,  unless  you  will  come  home  for 
a  little.  I  wish  you  could,  but  unless  quite  sick  I  fear  you 
will  not  think  of  it.  So  Gen'l.  Grant  takes  a  house  in  Burl- 
ington. Do  you  think  we  shall  take  one  in  Richmond  this 
Winter?     I  do  not  like  you  to  be  in  a  tent  through  the  cold 


148        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

weather.  I  wonder,  I  wonder,  what  we  shall  do  next.  Life 
is  a  puzzle.  Such  an  one  as  I  shall  not  unravel  tonight.  So 
goodnight,  dearest,  it  seems  impossible  you  are  so  far  off  when 
I  see  you  as  clearly  in  your  tent  as  though  it  were  the  next 
room.  I  shall  walk  right  in  and  give  you  —  Goodnight,  my 
dearest. 

Thursday  Morn.  The  Rev.  Doctor's  dinner  gives  me  some 
work,  and  clips  me  of  time  for  you.  He  has  not  dined  with 
us  since  the  family  first  moved  here,  but  once.  I  cannot  fill 
the  last  page.     And  can  only  add  as  ever,. 

Most  affectionately  yours,  Sarah 

From  D.  W.  C.  Farrington 

Norfolk,  Va.,  Sept.  iind,  1864 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Commanding  Department  Va. 
and  N.  C. 

General:  I  have  to-day  bought  the  first  lot  of  cotton,  — 
amounting  to  about  fourteen  (14)  thousand  dollars,  and  have 
drawn  twenty-five  (25)  thousand  dollars  from  Lieut.  Field. 
He  informs  me  that  he  can  let  me  have  but  ten  (10)  thousand 
dollars  in  addition  to  the  sum  above  mentioned,  and  as  I 
have  been  called  upon  to  buy  more  to-morrow,  I  fear  I  shall 
not  have  sufficient  money  to  carry  me  through  the  day.  A 
gentleman  (Mr.  Booth)  called  upon  me  to-day  and  said  he 
daily  expected  100  bales  of  cotton,  which  he  wished  to  sell 
me  for  cash  upon  its  arrival.  This  lot,  if  it  comes,  will  call 
for  about  sixty  thousand  dollars  ($60,000),  and  I  desire  to 
know  where  I  shall  obtain  more  money?  The  Herald  of  the 
20th  inst.  reports  cotton  as  "dull,  heavy,  and  1  @  2^  lower;" 
now,  is  it  not  best  to  ship  to  New  York  for  sale  as  soon  as 
bought,  and,  if  so,  shall  I  ship  by  Balt^  boat  and  railroad, 
or  wait  for  Government  transports.?     To  whom  shall  I  consign? 

Mr.  Hildreth  recommended  Messer  Sawyer,  Wallace  and 
Co.  as  a  first-class  house,  and  said  he  thought  that  you  were 
acquainted  with  them.  If  they  are  not  auctioneers,  however, 
would  it  not  be  better  to  consign  directly  to  an  auction  house 
and  save  a  broker's  commission  thereby?  If  sent  by  sea 
(other  than  the  Balt<^  boat)  should  I  insure  it? 

Should  not  your  order,  appointing  a  cotton  Agent,  be  duly 
advertised  as  such,  thus  giving  a  public  notice  to  holders  of 
cotton?  and  does  the  fact  that  cotton,  which  is  held  here,  was 
brought  into  the  place  previous  to  the  date  of  your  order, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        149 

change,  or  in  any  way  ameliorate  the  clause  which  bids  me 
"to  report  to  the  military  authorities  for  seizure  any  cotton 
attempted  to  be  sent  away  or  stored  by  any  person  without 
first  offering  it  to  him  for  sale"? 

Is  the  holder  obliged  to  pay  the  internal-revenue  tax  of  two 
cents  pr  pound,   before   selling?     I   have   the  honor   to   be, 

'     Your  very  obedient  Servant,  D.  W.  C.  Farrington 
Order  appointing  D.  W.  C.  Farrington  Cotton  Agent 

Fort  Monroe,  Sept.  19th,  1864    [Not  in  chronological  order^ 

To  prevent  loss  to  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  and 
to  enable  those  traders  who  are  desirous  to  bring  cotton 
within  the  lines  of  the  army  so  to  do,  it  is  ordered  that  D.  W. 
C.  Farrington,  Esq.  be  and  he  hereby  is  appointed  Agent  of 
the  United  States  ad  interim  to  buy  all  cotton  brought  within 
the  lines  of  the  army  in  the  District  of  Virginia  in  accordance 
with  the  laws  of  Congress  and  the  Treasury  regulations. 

The  agent  will  keep  an  exact  record  of  each  bale  or  package 
brought  (marking  the  same  distinctly  U.  S.  A.,  with  numbers 
in  series  from  one  upwards,  in  stencil  not  easily  effaceable), 
the  person  of  whom,  time  when,  place,  when  bought,  and 
price  paid,  with  former  marks  and  numbers  of  packages,  so 
that  every  package  bought  by  him  can  be  traced,  with  an 
accurate  account  of  all  expenses  incurred  thereon. 

The  agent  will  report  to  the  military  authorities  for  seizure 
and  take  any  cotton  attempted  to  be  sent  away  or  stored  by 
any  person  without  first  offering  it  to  him  for  sale.  If  for 
the  purpose  of  reimbursing  the  military  authorities  the  money 
furnished  him  for  these  purchases,  it  may  be  necessary  to 
sell  any  of  the  cotton  so  bought,  such  sales  shall  be  made  for 
cash  in  U.  S.  Treasury  notes  at  auction  in  the  cities  of  New 
York  or  Boston,  and  the  agent  shall  hold  the  proceeds,  after 
deducting  the  necessary  and  reasonable  expenses  of  sale  and 
a  commission  not  exceeding  five  per  cent  for  the  risk  and 
trouble,  salary,  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Commanding 
General. 

No  permit  to  bring  in  cotton  shall  be  given  except  under 
the  condition  that  it  shall  at  once  be  offered  to  the  agent  for 
sale.  And  no  permit  shall  be  valid  except  under  the  personal 
signature  of  the  General  Commanding  the  district,  or  of  the 
Commanding  General. 


150   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  24,  '64     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Lieut.  D.  C.  G.  Field,  A.  D.  C,  Ft.  Monroe 

Please  say  to  me  what  balances  are  at  Baltimore  and  New 
York  Treasury  to  my  credit.  Borrow  of  Major  Usher  that 
amount  within  five  thousand  dollars.  Turn  it  over  to  Mr. 
Farrington  for  his  ofiicial  purposes.  Draw  drafts  for  the 
Major  and  send  them  to  me  for  signature. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comcfg. 

From  General  Butler 

Telegram.     Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  (Mth),  1864 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Mr.  D.  W.  C.  Farrington,  Norfolk 

See  Col.  Webster.  Ship  by  the  first  boat  possible  your 
cotton  to  New  York.  Go  yourself  there.  Make  a  bargain 
with  some  auctioneer  to  sell  the  cotton  at  the  cheapest  possible 
rate.  As  there  may  be  large  amounts  there  should  be  large 
deductions  from  the  usual  commissions.  The  Government 
never  insure.  I  have  arranged  with  the  financial  agent  for 
money.  See  him.  The  holder  is  obliged  to  pay  the  internal 
revenue  tax.  Add  the  usual  freight  and  insurance  to  New 
York  to  the  25  cents  pr  pound.  Otherwise  you  do  not  comply 
with  the  Treasury  regulations,  for  it  costs  that  difference  to 
get  it  to  New  York. 

You  may  send  by  the  Baltimore  boat  if  you  think  best. 
Cotton  not  offered  to  you  will  be  seized  in  order  that  the  title 
of  the  owner  as  against  the  United  States  may  be  ascertained. 

B.  F.  Butler,  3Iaj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  22,  1864 

My  dearest  Sarah:  Your  note  about  the  letter  I  wrote 
from  the  fort  came  last  night,  and  was  a  source  of  pleasure 
and  sorrow,  because  I  was  almost  sorry  I  wrote  the  note  at 
all  after  I  sent  it,  and  of  pleasure  that  you  did  not  wholly 
misunderstand  it.  The  whole  is  this  in  a  word.  I  am  sensi- 
tive to  certain  things  beyond  conception,  and  you  have  touched 
me  to  the  quick  in  one  of  them,  but  let  it  pass.  I  have  no 
bitterness  of  feeling  on  the  subject. 

All  remains  here  as  usual.  Shaffer  has  gone.  Weitzel 
has  come.     I  am,  I  believe,  entirely  recovered. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        151 

My  habit  of  lying  in  bed  and  writing  in  the  morning  curtails 
my  letters,  as  the  mail  is  usually  waiting  for  me,  as  it  is  now. 

So  goodby,  dearest,  I  can  alter  that  objectionable  phrase 
in  the  letter  of  last  spring.  You  have  an  "  wnreasonable 
share"  of  my  love. 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Geril.  Army 

From  Thaddeus  Stevens  to  General  Butler 

Lancaster,  Sept.  iind,  1864 

Sir:    We  are  to  have  a  political  meeting  here  on  the  5th 

Oct.  which  we  expect  will  be  large.     Our  people  have  great 

admiration   for   you.     I   am   directed   by   the   committee   to 

solicit  your  attendance  to  address  them.     If  you  would  spare 

a  few  days  from  your  arduous  duties,  I  think  you  would  do 

great  good.     We  hope  to  succeed,  but  need  all  the  help  we 

can  get  —  if  you  leave  Baltimore  in  the  mornng  you  can  be 

here  either  by  the  N.  Central  R.  R.  or  by  Phil,  by  |  past  2 

o'clock  same  day.  m  o 

•^  Ihaddeus  Stevens 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.     Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  23rd,  1864,  11  a.m. 

Surgeon  General  Barnes,  Washington 

The  "Atlantic"  and  "Baltic"  steamers  being  sea-going 
steamers,  are  needed  for  the  public  service  between  now  and 
the  10th  of  October,  which  service  is  approved  by  the  Lieut. 
General.  I  am  unwilling  to  take  the  boats  without  con- 
sulting your  Department.  Please  have  them  temporarily 
turned  over  to  my  Quarter  Master.  ^^^^    ^    -g^^^^^ 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Sept.  23rd,  1864 

My  own  dearest  Wife:  Worse  and  worse.  Here  the 
mail  messenger  has  caught  me  in  bed,  as  I  am  well  and  was 
up  late  last  night.  It  does  not  so  much  matter,  but  you  see 
the  reason  of  my  shortness  of  epistle. 

Not  a  word  more  of  news  to  communicate. 

I  sent  you  your  two  letters  received  last  night,  but  why 
write  so  sadly  as  the  18th  one.'^  God  bless  you,  dearest. 
With  much  love,  I  am,  Benj. 


152        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Deep  Bottom,  Sept.  23,  1864,  1.35  p.m. 

If  Gen.  Birney  has  not  been  successful  in  carrying  the 
works  in  his  front,  I  think  it  will  be  advisable  to  move  out 
to  the  Central  Road.  From  the  enclosed  despatch  you  will 
see  that  all  must  be  done  today  that  can  be  done  towards 

^^^^^^^^-  U.  S.  Grant,  LL  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  24,  '64 

Major  Gen.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10th  Army  Corps 

Please  inform  me  upon  what  authority  prisoners  of  war 
and  deserters  from  the  enemy  sent  to  you  are  forwarded 
other  than  to  the  Pro.  Mar.  at  these  Hd.  Qrs.  as  I  understand 
they  are. 

In  future  will  you  see  that  all  such  persons  are  forwarded 
at  once  to  these  Hd.  Qrs. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  i4th,  1864,  1  p.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

The  2d  Corps  will  relieve  you  tonight.  You  will  mass 
your  corps  in  the  rear  of  its  present  position  when  relieved, 
out  of  sight  of  the  enemy. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  Captain  Thornton,  A.  D.  C,  Norfolk,  Va. 

Head  Quarters  Department  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 
in  the  Field,  Sept.  lUh,  1864 

Capt:  Having  received  authority  from  the  Sec.  of  War  to 
recruit  a  regiment  of  volunteer  infantry  at  Point  Lookout, 
you  are  detailed  and  appointed  recruiting  oflBcer  for  that 
purpose,  and  you  will  take  with  you  two  officers  as  assistants. 
This  regiment  is  to  be  recruited  for  one,  two,  or  three  years 
as  the  men  may  elect.  The  recruitment,  organization,  and 
muster  to  conform  to  existing  regulations.  Officers  will  be 
appointed  in  accordance  with  circular  62,  from  the  Adjutant 
General's  office.  Arms  and  supplies  will  be  furnished  on 
requisitions  through  these  Head  Quarters. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        153 

You  will  report  weekly  to  these  Head  Quarters  your  success 
in  recruiting.  The  prisoners  may  be  informed  of  the  fact 
that  their  place  of  service  will  be  in  the  North  West.  You 
will  find  at  Point  Lookout  three  books  with  questions  to  be 
propounded  to  the  prisoners. 

By  application  to  the  Comd'g.  General,  I  doubt  not  they 
will  be  turned  over  to  you.  At  any  rate,  the  questions  con- 
tained in  those  books  will  be  put  to  each  recruit.  You  will 
apply  to  the  Comdg.  General  to  assign  you  a  place  to  encamp 
your  recruits,  and  apply  to  these  Head  Quarters  from  time 
to  time  for  assignment  of  oflScers  to  aid  you.  Your  recom- 
mendations for  officers  will  meet  prompt  attention,  but  in 
each  case  you  must  assure  yourself  that  the  ofiicer  is  a  man  of 
strictly  temperate  habits.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very 
respectfully. 

Your  Ohdt.  Servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

September  i'ith,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife:  No  letter  last  night.  I  was  indeed 
disappointed.  I  have  received  no  letters  from  you  later  than 
the  19th,  which  I  will  try  to  enclose,  as  I  promised  to  do 
yesterday,  but  failed  in  the  hurry  to  reach  mail. 

All  quiet  here  yet.  Sheridan  has  won  a  second  great  victory 
over  Early,  for  which  we  are  all  rejoicing. 

You  will  see  rumors  in  the  papers  of  my  removal,  but  I  do 
not  think  there  is  any  foundation  for  them.  Grant  gives  me 
his  unabated  confidence. 

I  think  the  question  of  the  election  is  fully  settled,  nor  do 
I  believe  this  war  will  last  very  long.  But  never  mind  the 
war  —  how  are  you?  How  are  the  children.'^  What  are  you 
all  doing  —  when  are  you  coming  home,  i.e.,  down  here  in  the 
mill.? 

So  you  are  getting  fat  on  cream  and  sweet  apples  —  how 
soft  and  child-like  you  will  be,  to  be  sure! 

You  had  better  sell  the  grey  horses.  I  have  seen  Gilman. 
They  will  eat  their  heads  off  twice  over.  Have  we  two  cows.^^ 
If  so,  you  had  better  sell  them,  and  sell  the  hay. 

But  the  time  calls  mail,  and  so  goodby,  with  a  kiss,  my  love. 

Benj. 


154        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  24,  1864 

Hon.  William  A.  Darling,  Chairman  of  Committee 
on  Invitation 

Sir:  I  am  in  receipt  of  your  invitation  to  be  present  and 
address  a  Ratification  of  the  nominations  of  Lincoln  and 
Johnson  to  be  held  at  the  Cooper  Institute  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  Tuesday,  the  27th  day  of  Sept.  instant. 

It  will  not  be  possible  for  me  to  be  present  on  that  occasion. 
Before  many  days  I  propose,  with  my  fellow-soldiers  and  as 
many  of  the  citizens  as  choose  to  meet  us,  to  hold  a  ratification 
meeting  of  that  nomination  much  further  south  than  New 
York,   and  the  necessary  preparations   for   that  assemblage 

eep  me    e  e.        y^j-y  Respectfully  Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 
From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  25th,  1864,  11  a.m. 

Col.  Hoffman,  Commissary  Gen'l.  Prisoners, 
Washington,  D.  C. 
Major  Mulford  leaves  City  Point  this  morning  with  six 
hundred  (600)  officers  and  soldiers,  mostly  disabled  except  in 
case  of  special  exchange.  There  are  at  least  six  hundred 
(600)  more  at  &  about  Richmond  for  another  load.  Please 
get  ready  six  hundred  (600)  of  disabled  confederates,  either  at 
Point  Lookout  or  Fort  Delaware,  preferably  the  latter,  for 
return  trip.  Nearly  thirty  (30)  died  out  of  five  hundred  (500) 
in  the  last  load.  Instruct  the  surgeons  to  send  (no)  more 
who  are  in  that  condition.  The  occurrence  does  not  speak 
well  either  for  the  Government  or  its  officials.  The  rebel 
Commissioner  of  Exchange  agrees  to  deliver  us  at  Fort  Pulaski 
all  the  sick  in  Georgia  by  the  10th  of  next  month,  to  the 
number  of  at  least  five  thousand  (5000).  I  am  preparing 
transportation  for  five  thousand  (5000)  disabled  Confederates 
to  be  carried  down  by  the  same  transports  that  bring  ours  up. 
Please  assemble  them  from  the  various  camps  and  hospitals  to 
points  where  they  can  be  reached  by  the  boats,  and  notify  me. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comdg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        155 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  %5th,  1864,  8.30  p.m. 

Col.  Hoffman,  Commissary  Prisoners,  Washington,  D.  C. 

I  HAVE  made  arrangements  with  Mr.  Ould  to  give  me  at 
least  five  thousand  (5000)  of  our  sick  men  in  Georgia  and 
South  CaroHna,  and  take  what  equivalent  we  may  have. 
I  have  offered  to  take  them  at  Fort  Pulaski  as  an  act  of 
humanity,  because  I  think  that  railroading  through  the  Con- 
federacy, with  such  accommodations  as  they  would  get, 
would  bring  many  of  them  to  their  death.  He  will  receive 
on  the  Mississippi  or  its  tributaries  at  such  points  as  may  be 
agreed  upon  all  the  sick  they  may  have  at  the  western  camps, 
and  will  be  glad  to  do  it  for  the  same  reason. 

After  the  boat-load  up  the  river,  we  may  as  well  send  our 
balance  down  with  the  same  transportation  to  Fort  Pulaski. 

Please  advise  me,  looking  on  the  matter  in  the  light  of 
this  despatch.  g^^j  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  i5th,  1864 

Capt.  J.  H.  Upshur,  Commanding  Frigate  '^Minnesota.'' 

Captain:  In  the  month  of  April  last  your  official  conduct 
was  investigated  upon  my  complaint,  and  at  the  time,  upon  the 
fullest  belief  (in)  the  grounds  of  the  complaint,  which  I  most 
earnestly  enforced  as  I  am  accustomed  to  do  anything  I  deem 
to  be  my  duty. 

Of  that  complaint  your  peers  in  the  Court  of  Inquiry  ac- 
quitted you,  and  that  being  a  sufficient  official  justification, 
perhaps  this  note  may  be  unnecessary  to  you,  but  certainly 
not  to  me.  From  disclosures  in  other  investigations  as  to  the 
truthfulness  and  reliability  of  the  witnesses  upon  whose 
testimony  my  action  was  based,  and  especially  the  subsequent 
conduct  of  the  principal  one,  I  am  fully  convinced  that  being 
deceived  and  misled  by  false  information  I  have  done  you 
much  wrong,  both  in  my  own  opinion  and  in  my  official  action 
toward  you.  Therefore  this  note  is  necessary  for  me  to 
repair,  as  far  as  I  may,  the  injustice,  and  to  say  that  I  am 
fully  satisfied  that  you  were  in  no  way  concerned  in  giving 
any  information  whatever  upon  the  matter  which  formed  the 
subject  of  my  complaint,  and  that  my  information  was  wholly 
unfounded  in  fact.     With  the  hope  that  if  any  one  has  con- 


156        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ceived  any  opinion  to  the  prejudice  of  your  personal  character 
as  a  gentleman  or  your  professional  character  as  an  officer 
from  any  act  or  word  of  mine,  that  such  opinion  may  be  at 
once  obliterated,  and  with  the  assurance  that  I  shall  leave  no 
occasion  unimproved  in  which  to  correct  the  consequences  of 
my  misapprehensions  in  others,  as  they  have  been  most  fully 
corrected  in  my  own  mind,  I  beg  leave  to  subscribe  myself, 
3Iost  Truly  Your  friend,  Benj.  F.  Butler, 

Major  General  Commanding,  U.  S.  Vols. 

From  Lieutenant  J.  H.  Upshur  to  General  Butler 

At  Sea,  November  1st,  1864    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

General:  My  silence  since  the  receipt  of  your  letter  to 
me  bearing  date  Sept.  25th,  ultimo,  may  not,  I  trust,  be 
attributed  to  a  want  of  appreciation  of  the  very  frank  and 
friendly  tone  of  that  communication. 

Altho',  at  the  time  much  aggrieved  by  your  course  toward 
me,  I  cannot  fail  to  recognize  the  very  generous,  manly,  and 
full  amends  you  have  been  pleased  to  make  for  your  action, 
based  at  the  time  on  the  report  of  parties,  since  proven  to 
have  been  false  in  their  statements. 

I  have  placed  on  file  at  the  Navy  Department  a  copy  of 
your  25  Sept.  letter,  for  which  please  accept  my  thanks,  and 
permit  me  to  subscribe  myself,  with  high  consideration,  most 
sincerely  and  truly. 

Your  Obdt.  Servt,  J.  H.  Upshur,  Lt.  Comr.  U.  S.  N. 

From  D.  Heaton  to  General  Butler 

Private.     Treasury  Department,  Sixth  Special  Agency,  Beaufort,  N.  C, 

Sept.  25th,  1864 

My  dear  Sir:  Learning  that  Geo.  H.  Hart,  Esq.,  the  able 
correspondent  of  the  New  York  Herald,  who  was  incarcerated 
in  one  of  the  Richmond  prisons  &  whom  I  have  heard  speak 
of  you  in  the  kindest  terms  for  the  politeness  shown  him, 
proposes  ere  long  to  visit  your  Head  Quarters,  I  have  con- 
cluded to  forward  by  him  a  brief  but  frank  expression  of 
sentiment  in  relation  to  the  real  wants  &  necessities  of  the 
people  within  this  military  district. 

The  farthest  thing  from  my  thoughts  is  to  embarrass  or 
perplex  you  in  any  way;  I  know  the  great  responsibility  now 
resting  upon  you,  &  how  deeply  you  are  absorbed  in  the  dis- 
charge of  your  onerous  duties.     Rather  than  give  you  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        157 

slightest  unnecessary  trouble  I  would  gladly,  in  every  way  in 
my  power,  aid  you  in  the  accomplishment  of  the  utter  defeat  of 
our  implacable  enemies,  &  the  complete  triumph  of  our  cause. 

But  without  elaboration  or  unnecessary  detail  permit  me  to 
say  that  I  am  most  thoroughly  convinced  that  the  allowance 
of  supplies  to  the  amount  only  of  $100,000  per  month  is  not 
enough  for  this  military  district. 

The  agreement  you  signed  for  this  amount,  however,  is 
now  being  most  faithfully  carried  out,  <&  will  be  until  you  can 
consent  to  change  the  same.  I  can  assure  you,  General,  that 
in  view,  however,  of  the  great  scarcity  of  provisions  &  neces- 
saries now  prevailing  in  almost  every  locality  within  our 
lines,  it  is  a  most  difficult  &  onerous  task  to  divide  &  apportion 
the  amount  allowed  so  as  to  do  justice  to  all,  &  afford  relief 
as  far  as  it  can  be  done.  The  great  difficulty  is  that  but  a  very 
limited  amount  is  produced,  in  the  line  of  necessaries  for  living, 
in  this  part  of  the  state,  &  hence  the  absolute  necessity  for  im- 
portations. 

In  connection  with  this,  there  is  the  fact  that  our  population 
is  constantly  on  the  increase.  Emigration  is  tending  eastward 
instead  of  westward  in  this  state. 

In  relation  to  these  matters,  so  vitally  important  to  us 
here,  Mr.  Hart  can  give  you  his  views,  based  upon  actual 
observation  for  six  months. 

If  I  appear  to  attach  more  than  usual  importance  to  this 
subject,  you  must  attribute  it  to  the  constant  demands  for 
relief  coming  from  so  many  quarters,  &  from  my  daily  inter- 
course with  so  many  of  the  residents,  white  &  black.  I  still 
believe  $300,000  per  month  to  be  necessary,  but  if  you  cannot 
consent  to  change  the  agreement  to  this,  I  trust  you  will  alter 
it  so  as  to  allow  $200,000. 

That  the  most  untiring  efforts  will  be  made  to  prevent  the 
enemy  from  being  benefitted  by  this,  you  may  rest  assured. 
With  the  sincere  hope  that  this  monstrous  rebellion  may  be 
very  soon  crushed  to  death,  I  am,  with  great  respect. 

Truly  yours,  D.  Heaton 

From  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Shaffer 

Head  Quarters  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  25,  1864 

My  dear  Shaffer:  As  now  the  long  and  most  pleasant 
personal  relations  in  the  camp  and  field  are  severed,  probably 
never  to  be  renewed  under  their  former  conditions,  I  will  not 


158        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

refrain  from  saying  to  you  with  my  pen  what  we  were  each 
too  much  moved  when  we  parted,  either  to  speak  or  to  hear, 
I  have  to  thank  you  in  behalf  of  the  country  with  earnest 
gratitude  for  the  unwearied  active  vigilance  with  which  you 
have  always  done  your  duty  as  an  officer  in  every  position, 
with  the  single  purpose  of  her  services  and  her  interests. 
True  patriotism  is  shown  by  acts  and  thoughtful  devotion  to 
public  interests.  • 

Nothing  but  shattered  health,  against  the  weakness  of 
which  you  have  been  struggling  during  the  whole  campaign, 
has  taken  you  unwillingly  from  the  army,  and  not  then  until 
long  after  every  friend  thought  it  a  duty  to  yourself  that  you 
should  go.  And  I  hope  and  reverently  pray  the  Disposer  of 
all  events  that  in  His  wisdom  you  may  be  restored. 

But  it  is  not  the  performance  of  your  public  duties  that  I 
have  desired  to  speak  of,  —  that,  your  military  record  and  the 
opinion  of  all  your  associates  upon  the  Staff  will  testify. 

There  is  a  warmer  and  nearer  tie,  and  which  has  been  your 
guide  in  your  official  intercourse,  which  fills  my  heart  and 
makes  the  pen  tame  in  expression.  The  truest  and  most 
unselfish  personal  friendship,  your  country  first,  myself  next, 
yourself  last  was  the  chart  of  duty  to  you.  That  your  devo- 
tion to  duty  and  friendship  is  most  gratefully  appreciated  by 
me,  and  your  sentiments  of  personal  regard  fully  reciprocated 
—  why  need  I  write?  That  we  shall  be  divided  except  by 
space  is  impossible,  and  I  shall  always  be  happy  to  subscribe 

'  Most  truly  your  Friend,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  Colonel  J.  TV.  Shaffer 

Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Fortress  Monroe,  Virginia, 

Sept.  i9th,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  orderj 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Virginia 

My  dear  General:  I  received  your  more  than  kind  letter, 
and  all  I  can  say  to  you  in  reply  is  that  God  knows  that  nothing 
but  a  stern  sense  of  duty  to  myself  and  family  made  me  dis- 
connect myself  from  you  before  your  duties  in  camp  were 
ended.  The  struggle  was  a  hard  one,  but  I  felt  it  must  be 
done.  I  never  again  expect  to  be  associated  with  another 
for  whom  I  will  feel  that  strong  attachment  that  I  have  and 
will  continue  to  ever  have  for  you.  Wherever  I  may  be,  I 
will  carry  with  me  both  love  and  respect  for  you,  and  it  will 
be  my  greatest  ambition   to   watch   your   interests,   and   in 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        159 

doing  this  will  (as  heretofore)  take  the  liberty  to  write  you 
at  all  times,  freely  and  fully,  just  what  I  think,  knowing  that 
you  will  understand  my  motives.  And  should  you  require 
my  services  to  go  anywhere  or  do  anything,  let  me  know,  and 
I  will  promptly  do  what  you  require.  Don't  hesitate  a  mo- 
ment to  call  when  you  think  I  can  serve  you. 

I  cannot  express  to  you  my  feelings  for  your  many  kind- 
nesses to  me.  Yet,  believe  me,  I  fully  appreciate  them. 
Your  letter  I  will  keep  while  I  live,  and  leave  it  as  a  rich 
legacy  to  my  children  when  I  die.  I  value  it  more  than 
wealth  or  position. 

Now,  General,  may  a  kind  Providence  watch  over  and 
protect  you  and  yours,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of  your  friend, 

J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  25,  '64 

Col.  CoMSTOCK,  at  Gen.  Grant's  Hd.  Qrs. 
I  WILL  be  over  as  soon  as  I  can  get  a  tug. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Geji'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Colonel  J.  W.  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Fort  Monroe,  Sunday,  Sept.  i5th,  1864 

Dear  General:  I  returned  this  morning  from  Washington. 
I  called  on  Mr.  Stanton  and  stated  the  case  in  regard  to 
Gibbons.  He  told  me  that  he  was  fully  aware  of  it,  and  that 
he  heard  of  it  every  few  days,  but  says  General  Grant  thinks 
him  a  good  soldier,  and  he  (Stanton)  did  not  like  to  remove 
an  oflScer  without  Grant's  consent,  which  he  hoped  to  get. 

Stanton  said  that  Gibbons  was  not  the  only  man,  but  that 
others  who  had  much  greater  commands  were  just  as  bad, 
intimating  that  Meade  was  no  better,  which  I  readily  ad- 
mitted. Stanton  was  very  pleasant  and  enquired  kindly 
about  you.  I  find  there  is  great  fear  that  the  Potomac  Army 
may  vote  wrong,  but  there  is  no  danger  of  the  Army  of  the 
James. 

I  will  here  say  that  I  think  you  had  better  quietly  see  to  it 
that  the  right  influences  are  exercised.  This  you  do  by 
quietly  talking  to  Brigadier  and  Division  Commanders. 
I  saw  General  Martindale  in  Washington;  he  spoke  kindly 
of  you  and  wondered  why  you  had  not  answered  his  letter. 

The  resignation  of  Blair  created  very  little  excitement,  — 


160        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

every  body  appears  to  think  that  more  changes  will  follow. 

It  is  well  understood  in  Washington  that  Mr.   Lincoln  has 

agreed  to  make  a  new  Cabinet  next  term.     I  expect  to  get 

away  Thursday,  and  I  will  go  by  Philadelphia  and  see  Cameron, 

as  he  is  stopping  there,  and  arrange  the  letter. 

Please  send  it  so  I  get  it  Wednesday.     I  will  write  you  a 

long  letter  before  I  leave.     I  am  fearful  I  will  not  feel  much 

like  doing  anything  when  I  get  home,  as  I  find  I  have  more  or 

less  fever  every  day,  and  a  physician  in  Washington  told  me 

that  it  would  take  a  couple  of  months  to  get  the  cussed  stuff 

out  of  me,  but  if  I  get  along  reasonably  well,  I  will  visit  you 

before  Ions. 

Your  true  Friend,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

Don't  fail  to  send  letters  to  Cameron,  Wednesday.  J.  W.  S. 
From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.C.,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  13,  '64 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Col.  Serrell,  57     West  Washington  Place,  New  York 

Find  Chaplain  Hudson  of  your  regiment,  who  has  been 
ordered  to  report  to  his  regiment  and  has  failed  to  obey  this 
order.  Take  his  parole  in  writing,  forthwith  to  appear  at 
these  Hd.  Qrs.  If  he  fails  to  give  his  parole,  have  him  sent 
here  to  me  under  guard. 

Your  special  attention  is  called  to  the  execution  of  this 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 
From  Chaplain  Henry  N.  Hudson 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  Va.  &  N.C.,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  26,  1864 

To  Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  Commanding  the  Department 

General:  In  pursuance  of  what  seems  to  me  judicious 
advice,  I  crave  permission  to  lay  before  you  as  full  and  clear  a 
statement  as  I  can  make  of  the  facts  and  circumstances  bearing 
upon  the  points  that  came  up  in  the  interview  which  I  had  the 
honour  of  holding  with  you  on  Monday,  the  19th  inst. 

I  understood  from  you  that  there  were  two  main  points 
charged  upon  me  as  matters  of  grave  offence  against  military 
order  and  duty: 

First,  the  having  written  an  article  which  appeared  in  the 
New  York  Evening  Post  of  May  24,  1864;  the  said  article 
reflecting  injuriously  on  the  Commanding  General. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        161 

Second,  non-obedience  to  an  order  of  the  Commanding 
General,  dated  July  3,  1864,  and  received  by  me  in  New 
York  on,  as  nearly  as  I  can  remember,  the  12th  or  14th  of  the 
same  month. 

In  reference  to  the  first  of  these  points,  I  beg  leave  to  state : 
I  was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  as  Chaplain 
of  the  First  New  York  Volunteer  Engineers  on  the  14th  of 
February,  1862,  and  very  soon  after  proceeded  to  the  seat  of 
war  in  the  Department  of  the  South.  Some  time  before 
leaving,  I  entered  into  an  engagement  with  Parke  Godwin, 
Esq.,  of  the  Evening  Post,  to  write  for  that  paper.  I  was 
under  the  command  of  Generals  Hunter,  Mitchel,  and  Gill- 
more,  in  succession,  and  in  case  of  each  of  these  I  took  an 
early  opportunity  to  inform  the  commanding  general  of  that 
engagement;  at  the  same  time  telling  him  that  if,  in  pursu- 
ance thereof,  I  could  do  anything  to  serve  him,  or  the  cause 
in  his  hands,  I  wished  to  do  so;  and  that  if  he  had  or  should 
have  any  thoughts  or  facts  which  he  would  like  to  have  used 
in  that  way,  I  would  do  the  best  I  could  to  dress  the  matter 
into  readable  shape.  I  had,  or  understood  myself  to  have, 
their  allowance  for  writing  in  pursuance  of  such  engagement, 
and  was  admitted  to  occasional  interviews  with  each  of  them 
in  turn,  or  with  their  official  representatives,  with  reference  to 
that  purpose.  After  coming  into  this  Department  with  the 
Tenth  Army  Corps,  in  May  last,  I  was  several  times  on  the 
point  of  calling  on  the  General  Commanding,  to  say  to  him 
the  same  as  I  had  said  to  the  generals  named  above;  and 
once  started  to  do  so,  but,  my  health  being  quite  feeble,  I 
found  the  walk  too  hard  for  me,  and  so  returned  to  my  quar- 
ters. My  articles  written  for  publication  in  the  Evening  Post 
were  signed  "Loyalty,"  and  published  with  that  signature. 
Besides  those  articles,  I  often  wrote  private  letters  to  Mr. 
Godwin,  which  were  not  meant  to  be  published,  and  were 
not  published.  The  article  which  appeared  in  the  Evening 
Post  of  May  24  was  a  private  letter  to  Mr.  Godwin,  signed 
as  such  with  my  own  name;  it  was  written  and  sent  without 
any  thought  or  purpose  of  its  being  published,  and  I  was 
surprised  on  learning  that  such  use  had  been  made  of  it.  The 
contents  of  the  letter  were  made  up,  with  full  purpose  of  accu- 
racy, from  statements  and  information  given  me  by  officers  of 
my  own  regiment;  no  other  person,  as  I  remember,  having 
spoken  with  me  on  the  subject  till  after  the  letter  was  written 
and  mailed.     I  am  pretty  confident  that  Gen.  Gillmore  knew 

VOL,   V — II 


162        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

nothing  of  the  letter  before  it  was  mailed;  very  certain  that 
if  he  knew  anything  he  did  not  learn  it  from  me.  Whether 
I  spoke  with  any  others  about  the  letter  before  sending  it  off, 
I  do  not  now  remember. 

In  connection  with  this  matter  I  beg  leave  to  state  further: 
That  on  Saturday,  May  28,  I  had  a  brief  interview  with  Gen. 
Gillmore,  when  he  told  me  that  he  had  some  work  for  me  to 
do  in  New  York;  which  work  was  to  superintend  the  printing 
of  certain  public  documents  that  were  to  be  published  by 
Mr.  Van  Nostrand.  That  late  in  the  evening  of  the  same 
day  I  received  a  telegram  from  Major  Stackpole,  informing 
me  that  my  son  William  was  very  dangerously  ill.  That  on 
my  showing  this  telegram  to  Gen.  Gillmore  the  next  morning, 
he  forthwith  had  an  order  made  out  and  handed  me,  whereby 
I  was  to  "proceed  without  delay  to  New  York,  to  transact 
the  business  directed  by  the  Commanding  General."  (I 
cannot  now  be  positive  as  to  the  exact  wording  of  the  order, 
for.  General,  it  was  taken  from  me  and  retained  by  you  at  our 
interview  last  Monday.)  That  this  order  was  accompanied 
by  another  permitting  me  to  go  to  Boston  on  "private  busi- 
ness," my  family  being  then  at  Waltham,  some  eight  miles 
from  that  city.  That  the  next  morning,  May  30,  I  left  Ber- 
muda Hundred,  hastened  on  as  fast  as  I  could,  reached  Boston 
on  the  morning  of  June  3,  and  there  learned  that  my  son  had 
died  the  night  before.  That  after  staying  at  Waltham  some- 
thing over  a  week,  I  went  with  the  surviving  members  of  my 
family  to  Northampton,  Mass.,  to  the  residence  of  my  father- 
in-law,  Mr.  Henry  Bright,  where  I  remained  till  about  the 
first  of  July. 

When  General  Gillmore  gave  me  the  order  aforesaid,  he 
told  me  he  would  have  the  particular  instructions  as  to  what 
I  was  to  do,  and  how  to  do  it,  written  out  and  sent  to  Mr.  Van 
Nostrand  for  me.  Near  the  middle  of  June  I  wrote  from 
Northampton  to  Mr.  Van  Nostrand,  to  know  whether  any 
instructions  had  come  from  Gen.  Gillmore  for  me;  to  which 
he  replied  promptly  that  none  such  had  come,  and  that  if 
any  should  come  he  would  let  me  know  it  at  once.  Thus  the 
matter  stood  till  about  the  first  of  July,  when,  as  Gen.  Gill- 
more had  in  the  meantime  been  relieved  of  his  command,  so 
that  I  was  no  longer  subject  to  his  order,  and  as  I  was  a  good 
deal  perplexed  as  to  my  duty,  I  went  to  New  York,  hoping 
to  learn  there  what  I  ought  to  do;  and  there  I  remained  till 
the  receipt  of  Gen.  Butler's  order  of  July  3,  requiring  me  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        163 

report  to  my  regiment.  When  Gen.  Gillmore  ordered  me  to 
New  York  on  special  duty,  I  received  the  order,  and  acted 
upon  it,  in  perfect  good  faith,  honestly  believing  that  he  had 
some  real  and  legitimate  work  for  me  to  do  there;  and  it  was 
in  this  belief  that  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Van  Nostrand  as  stated 
above.  If,  as  you,  my  General,  have  supposed,  the  order  in 
question  was  a  mere  pretence  on  Gen.  Gillmore's  part  to 
cover  some  other  purpose,  he  did  not  tell  me  so,  and  I  had  no 
knowledge  nor  even  suspicion  of  it.  On  the  contrary,  I  truly 
and  honestly  expected  the  promised  instructions  from  Gen. 
Gillmore,  and  I  did  not  know,  and  had  no  means  of  knowing, 
why  they  did  not  come.  If,  moreover.  Gen.  Gillmore's  order 
to  me  was  illegal,  I  was  utterly  ignorant  of  the  fact,  no  thought 
or  suspicion  of  the  sort  having  once  touched  my  mind  till  I 
learned,  since  my  arrival  here,  that  such  was  your  judgment 
respecting  it.  And  if  such  ignorance  be  not  a  sufficient  excuse, 
I  trust  it  will  be  charitably  allowed  as  some  extenuation  of 
my  fault,  inasmuch  as  I  was  not  bred  either  to  the  legal  or 
the  military  profession,  and  on  entering  the  service  had  no 
time  for  preparation  in  such  learning;  while,  as  Gen.  Gillmore 
was  then  my  corps  commander,  I  honestly  thought  myself 
bound  to  obey  his  order,  without  raising  any  question  whether 
it  was  right  or  wrong. 

In  regard  to  the  second  of  the  points  in  question,  I  beg 
leave  to  state: 

That  on  receiving  your  order  of  July  3  to  report  to  my 
regiment,  I  went  directly  to  our  Colonel,  who  was  then  in 
New  York,  to  get  advices  as  to  the  whereabouts  of  the  regi- 
ment; and  his  reply  was  to  the  effect  that  he  hardly  knew 
how  to  direct  me,  the  regiment  having  been  so  divided  and 
scattered  that  he  really  could  not  tell  where  the  regimental 
headquarters  were.  This  was  in  the  evening;  and  the  next 
morning  I  received  a  letter  from  Northampton,  informing  me 
that  my  wife  was  a  good  deal  worse  (for  she  had  been  quite 
ill  ever  since  the  death  of  my  son);  whereupon  I  went  to  the 
Colonel  again  to  confer  with  him  about  going  back  to  my 
family,  and  he  told  me  that  for  himself  he  had  no  objections 
to  my  going,  though  he  of  course  could  not  give  me  permission 
to  do  so,  as  that  would  be  to  overrule  Gen.  Butler's  order. 
That  I  was  in  much  perplexity  as  to  what  I  ought  to  do,  and 
ventured,  improperly  as  I  am  now  convinced,  to  return  to 
Northampton,  where,  a  few  days  after,  I  was  myself  so  pros- 
trated with  illness  as  to  be  unable  to  travel.     That  for  these 


164        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

causes  I  lingered  on  from  day  to  day,  still  hoping  that  in  the 
course  of  a  few  days  both  Mrs.  Hudson  and  myself  would  so 
far  recover  as  to  allow  of  my  departure  for  the  seat  of  war; 
until  at  last  I  became  discouraged,  and  resolved  to  offer  my 
resignation.  Accordingly,  near  the  close  of  August,  I  came 
on  to  New  York,  and  there  tendered  my  resignation,  dated, 
I  think,  Sept.  1,  to  Colonel  Serrell,  assigning  as  my  main 
reason  therefor  "continued  and  obstinate  ill-health,  such  as 
to  render  me  unfit  for  the  service."  The  Colonel  told  me  he 
would  forward  it  to  the  Commanding  General,  and  that  he 
thought  it  would  not  be  necessary  for  me  to  come  on  to  the 
seat  of  war  till  I  should  hear  further  from  General  Butler. 
Thereupon  I  rested  in  New  York  till  the  receipt  of  your  order 
dated  Sept.  13,  as  telegraphed  to  Col.  Serrell,  when  I  made 
all  the  haste  I  could  to  get  forward,  and  reported  at  your 
Headquarters  on  the  19th  inst.  That  ever  since  the  death  of 
my  son  as  aforesaid,  his  mother,  broken  down  with  grief  and 
care,  has  been  sick,  so  much  so  that  at  one  time  she  was  hardly 
expected  to  live;  and  that,  though  somewhat  better,  she  was 
still  far  from  well  when  I  last  heard  from  her.  That,  not- 
withstanding this,  and  notwithstanding  my  own  ill-health, 
I  do  now  sincerely  regret  my  act  of  non-obedience  to  your 
order  of  July  3;  that  in  this  act  I  was  clearly  wrong;  that  I 
ought  to  have  hastened  forward  at  once  to  do  as  required; 
and  that  for  not  having  done  so  I  heartily  crave  your  pardon, 
and  submit  myself  to  such  inflictions  as  may  be  judged  needful 
for  the  good  of  the  service;  at  the  same  time  assuring  you, 
that  the  act  did  not  proceed  from  anything  like  contempt  of 
your  authority. 

This,  I  believe,  is  all  that  need  be  said  in  reference  to  the 
two  points  specified  above.  But  I  beg  leave  to  add  a  few 
words  touching  another  matter  that  was  referred  to  during  our 
interview  of  last  Monday. 

Among  the  faults  then  charged  upon  me  was  mentioned 
that  of  taking,  or  intending  to  take,  money  from  the  Govern- 
ment without  any  duty  done. 

On  this  point,  I  crave  your  allowance  to  plead,  in  the  first 
place,  that  till  the  receipt  of  your  order  of  July  3  I  was  honestly 
proceeding  in  obedience  to  Gen.  Gillmore's  order  of  May  29. 
I  have  not  drawn,  nor  attempted  to  draw,  any  pay  for  any 
of  the  time  that  has  elapsed  since  the  issuing  of  your  order 
remanding  me  to  my  regiment.  On  the  contrary,  I  have  all 
along  anticipated  a  probable  forfeiture  of  my  pay  for  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        165 

time  in  question.  I  would  say,  by  all  means  let  the  loss  fall  on 
me  rather  than  on  the  Government;  for  I  want  no  money 
from  dear  old  Uncle  Sam  that  I  have  not  fairly  earned. 

In  the  second  place,  I  hope  it  will  not  seem  improper  for 
me  to  urge  that  if  I  have  been  in  the  way  to  receive  public 
money  without  having  worked  for  it,  I  have  also  done  a  good 
deal  of  work  without  getting  any  pay  for  it. 

Now,  I  entered  on  duty  as  Chaplain  of  the  regiment,  in  New 
York,  on  the  6th  of  November,  1861,  and  continued  on  duty  in 
New  York  and  on  Staten  Island,  from  that  time  till  the  14th 
of  February,  1862,  before  I  could  get  mustered  into  the  United 
States  service;  the  second  battalion  of  the  regiment  being, 
meanwhile,  in  process  of  formation.  The  officers  then  and 
there  in  command  assured  me  that  I  would  be  paid  for  the 
time  thus  spent  on  duty,  and  I  rested  in  that  assurance.  I 
have  not,  I  never  had,  any  doubt  that  they  honestly  believed 
what  they  told  me  on  that  subject.  But  I  have  never  re- 
ceived a  cent  of  pay  for  my  work  during  all  that  time;  and 
I  have  but  lately  ascertained  that  there  is  no  chance  of  my 
getting  any.  Of  course  I  expected  to  be  paid;  for.  General, 
I  am  a  poor  man,  with  a  family  to  support,  and  am  some- 
times not  a  little  troubled  to  keep  the  wolf  from  my  doors; 
so  that  I  cannot  afford  to  work  without  hope  of  remuneration, 
neither  would  it  be  right  for  me  to  do  so. 

During  the  time  in  question  I  did  some  very  hard  and 
important  work,  certainly  as  much  so  as  any  that  I  have  ever 
done  in  the  service.  Of  this  I  beg  leave  to  mention  only  two 
particulars. 

Early  in  December,  I  think  it  was,  the  weather  became  very 
cold,  and  the  men  were  in  barracks  on  Staten  Island  without 
any  fire-apparatus  whatsoever.  Of  course  they  were  suffering 
greatly;  and  an  earnest  appeal  was  made  to  me  to  procure 
them  some  relief.  I  entered  into  the  cause  at  once,  and  with  all 
my  might;  tried  every  way  I  could  think  of  to  realize  some 
public  provision,  but  in  vain;  and,  after  working  hard  for 
several  days,  at  last  succeeded,  partly  by  begging,  partly  by 
purchasing  with  my  own  money,  in  procuring  six  good  stoves, 
a  supply  of  pipe,  and  a  load  of  coal,  and  thus  got  the  men 
warmed.  The  money  thus  spent  was  afterwards  refunded  to 
me  by  one  of  our  churches  in  New  York,  St.  Clement's. 

Some  time  after  this,  it  was  represented  to  me  that  our  men, 
especially  those  of  the  first  battalion,  who  had  already  gone 
to  the  seat  of  war,  were  in  great  need  of  rubber  blankets,  and 


166   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

suffering  dreadfully  from  want  of  them;  and  I  was  again 
appealed  to,  to  try  what  could  be  done  for  their  relief.  I 
confess  the  thing  seemed  well-nigh  hopeless,  for  neither  the 
United  States  nor  the  State  of  New  York  was  then  furnishing 
the  troops  with  that  article.  But  I  did  not  rest  till  the  thing 
was  done.  After  many  days  of  very  hard  work,  I  engaged 
some  dealers  to  entrust  me  with  a  supply  of  the  blankets  on 
my  written  obligation  to  pay  for  them  as  soon  as  the  men 
should  get  their  pay  from  the  Government.  So  I  gave  my 
written  obligation  in  the  sum  of  $756.25  to  the  "Rubber 
Clothing  Company,"  then  doing  business  at  201  Broadway, 
New  York;  and  so  the  men  were  supplied,  the  blankets  being 
put  to  them  for  precisely  what  they  were  put  to  me.  Indeed, 
my  General,  it  was  a  hard  job;  and  I  did  it  purely  out  of 
kindness  to  the  men,  and  concern  for  the  good  of  the  service. 
But,  owing  to  some  misunderstanding,  it  was  a  long  time 
before  the  men  were  paid.  When  at  length  they  were  paid, 
the  regiment  was  so  scattered  that  I  could  not  get  at  them. 
Meanwhile,  also,  some  had  died,  and  a  good  many  had  become 
disabled,  and  got  discharged,  and  thus  gone  beyond  my 
reach.  For  nearly  two  years  I  used  my  best  diligence  in 
collecting  the  money;  and  still,  in  spite  of  all  I  could  do, 
I  am  more  than  $150,00  out  of  pocket  on  that  score. 

I  do  not  mention  this,  my  General,  iii  the  way  of  complaint. 
The  act  was  truly  disinterested  on  my  part,  and  therefore  has 
left  me  nothing  to  regret.  Moreover,  it  was  done  for  a  cause 
that  is  inexpressibly  dear  to  me,  as  I  am  sure  it  is  to  you. 
As  for  the  money,  both  that  which  I  have  neither  worked  for, 
nor  received,  and  that  which  I  have  worked  hard  for,  and  not 
received,  and  also  that  which  I  have  spent  out  of  my  own 
narrow  resources,  let  it  all  go  from  me,  if  so  it  be  judged  right; 
but  I  must  be  excused  for  thinking  that  here  was  a  piece  of 
service  which  money  cannot  exactly  reward. 

In  conclusion,  permit  me  to  add  that  for  more  than  a  year 
past  I  have  been  ill,  a  good  deal  of  the  time  seriously  ill,  from 
the  effects  of  a  disease  contracted  in  the  service;  that,  besides 
being  rather  old  for  such  labours  (I  am  fifty-one,)  I  had  been, 
for  some  twenty-five  years  before  the  war  began,  a  close  and 
hard  student,  and  thus  grown  into  habits  which,  as  it  has  since 
proved,  though  I  did  not  think  so  on  entering  the  army, 
rendered  me  hardly  fit  for  the  duties  of  a  military  life  in  the 
field ;  that  I  undertook  the  oflBce  of  chaplain  because  I  thought 
that  all  who  could  do  so  were  under  a  solemn  obligation  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   167 

take  hold  and  help  the  Nation  through  this  mighty  struggle; 
that  I  think  I  have  now  seen  my  share  of  the  service,  and 
fairly  earned  the  privilege  of  being  allowed  to  retire;  and 
that  I  do  earnestly  hope  you  will  soon  find  it  practicable  to 
accept  my  resignation,  and  grant  me  a  discharge;  or,  if  this 
may  not  be,  that  you  will  at  least  let  me  go,  under  arrest  if  it 
must  be  so,  among  the  dear  good  fellows  of  my  own  regiment, 
with  whom  I  have  spent  nearly  three  years  in  the  service  of 
my  country. 

Most  respectfully  yours,  &c.,  Henky  N.  Hudson, 

Chaplain  1st  N.  Y.  Vol.  Eng. 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

CONFIDENTL^L.      WASHINGTON,  D.  C,  Scft.  26,  1864 

My  dear  General:  The  chief  of  the  Ordnance  bureau 
here  has  ordered  a  lot  of  the  Amsterdam  shells  from  Phil,  to 
be  sent  to  Capt.  Edson,  ord.  off.  at  Fortress  Monroe,  where 
they  will  of  course  be  subject  to  your  requisition.  They 
leave  Phil,  tomorrow,  I  am  informed. 

Everybody  here  feels  good  over  the  removal  of  Blair.  Winter 
Davis  thought  Blair  had  app'd  his  own  successor,  but  Chandler, 
Edmunds  &  Gurowski  all  together  agreed  that  he,  (D.),  was 
mistaken. 

Edmunds  told  me  there  would  be  no  immediate  effort  to 
get  rid  of  Welles  —  that  he  would  probably  leave  before 
election,  but  not  just  now. 

Winter  Davis  is  going  to  make  a  great  speech  at  Elkton, 
Md.  tomorrow,  if  he  can  get  his  disgust  off  sufiiciently.  I 
spent  three  hours  with  him  at  his  house  yesterday.  He  says 
sometimes  he  feels  so  disgusted  that  he  cannot  talk,  and 
therefore  has  not  said  positively  that  he  will  speak,  yet  they 
expect  he  will  &  so  do  I. 

I  have  a  private  letter  from  Sen.  Wade  in  which  he  says: 

"I  cannot  therefore  at  present  set  any  time  when  we  shall 
be  able  to  enter  upon  the  investigation  (at  N.  O.).  Before 
we  do,  however,  I  will  give  you  and  Gen.  Butler  notice,  and 
you  shall  be  consulted  upon  the  subject."  He  is  bitter  on 
the  "flunkies"  as  he  calls  them,  who  failed  him  &  Davis. 

Davis  says  Lincoln  will  have  a  happy  time  if  he  is  in  the 
House  of  Reps.  He  thinks  Seward's  Auburn  speech  an 
awful  Doc,  &  is  preparing  to  attack  it  in  the  House. 

Lincoln  sent  for  Chase  and  took  him  out  to  the  Soldiers' 


168        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Home,  where  a  long,  private  interview  took  place  of  which 
nobody  knows  anything.  But  Chase  is  going  to  Ohio  to  make 
speeches.  Gurowski  says  the  Chf.  Justiceship  is  still  his 
contract. 

I  should  say  that  Davis  told  me  Lincoln  had  begged  Chase's 
pardon  most  humbly  for  his  treatment,  &c. 

Chandler  had  a  "celebration"  over  his  success,  for  it  is 
really  his  own  triumph  that  Blair  is  removed  at  this  time. 
TMien  he  told  Stanton  that  he  had  had  a  good  drunk  on  the 
head  of  it,  he  (S.)  said  he  would  like  to  have  known  when  & 
where,  that  he  might  have  had  a  hand  in  it  &c. 

Chandler  was  very   "happy"  when  he  left,  —  very  com- 
plimentary to  everybody.  ^^  , 
^               "^              ^       c7              Yours  truly,  J.  K.  Herbert 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  26,  1864 

My  dear  Sallie:  Two  days,  Saturday  and  Sunday,  and 
no  letter  from  you.  I  did  not  know  how  much  I  counted  on 
them  till  I  missed  them.  It  seems  to  me  as  if  the  mail  hadn't 
come. 

We  are  about  to  make  a  move,  say  the  last  of  this  week, 
which  will  be  a  very  conclusive  one  if  successful.  It  will  be 
under  my  command.  I  must  not  write  more  about  it  as  it 
is  "contraband."  Seward  and  Washburn  are  down  here.  I 
went  to  Grant's  yesterday  by  his  order,  and  they  had  just 
arrived  when  I  got  there.  They  went  over  to  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac,  and  will  visit  me  today  when  I  am  to  have 
dinner  for  them. 

I  do  not  know  what  he  wants,  but  will  try  and  find  out, 
but  shall  let  him  open  himself  if  he  will.  Stanton  is  his  man 
very  evidently.  Blair  you  will  see  has  resigned.  It  is  a 
curious  correspondence,  and  I  do  not  exactly  understand  it. 
Perhaps  I  shall  get  it  from  Seward  today. 

You  see  there  is  not  one  word  about  you  in  all  this.  I  do 
not  blame  you  for  thinking  that  I  forget  you.  I  sat  down  to 
write  a  note  to  you  and  inquire  what  you  are  doing  and  saying, 
and  what  the  children  are  doing  and  saying,  and  all  about 
home,  which  is  very  dear  to  me  (you  needn't  smile  and  say 
"you  don't  show  it"),  for  it  is,  and  yet  I  write  nothing  about 
my  home  or  about  you.  WTiat  have  you  been  doing .f^  How 
is  Harriet?  What  is  that  saucy  Blanche  about?  Why  does 
she  not  write  the  "Great  old  thing!"  as  she  would  say.     Write 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        169 

your  own  doings  and  feelings,  and  a  little  more  regularly  if 
you  please. 

You  had  better  sell  all  the  stock  except  Julia,  Jr.,  and  the 
old  wall-eyed  horse!  which  Frazer  must  exercise  every  day, 
bye  the  bye.  Tell  Burbank  and  Chase  to  make  me  a  thick 
frock  coat,  military  pattern,  of  good  strong  cloth  with  alpaca 
or  some  shiny  lining  not  silk,  and  put  two  stars  on  each 
shoulder.  I  am  in  absolute  rags.  Send  down  by  Adams 
Express  at  once.  Mail  ready,  so  no  more  at  present;  but  I 
send  you  a  picture  of  the  "Greyhound"  and  the  Pontoon 
Bridge  as  she  lies  at  her  wharf  near  my  headquarters  in  the 
Appomattox. 

We  had  a  frost  last  night,  and  it  is  so  cold  this  morning  I 
can  scarce  hold  pen. 

Good  morning,  dearest,  Benj. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  i6th.  1864,  6.25  p.m. 

Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War, 
Washington,  D.  C. 
Five  (5)  companies  of  the  45th  U.  S.  Colored  Troops  have 
been  forwarded,  and  are  assigned  by  me  to  the  10th  Corps. 
Five  (5)  more  companies  are  in  Washington.  It  is  a  pity 
that  the  regt.  should  not  be  together.  Please  order  the 
five  (5)  companies  to  join  their  regiments. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'L 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  i6th,  1864,  6.55  p.m. 

Brig.  Genl.  Holt,  Judge  Advocate  General,  Washington,  D.  C. 

I  WAS  not  aware  that  such  an  order  was  issued  by  the  Presi- 
dent. I  knew  in  the  early  part  of  the  Spring  that  he  issued 
an  order  that  no  person  sentenced  to  death  in  the  Department 
should  be  executed.  I  have  executed  no  person  that  was 
sentenced  to  death  when  I  received  that  order,  and  I  supposed 
it  was  meant  to  cover  a  large  number  of  old  cases  about  which 
I  had  made  representations. 

I  was  led  to  that  construction  of  the  order  because  the  law 
of  Congress,  altering  the  law  which  required  the  revision  of 
the  President  in  cases  of  capital  sentences,  put  that  revision 
in  the  hands  of  Departmental  Commanders,  subject  of  course 
to  the  pardoning  power  of  the  President,  which  as  a  rule  is 


170        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

not  exercised  before  conviction.  I  supposed  that  the  Presi- 
dent would  not  claim  to  revise  the  proceedings  when  the 
law  had  taken  it  from  him  and  placed  the  power  in  another  — 
therefore  I  looked  upon  the  order  as  simply  an  exercise  of  the 
pardoning  power,  which  it  was  thus  intended  to  apply  to 
the  case. 

If  I  am  wrong  in  my  construction,  I  should  be  very  glad 
to  be  corrected,  for  of  course  there  is  no  more  responsible,  no 
more  painful,  and  yet  no  more  necessary  duty  to  be  done  by 
the  commander  of  an  army,  but  as  I  will  not  shrink  from  its 
exercise  when  necessary,  I  should  be  happy  to  be  relieved 
from  the  dread  responsibility. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  Virginia  &  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field,  Sept.  i6th,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife:  Two  of  your  letters  came  tonight, 
although  one  is  missing  yet.  As  I  expect  to  be  lazy  tomorrow 
morning,  I  write  tonight. 

You  say  you  can  see  me  in  my  tent.  I  wish  you  could 
indeed,  but  as  to  asking  me  if  it  is  hot  —  Why  we  had  a  frost 
last  night,  and  I  slept  cold  under  two  blankets.  Are  you 
jolly?  I  doubt  you  only  write  jolly  to  please  me,  but  I  hope 
you  are  jolly,  and  I  trust  you  have  no  reason  to  be  otherwise, 
and  as  far  as  in  me  lies  there  shall  be  no  reason.  So  be  as 
jolly  as  you  can  be. 

You  will  ask  what  did  Seward  say,  —  nothing.  I  spent 
two  hours  with  him  in  very  friendly  chat,  and  he  said  nothing 
to  the  purpose  only  that  Stanton  would  not  be  removed. 
This  was  said  incidentally  as  a  matter  of  conversation. 

Fisher  has  gone  home,  I  believe  and  I  suppose  will  return 
with  you  and  the  children.  Where  we  shall  be  or  what  is 
the  future  for  us  God  only  knows.  It  is  all  a  blank,  and  I 
think  of  not  much  consequence.  There  is  not  much  worth 
living  for  to  a  man  of  forty -five.  We  have  seen  it  all.  How 
tame  is  life  now  in  comparison  with  what  it  was!  All's  known. 
Why  drag  out  a  few  more  years  to  reiterate  the  same  routine.'^ 
Alas!  for  the  enthusiasm  of  youth!  Not  that  I  am  sad  or 
hypochondriac,  but  solely  that  it  does  not  seem  of  consequence 
as  to  what  becomes  of  the  future. 

You  can  sell  the  colt  unless  Pearson  will  take  her  home  and 
keep  her  for  her  work.     The  other  horse  Gilman's  father  will 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        171 

come  down  for  and  take  home  with  him.  Let  him  have  the 
"old  wall  eye."  Bye  the  bye,  did  I  not  leave  on  my  table  in 
the  library  two  papers,  one  the  appointment  of  Weitzel  as 
Maj.  Gen'l.,  and  the  other  the  appointment  of  Maj.  Gen. 
Terry .f^     If  so,  look  them  up  and  send  them  by  mail  to  me. 

Of  course,  you  will  arrange  all  the  matters  according  to 
your  judgment,  and  I  shall  be  more  than  satisfied.  Tell 
Frazer  to  look  out  for  the  pear  trees  —  see  that  they  are  dug 
around  this  fall  and  manured,  the  raspberries  and  strawberries 
protected.  Also  let  him  look  to  the  lawn  and  rake  in  a  little 
grass  seed  where  there  are  bare  spots.  Send  to  Boston  and 
buy  a  large  lot  of  hyacinths  and  bulbs,  such  as  tulips  and 
narcissus  and  the  like,  and  plant  them  in  the  flower  beds. 
Renew  the  stock  of  roses  if  possible.  Take  care  of  the  grape 
border  near  the  green-house,  and  cover  it  up  with  a  coating 
of  manure,  and  see  if  we  can't  have  some  grapes  next  year. 
In  the  spring  early  look  out  for  pruning  the  trees  and  cutting 
out  all  the  dead  wood,  whether  in  fruit  or  ornamental  trees. 
Let  him  take  pains  with  the  green-house,  and  have  a  fine 
show  of  flowers  which  he  may  sell  if  he  chooses.  In  fine,  if 
he  will  take  care  of  the  place  I  will  see  that  he  is  handsomely 
rewarded.  Let  Blanche  bring  her  saddle  with  her  down 
somewhere  wherever  we  may  be. 

There,  dearest,  have  I  not  shown  that  I  am  quite  a  "family 
man"  by  the  numberless  details  I  have  written?  —  and  yet 
I  have  room  to  say  I  love  you  much,  dearest,  and  wish  you  were 
with  me.  You  need  not  talk  about  my  perfectibility,  "  none 
of  that,  an  thou  lovest  me,  Hal."  You  will  have  to  love  me 
as  I  am,  all  faults  and  foibles  except  that  "corner  of  the  heart" 
which  you  rejected  with  such  scorn  last  spring,  which  is  all 
right  and  is  yours  because  it  is  all  yours.  So  good-night  — 
"I'll  to  my  truckle  bed."  Bfnt 

From  General  Grant 

Head  Quarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  Sept.  Ilth,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Army  of  the  James  River 

General:  Prepare  your  Army  according  to  the  verbal 
instructions  already  given  for  moving  on  the  morning  of  the 
29th  inst.  Your  lines  between  the  James  &  Appomattox 
Rivers  can  be  held  with  new  regiments  and  such  artillery  as 
you  deem  necessary.  All  garrisons  from  your  command, 
below  the  mouth  of  the  Appomattox,  will  be  left  as  they  are 


172        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

now.  The  movement  should  be  commenced  at  night,  and 
so  as  to  get  a  considerable  force  north  of  the  James  River 
ready  to  assault  the  enemy's  lines  in  front  of  Deep  Bottom 
and  from  about  Aikens  House,  or  other  point  above  Deep 
Bottom  where  the  two  assaulting  columns  will  be  in  easy 
supporting  distance  of  each  other  as  soon  as  the  enemy's  line 
is  broken,  at  the  dawn  of  day.  If  one  good  division  from 
each  of  your  two  Corps  are  over  in  time  for  this,  with  the 
balance  of  their  corps  following,  with  a  pontoon  bridge  for 
each,  it  will  answer.  The  object  of  this  movement  is  to 
surprise  and  capture  Richmond  if  possible.  This  cannot  be 
done  if  time  is  given  the  enemy  to  move  forces  to  the  north 
side  of  the  river.  Success  will  depend  on  prompt  movement 
at  the  start.  Should  the  outer  line  be  broken,  the  troops  will 
push  for  Richmond  with  all  promptness,  following  roads  as 
near  the  river  as  possible.  It  is  impossible  to  point  out  the 
line  of  march  for  an  army  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy,  because 
the  enemy  may  interpose  such  an  obstacle  on  our  route  as 
to  make  it  impracticable.  It  is  known  that  the  enemy  has 
intrenched  positions  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  between  Deep 
Bottom  &  Richmond,  such  as  Chapin's  Farm,  which  are 
garrisoned.  If  these  can  be  captured  in  passing  they  should 
be  held  by  suitable  garrisons.  If  not  captured,  troops  should 
be  left  to  hold  them  in  their  position,  and  should  intrench  to 
make  themselves  strong.  It  will  be  necessary  therefore  to 
have  your  Engineer  troops,  with  their  tools,  well  up  with  the 
advance.  Should  you  succeed  in  getting  to  Richmond,  the 
interposition  of  the  whole  army  (rebel)  between  you  and 
your  supplies  need  cause  no  alarm.  With  the  Army  under 
Gen.  Meade,  supplies  could  be  cut  off  from  the  enemy  in  the 
event  of  so  unexpected  a  move,  and  communications  opened 
with  you  either  by  the  south  side  or  from  the  White  House 
before  the  supplies  you  would  find  in  the  city  would  be  ex- 
hausted. In  case  you  reach  Richmond,  the  details  for  garrison- 
ing and  holding  the  place  are  left  to  you,  or  the  senior  officer 
with  the  troops  that  get  in.  One  thing  I  would  say,  however; 
all  the  bridges  connecting  the  city  with  the  south  side  should 
be  destroyed  at  once  and  held  beyond  a  peradventure. 

As  the  success  of  this  enterprise  depends  entirely  on  celerity, 
the  troops  will  go  light.  They  will  take  only  a  single  blanket 
rolled  and  carried  over  the  shoulder,  three  days'  rations  in 
haversacks,  and  sixty  rounds  of  ammunition  in  box  and  on 
the  person.     No  wagons  will  be  taken.     They  will  be  supplied, 


LETTERS  OF    GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       173 

however,  with  six  days'  rations,  half  forage  for  the  same  time, 
and  forty  rounds  of  extra  ammunition  per  man,  to  follow  if 
they  should  be  required.  No  wagons  will  cross  the  James 
River  until  ordered  by  you.  The  whole  of  the  force  under 
Gen.  Meade  will  be  under  arms  at  4  a.m.  on  the  29th,  ready 
to  attack  Petersburg  or  move  on  to  the  south  side  road  as 
circumstances  may  determine.  As  against  any  force  now 
north  of  the  James,  you  can  go  to  Richmond  even  without  a 
surprise.  If  the  enemy  resists  you  by  sufficient  force  to 
prevent  your  advance,  it  is  confidently  expected  that  Gen. 
Meade  can  gain  a  decisive  advantage  on  his  end  of  the  line. 
The  prize  sought  is  either  Richmond  or  Petersburg,  or  a 
position  which  will  secure  the  fall  of  the  latter.  Please  furnish 
me  a  copy  of  your  detailed  instructions.  I  am,  General,  very 
respectfully,  y^^^  ^^^  ^^^^  -^  g   q^^^^^  ^  q^^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  27,  '64 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  &c. 

Telegram  received.     The  dispositions  are  being  made. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  ComcTg. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  27th,  10.30  a.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

I  HAVE  just  received  the  order  of  the  Department,  Special 
Orders  No.  317,  Paragraph  58,  detailing  Col.  Howard  of  the 
Quarter  Master's  department  to  St.  Louis  on  a  board  of 
examination  of  oflScers  of  the  Qr.  Master's  department.  Col. 
Howard  is  the  Chief  Qr.  Master  of  the  18th  Corps.  That 
Corps  is  about  starting  on  a  march  of  considerable  extent. 
His  presence  is  most  essential  to  the  movement.  Is  it  possible 
to  have  the  detail  changed?      g^^^  ^  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  St7th,  1864,  11.15  a.m. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Coney,  State  of  Maine, 
Augusta,  Maine 
The  8th  and  11th  Maine  regiments  are  in  my  command 
and  are  weak.     They  will  require  about  500  men  each  to 
bring  them  to  full  efficiency.     Can  you  not  send  me  a  detach- 


174        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ment  of  about  that  number  of  recruits  that  may  be  put  in 
these  regiments?  One  recruit  in  an  old  regt.  is  worth  two  in 
a  new  organization.  If  you  cannot  do  that,  I  do  not  see  but 
that  we  must  consolidate  the  regiments,  which  I  should  regret 
to  do.     Please  answer  by  telegraph. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Sept.  ilth,  1864,  9.25  p.m. 

Abraham  Lincoln,  President  United  States,  Washington 

AssT.  Surgeon  William  Grouse  has  deceived  the  Presi- 
dent. He  has  not  been  dismissed.  He  received  an  appoint- 
ment as  Asst.  Surgeon  from  me.  In  writing  he  refused  to 
accept  the  appointment,  which  was  thereupon  revoked  because 
of  his  refusal  to  accept  it.  Then  finding  that  he  was  drinking 
and  worthless,  and  as  some  thought  crazy,  I  ordered  him  out 
of  the  Dept.     I  will  forward  oflBcial  copies  of  the  papers  to- 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  September  28,  1864 

My  dearest  Sallie:  I  got  a  nice  little  note  from  you  last 
night.  I  am  grieved  to  hear  Harriet  is  worse,  but  hope  with 
you  she  will  be  better  tomorrow. 

I  would  give  much  to  see  you.  I  have  never  started  on  an 
important  expedition  before  without  you  to  say  a  last  word 
and  a  kind  kiss,  but  you  will  find  it  all  on  my  part  in  this 
letter.  It  was  a  sort  of  support,  like  praying  a  patron  saint; 
not  that  the  saint  could  help  much,  but  it  did  one  good  to  pray. 

I  am  not  very  well  this  morning,  but  then  it  is  the  old 
Hotel  trouble  now  so  you  need  not  feel  uneasy. 

I  shall  be  very  busy  now  for  a  day  or  two,  and  perhaps  not 
in  connection  with  the  mails,  so  that  you  need  not  think  it 
strange  if  you  do  not  get  a  letter  for  a  day  or  two.  Or  if  you 
do  they  will  be  hurried  as  this  is,  for  indeed  I  did  not  go  to 
bed  till  2:30  last  night,  and  am  up  writing,  as  you  see,  before 
seven  this  morning.     Kiss  me,  dearest,  and  believe  me 

Your  loving  Benj. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        175 

From  General  Butler 

Confidential.    Headquarters  Department  Virginia  &  North  Carolina, 

in  the  Field,  Sept.  iSth.  1864 

To  Maj.  Genl.  Ord,  Comdg.  18th  Corps, 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10th  Corps, 
Brig.   Genl.  Kautz,  Comdg.  Div.  of  Cavalry 
Pursuant  to  the  verbal  directions  and  written  instructions 
of  the  Lieut.  Genl.  Comdg.,  the  Army  of  the  James  is  about 
to  make  a  movement  on  the  north  side  of  the  James  River. 

Its  Object 

Is  to  surprise  the  Confederate  forces  in  our  front  here,  and 
passing  them  to  get  possession  of  the  City  of  Richmond. 
Failing  that,  to  make  such  serious  and  determined  demonstra- 
tion to  that  end  as  shall  draw  reinforcements  from  the  right 
of  the  enemy's  line  in  sufficient  numbers  so  as  to  enable  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  to  move  upon  the  enemy's  communica- 
tion near  Petersburg.  The  forces  appropriated  to  this  purpose 
are  so  much  of  the  "Army  of  the  James"  as  can  be  spared  from 
the  lines  at  Bermuda  Hundred  and  the  garrisoned  posts  on 
the  River  —  the  strength  of  which  forces  you  know. 

The  manner  in  which  the  movement  is  to  be  made 

The  Acting  Chief  of  Engineers  will  have  caused  by  twelve  (12) 
o'clock  midnight  of  the  28th  inst.  a  sufficient  pontoon  bridge, 
well  covered  to  prevent  noise,  to  be  laid  from  the  road  on  the 
south  side  of  the  James  to  a  point  near  Varina  or  Aikens' 
Landing. 

The  18th  Army  Corps,  with  the  exception  of  the  colored 
division  at  Deep  Bottom,  will  move  across  that  bridge  and 
make  an  attack  upon  the  enemy's  line  in  the  manner  herein- 
after to  be  detailed. 

At  the  same  time  the  10th  Corps  will  cross  the  pontoon 
bridge  at  Deep  Bottom,  and  make  in  like  manner  and  at  the 
same  time,  demonstration  in  connection  with  the  third  (3d) 
division  of  the  18th  Corps  from  that  point. 

The  position  and  numbers  of  the  enemy 

As  near  as  can  be  ascertained,  the  enemy  hold  a  line  of  earth- 
works starting  at  a  point  at  or  near  Cox's  Ferry,  at  a  station 
called  by  them  "Signal  Hill,"  running  thence  easterly  in  the 
rear  of  Cox's  Overseer's  house,  from  thence  to  a  point  in  the 
rear  of  J.  Aikens'  house  to  the  hill  in  rear  of  the  point  marked 


176        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

"Newmarket"  on  the  map  across  the  Varina  road  partially 
along  the  Kingsland  road,  which  line  it  is  believed  terminates 
substantially  as  a  continuous  entrenched  line  at  that  point. 
Most  of  the  line  has  abatis  but  no  ditch. 

The  troops  holding  that  line,  from  all  the  information 
gathered,  are  Bushrod  Johnson's  (Tennessee)  Brigade  about 
four  hundred  and  fifty  (450)  men  for  duty,  with  its  pickets 
advanced  beyond  Cox's  Overseer's  house  toward  Dutch  Gap, 
holding  the  line  nearly  three-quarters  of  a  mile  beyond  that 
point  to  a  point  near  the  Varina  road  at  a  point  about  three 
hundred  (300)  yards  to  the  west  of  which  the  line  of  breast- 
works terminates  —  to  be  resumed  on  the  other  side  of  road. 

The  25th  Va.  (City  Battalion),  numbering  not  to  exceed 
two  hundred  (200)  men  for  duty,  are  extended  along  the  line 
toward  Buffin's  House,  in  front  of  our  position  at  Deep  Bot- 
tom. 

They  are  there  joined  by  Bennings'  (old)  Georgia  Brigade, 
commanded  by  Col.  Dubow,  numbering  about  four  hundred 
(400)  men,  who  are  extended  along  the  line  past  Buffin's 
house  —  the  picket  line  being  near  the  house  of  J.  Aikens. 

They  are  there  joined  by  Griggs'  Texas  Brigade,  numbering 
about  four  hundred  (400)  men  for  duty,  who  extend  along 
the  line  to  a  place  called  Newmarket,  where  the  enemy  have  a 
pretty  strong  work,  on  a  height  commanding  the  Newmarket 
road. 

These  are  all  the  infantry  forces  except  a  Battalion  of 
militia  reserves,  numbering  about  one  hundred  and  seventy- 
five  (175)  men  for  duty,  who  are  in  camp  some  distance  to  the 
rear,  who  form  a  connecting  line  between  Johnson's  Brigade 
and  the  City  Battalion.  These  reserves  are  composed  of 
soldiers  below  the  age  of  eighteen  (18)  and  above  the  age  of 
forty-five  (45),  but  they  with  the  City  Battalion  have  never 
been  under  fire. 

At  the  place  marked  on  the  map  "Drill  Room"  is  stationed 
a  regiment  believed  to  be  about  four  hundred  men,  (400)  the 
7th  South  Carolina  Cavalry. 

At  the  place  marked  "Sweeny's  Pottery,"  Wade  Hampton's 
Legion,  numbering  about  four  hundred  (400)  men,  are  stationed 
on  the  easterly  side  of  "Four  Mile  Creek"  and  "Bailey's 
Run,"  apparently  to  guard  the  road  by  which  General  Han- 
cock advanced  over  "Strawberry  Plains"  from  below  "Four 
Mile  Creek,"  and  picketting  out  toward  Malvern  Hill.  In 
the  rear,  at  the  intersection  of  the  roads  near  the  point  marked 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        177 

"W.  Throzmorton,"  is  a  regiment,  the  24th  Va.  Cavalry, 
numbering  about  four  hundred  (400)  men. 

In  Chaffin's  farm  there  is  (no)  garrison  except  about  one 
hundred  (100)  heavy  artillerists  holding  that  place,  as  an 
intrenched  camp.  It  is  also  a  camp  for  the  sick  and  convales- 
cents of  the  Va.  Battalion. 

There  are,  then,  no  other  troops  between  the  troops  herein 
enumerated  and  Richmond  except  an  artillery  company  in 
each  of  the  detached  works  of  that  class  numbered  twenty- 
three  (23)  on  the  map,  and  the  one  at  "Toll  Gate"  and  the 
"Race  Course."  The  continuous  line  of  works  shown  on  the 
map  are  wholly  unoccupied. 

It  will  be  seen,  therefore,  that  these  bodies  of  which  we  have 
knowledge,  if  the  information  is  correct,  should  be  two  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  seventy-five  (2875)  men,  and  it  may  be 
safely  predicted  that  there  are  not  three  thousand  (3000)  effect- 
ive men  outside  of  the  limits  of  the  City  of  Richmond  on  the 
north  side  of  the  river.  It  is  upon  this  information,  which  is 
fully  credited,  that  the  movement  is  largely  based. 

The  means  of  reinforcement  by  the  enemy 

There  are  between  the  Appomattox  and  the  James  less  than 
thirty-five  hundred  (3500)  men  holding  a  line  nearly  ten  (10) 
miles  in  extent,  and  the  nearest  considerable  body  of  Con- 
federate troops  are  massed  some  seven  (7)  miles  still  further 
off  below  Petersburg. 

Most  of  the  force  between  the  Appomattox  and  the  James 
is  directly  in  the  front  of  our  lines  and  cannot  be  much  de- 
pleted. Their  means  of  crossing  the  River  are  by  the  pontoon 
bridge,  one  between  the  fortifications  of  Drury's  Bluff  on  the 
west  and  Chaflfin's  Farm  on  the  east  of  the  James.  These 
fortifications  are  about  a  mile  apart,  and  have  two  or  three 
barbett  guns  bearing  on  the  bridge  heads.  There  is  no  other 
tete  du  pont.  This  is  a  pontoon  bridge  and  is  above  fortifica- 
tions at  Chaffin's  on  the  one  side,  and  below  Drury's  on  the 
other.  These  fortifications  are  about  a  mile  apart.  Next,  a 
trestle-work  bridge  with  schooners  for  a  draw  at  a  point 
opposite  the  place  of  William  Throzmorton  at  the  mouth  of 
"Falling  Creek"  landing  on  the  westerly  side  of  the  River  at 
the  southerly  side  of  the  mouth  of  the  Creek  —  again  a  trestle 
bridge  at  a  point  opposite  Col.  Knight's  house,  another  trestle 
bridge  nearly  opposite  the  battery  marked  twenty-three  (23)  on 
plan.     These  three  last  have  no  tetes  du  pont  on  the  north  side. 

vol..  V — 12 


178        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

The  manner  of  attack 

A  large  element  of  the  complete  success  of  this  movement 
depends  upon  the  celerity  and  the  cooperation  in  point  of 
time  of  the  several  commands  in  the  attack.  It  is  proposed 
that  Maj.  Gen'l.  Ord  shall  dispose  one  of  the  divisions  of  his 
Corps  in  such  positions  as  to  mass  them  near  Varina  on  the 
north  bank  during  the  night  silently  so  as  not  to  be  observed 
by  the  enemy,  and  from  thence  just  before  daybreak,  which 
is  assumed  to  be  thirty  (30)  minutes  past  four  (4)  o'clock  a.m. 
and  that  will  govern  in  point  of  time,  to  make  a  sudden,  sharp 
attack  in  column  upon  the  enemy's  lines  nearly  opposite  his 
position  upon  the  Varina  road.  At  the  same  time.  General 
Birney,  having  massed  such  divisions  as  he  chooses  or  using 
the  3rd  division  of  the  18th  Corps  at  Deep  Bottom  for  that 
purpose  for  which  it  will  be  temporarily  reported  to  him,  will 
make  a  like  attack  substantially  at  the  point  where  he  attacked 
before  in  the  late  essay  across  the  James,  and  endeavor  to 
carry  Newmarket  road  and  the  heights  adjacent,  if  he  cannot 
turn  them  to  the  left  without  too  great  loss. 

If  successful  and  the  way  can  be  opened,  Genl.  Kautz's 
cavalry  having  been  massed  near  the  pontoon  bridge  at  Deep 
Bottom  and  crossing  while  the  attack  is  going  on,  will  im- 
mediately push  out,  attempt  to  cross  the  Newmarket  road, 
turning  the  enemy's  forces  and  left  flank  if  possible,  avoiding 
a  fight  as  a  preference,  and  attempt  to  reach  the  "Central" 
or  as  it  is  called  in  the  Country  there  "Darbytown  Road." 
If  successful  in  striking  that  road,  Genl.  Kautz  is  to  make 
the  utmost  diligence  and  celerity  of  marching  up  that  road 
toward  Richmond,  or  if  he  finds  himself  opposed  in  such 
manner  as  to  render  it  advisable,  he  will  still  further  flank  to 
the  right  and  strike  the  Charles  City  road  as  both  roads  lead 
into  the  City  within  a  mile  of  each  other. 

If  Gen'l.  Ord  is  successful  in  passing  the  enemy's  line  in  his 
front,  he  is  to  move  right  on  up  the  Varina  road  and  endeavor  to 
reach  the  entrenched  camp  at  Chafiin's  farm,  and  if  possible  to 
take  it,  and  secure  and  destroy  the  pontoon  crossing  just  above. 

Perhaps  Gen'l.  Ord  will  find  the  better  way  to  take  the 
works  at  ChaflSn's  Farm  is  to  pass  them  by  the  Varina  road, 
or  turn  them  near  the  house  of  J.  Aikens  and  pass  to  the  rear, 
as  the  demoralization  of  their  defenders  if  any  get  there  from 
Johnson's  command  will  be  greater  when  they  find  themselves 
cut  off  from  Richmond. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        179 

Gen'l.  Ord  will  observe  that  the  Varina  road  runs  within 
two  miles  of  the  river,  and  he  may  be  annoyed  by  the  enemy's 
gunboats,  but  they  would  seem  to  amount  to  an  annoyance 
only  at  that  distance,  yet  an  attempt  to  take  the  work  would 
seem  the  most  feasible  from  the  northwest  side  of  the  salient 
extending  in  that  direction,  as  there  he  will  be  entirely  pro- 
tected by  the  high  bluff  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  gunboats. 

But  much  of  this  detail  of  course  must  be  left  to  his  discre- 
tion on  the  ground,  which  he  is  enjoined  to  use  largely  as  to 
modes  and  places  of  attack.  Gen'l.  Ord  is  expressly  cautioned, 
however,  to  lose  no  time  in  attempting  to  envelope  Chaffin's 
farm,  but  rather,  if  he  can  take  the  line  of  works  extending 
across  his  path,  to  place  what  in  his  judgment  may  be  a  suffi- 
cient force,  with  orders  to  entrench  so  as  to  hold  the  bridge, 
and  with  the  rest  of  his  forces  to  push  up  toward  the  New- 
market road  at  the  junction  of  which  with  the  Varina  road  he 
will  probably  be  met  with  some  force,  that  being  near  the 
station  of  the  cavalry. 

If  Chaffin's  Farm  can  be  taken,  a  force  should  be  detached 
to  hold  it,  although  it  becomes  of  minor  importance  except 
as  a  possible  bridge-head  for  a  new  pontoon  bridge  to  be 
thrown,  brought  from  the  Appomattox,  but  that  is  a  question 
of  time.  Leaving  sufficient  force  to  protect  his  rear  from 
the  enemy  crossing  after  striking  the  Newmarket  Junction,  at 
which  point,  it  is  hoped  he  will  be  joined  by  General  Birney, 
who  will  have  proceeded  up  the  Newmarket  road  —  Gen'l. 
Ord  will  move  to  the  left  and  attempt  to  strike  the  Richmond 
and  Osborne  old  turnpike,  and  also  to  detach  a  force  and 
destroy  or  hold  the  bridge  next  above,  and  proceed  onwards 
up  that  road  until  the  Junction  with  the  Newmarket  road,  at 
which  point  the  only  other  force  of  the  enemy  is  supposed  to  be 
found  on  the  garrisons  of  the  detached  works. 

Again,  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  destroy  the  bridge 
opposite  Battery  twenty- three  (23). 

If  these  bridges  can  be  destroyed  with  reasonable  celerity, 
there  can  be  but  little  doubt  of  the  complete  success  of  the 
movement. 

Meanwhile,  Gen'l.  Birney  will  have  moved  by  the  New- 
market road  up  to  the  point  of  intersection,  where  it  may  be 
necessary  to  turn  the  works  by  a  flank  movement  to  the  left 
in  the  direction  marked  on  the  map  "Cox,"  but  that  like  the 
other  method  of  attack  must  be  left  largely  to  the  discretion 
of  Gen'l.  Birney. 


180        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

As  soon  as  possible  after  the  advance  has  been  made  from 
Deep  Bottom,  whether  the  attack  is  made  by  the  third  (3rd) 
Division  of  the  18th  Corps  or  a  Division  of  the  10th  Corps, 
the  third  (3rd)  Division  under  Gen'l.  Paine  will  have  position 
upon  the  left  of  Gen'l.  Birney's  column  of  march,  so  that 
when  the  junction  is  formed  with  Gen'l.  Ord  that  division 
may  report  to  him  relieved  from  its  temporary  assignment 
to  duty  with  the  10th  Corps. 

The  Comdg.  Gen'l.  of  the  Army  will  endeavor  to  keep 
himself  in  communication  with  the  Corps  Commanders  so  as 
to  afford  any  direction,  advice,  or  assistance  that  may  be  in 
his  power,  and  by  being  kept  advised  of  the  movements  of 
the  one  and  the  other  of  the  Corps  Commanders,  as  well  as 
the  command  of  Gen'l.  Kautz,  he  may  be  thus  enabled  to 
secure  more  perfect  cooperation  than  would  otherwise  be 
possible. 

If  the  movement  is  made  with  celerity;  if  the  march  is 
held  uninterruptedly  as  much  as  possible,  and  if  in  the  first 
attack  the  element  of  unity  of  time  is  observed  which  has 
been  greatly  neglected  in  some  of  the  movements  of  the  Army, 
we  shall  gain  over  the  enemy  so  far  as  any  considerable  rein- 
forcements are  concerned  some  eight  (8)  to  twelve  (12)  hour 
and  perhaps  more  of  valuable  time  which  ought  not  to  be 
lost,  and  which  should  bring  us  far  on  our  journey  in  the 
twelve  (12)  miles  which  we  are  to  go. 

As  the  force  of  the  enemy  is  so  small,  there  will  need  to  be 
none  of  those  delays  for  deployments  which  generally  take 
so  much  time  in  movements  on  the  enemy. 

If  we  are  not  mistaken  in  the  force  opposed  to  us,  and  if 
we  are  not  we  shall  learn  it  very  early,  that  force  or  any  other 
that  may  be  got  on  that  side  of  the  river  for  six  (6)  hours 
need  give  us  no  alarm  or  trouble,  nor  indeed  when  the  two 
Corps  have  joined  need  we  fear  any  force  which  the  enemy 
by  possibility  can  detach  from  the  army  without  abandoning 
his  position  on  the  right  altogether,  in  which  case  we  shall  be 
likely  to  get  reinforcements  nearly  as  early  as  he  will.  Upon 
approaching  the  detached  works  at  Richmond,  if  we  are 
fortunate  enough  to  succeed  so  far,  as  they  will  be  found  to 
be  some  three-quarters  of  a  mile  apart  and  not  connected  with 
rifle  pits,  and  as  they  are  all  open  in  the  rear,  a  quick  move- 
ment of  a  small  column  of  troops  between  them  will  put  them 
into  the  hands  of  the  attacking  party,  of  course,  receiving  the 
fire  of  the  heavy  guns  in  position  which  are  manned  by  inex- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   181 

perienced  artillerists,  and  are  therefore  far  less  destructive  than 
light  guns  in  the  same  position. 

Getting  between  two  of  their  works  so  as  to  get  into  the 
rear  would  open  the  gates  of  Richmond. 

What  is  to  be  done  in  Richmond 

Whatever  Division  or  other  body  of  troops  shall  get  into 
Richmond,  it  will  be  their  duty  immediately,  without  waiting 
for  parley  or  doing  anything  else,  to  proceed  at  once  to  the 
bridges  across  the  James  River,  seizing  upon  inhabitants  to 
guide  them  for  that  purpose  if  necessary,  and  destroy  them. 
Fire  is  the  readiest  way  of  destroying  bridges  such  as  these  are 
of  wooden  spans.  As  soon  as  that  destruction  has  been 
accomplished,  then  unless  both  columns  and  the  cavalry 
column  have  reached  the  City,  as  large  a  body  as  can  possibly 
be  spared  will  be  sent  to  open  the  way  upon  the  road  by  which 
such  tardy  column  is  supposed  to  be  advancing  by  a  sharp 
attack  upon  any  enemy  opposing  in  the  rear. 

No  large  body  of  troops  it  is  believed  will  be  needed  for 
this  purpose,  as  the  enemy  under  such  circumstances  would 
make  no  stand. 

In  case  a  portion  of  the  troops  reach  Richmond,  and  the 
troops  holding  either  bridgehead  below  Richmond  are  attacked, 
they  are  to  hold  the  ground  as  long  as  possible,  having,  the 
moment  that  they  strike  the  point  which  they  intend  to  hold, 
strengthened  themselves  by  intrenchment  as  much  as  possible, 
for  which  reason  the  Battalion  of  Engineers  has  been  ordered 
to  report  to  Maj.  Gen'l.  Ord,  and  will  be  well  at  the  front, 
furnished  with  their  intrenching  tools. 

In  case  the  troops  guarding  the  bridges  are  forced  back, 
they  will  retire  upon  the  position  held  by  our  Army,  not 
allowing  the  enemy  to  get  between  them  and  the  main  body. 

In  case  any  portion  of  the  troops  have  reached  Richmond, 
and  those  outside  are  attacked  by  a  force  of  the  enemy  which 
they  are  unable  to  resist,  they  will  retire  towards  Richmond 
and  not  from  it. 

It  being  intended  if  the  town  is  once  reached  to  hold  it  at 
all  risks  and  at  all  hazards,  and  all  Commanders  of  Divisions 
and  others  in  advance  are  especially  cautioned  not  to  recognize 
or  regard  flags-of-truce  if  any  are  sent,  but  immediately 
receiving  the  bearer  to  press  on.  It  will  be  time  enough  to 
deal  with  flags-of-truce  after  the  object  of  the  expedition  is 
accomplished. 


182       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Details  of  the  march  and  of  the  equipment  of  the  troops 

As  so  much  depends  upon  the  celerity  of  movement,  and  the 
distance  over  which  we  are  to  move  is  so  short,  the  troops 
will  leave  everything  except  a  single  blanket  rolled  over  their 
shoulders,  and  haversack  with  three  (3)  days'  cooked  rations 
and  sixty  (60)  rounds  of  cartridge  in  their  cartridge  boxes  and 
on  their  persons.  All  tents,  camp  equipage,  and  cooking 
utensils  are  to  be  left  behind.  No  wagon  will  be  allowed  to 
cross  the  river  without  orders  from  these  Headqrs.  The 
wagon  trains,  however,  will  be  supplied  with  six  (6)  days' 
rations  and  half  forage  for  the  same  time,  and  forty  (40)  rounds 
of  extra  ammunition  per  man  ready  to  start  as  soon  as  ordered. 

As  this  movement  will  necessarily  be  a  failure  if  it  de- 
generates into  an  artillery  duel,  there  is  no  necessity  for  any 
artillery  to  cross  until  after  the  attempt  to  carry  the  first  line 
of  works,  and  then  only  such  batteries  as  have  been  designated 
in  the  conversations  between  the  Comdg.  Gen'l.  and  his 
Corps  Commanders. 

The  two  Battalions  of  Horse  Artillery  reporting  to  Gen'l. 
Kautz  will  cross  and  travel  with  him. 

Ambulances  will  be  parked  near  the  southern  head  of  each 
pontoon  bridge,  ready  to  be  used  when  occasion  requires. 

Hospital  boats  will  be  at  Deep  Bottom  for  the  purpose  of 
receiving  any  wounded.  Gen'l.  Kautz  will  take  with  him 
three  (3)  days'  cooked  rations  per  man,  and  what  forage  he 
can  conveniently  carry.  Assuming  that  he  is  better  mounted 
than  the  enemy's  cavalry  and  fresh,  he  will  have  no  difficulty 
in  case  it  should  be  necessary  to  cut  loose  from  the  infantry 
column  and  circle  the  city  as  far  as  may  be  necessary,  re- 
membering always  that  celerity  of  movement  in  cavalry  in 
a  far  greater  degree  than  infantry  is  the  principal  means  of 
success. 

The  Comd'g.  Gen'l.  cannot  refrain  in  closing  these  instruc- 
tions from  pressing  one  or  two  points  upon  the  attention  of 
Corps  Commanders. 

First  the  necessity  of  being  ready  to  move  and  moving  at 
the  moment  designated. 

Secondly  the  fact  that  the  Comdg.  Gen'l.  is  under  no  sub- 
stantial mistake  in  regard  to  the  force  to  be  at  first  encountered, 
and  therefore  there  is  no  necessity  of  time  spent  in  recon- 
noitering  or  taking  special  care  of  the  flanks  of  the  moving 
columns. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   183 

The  Comdg.  Gen'l.  would  also  recommend  to  the  Corps 
Commanders,  as  soon  as  it  may  be  done  with  safety  from 
discovering  the  movement,  to  impress  upon  each  of  the  Divi- 
sion Commanders  with  directions  for  them  to  transmit  the 
information  through  their  subordinates,  even  to  the  privates, 
of  the  number  and  kind  of  troops  we  are  required  to  meet,  so 
there  may  be  no  panic  from  supposed  flanking  movements  of 
the  enemy,  or  attacks  in  the  rear  —  always  a  source  of  de- 
moralization where  the  troops  do  not  understand  the  force  of 
the  enemy.  Let  us  assure  and  instruct  our  men  that  we  are 
able  to  fight  anything  we  will  find  either  in  front  or  flank  or 
rear,  wherever  they  may  happen  to  be. 

Lastly,  the  Comdg.  Gen'l.  will  recommend  for  promotion 
to  the  next  higher  grade  the  Brig.  Gen'l.  Comdg.  Division, 
Colonel  Comdg.  Brigade,  and  so  down  to  all  officers  and 
soldiers  of  the  leading  division,  brigade  or  regiment  which 
first  enters  Richmond,  and  he  doubts  not  that  his  recom- 
mendation will  be  approved  by  the  Lieut.  Gen'l.  and  acted 
upon  by  the  President,  and  if  Richmond  is  taken  he  will 
pledge  to  the  Division,  Brigade,  or  Regiment  first  entering 
the  city  to  each  officer  and  man  six  (6)  months'  extra  pay. 

While  making  this  offer  so  general  to  officers  and  men,  the 
Comdg.  Gen'l.  desires  to  say  that  he  has  not  included  the 
Maj.  Gen'l's  Comdg.  Corps,  because  he  knows  of  no  in- 
centive which  could  cause  them  to  do  their  duty  with  more 
promptness  and  efficiency  than  they  will  do  it. 

From  General  Butler 

Bead  Qrs.,  Sept.  iSth,  1.15  a.m. 

3Iaj.  Genl.  Birney,  Commanding  &c. 

Are  you  moving  tonight?     At  what  time  did  the  movement 

^^S^^-  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Sept.  iSth,  1864,  10  a.m. 

Brig.  Genl.  Paine,  Comd'g.  at  Deep  Bottom 

Of  course  you  will  use  your  discretion  as  to  what  troops  you 
will  leave  behind  that  you  think  are  not  fit  for  service.  The 
two  (2)  regiments  at  Pocahontas  and  Harrison  Landing  will  be 
with  you  in  the  course  of  the  day.  Gen'l.  Birney  will  have  a 
new  regiment  which  he  will  probably  leave  in  your  works. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 


184        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Sept.  28th.  1864,  10.20  a.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10th  Corps 

I  HAVE  ordered  the  1st  Md.  Cavalry  to  report  back  to  you 
as  infantry.  It  is  impossible  to  mount  them  in  season  for 
operations.  Their  comd'g.  officer  will  meet  you  at  my  Hd. 
Qrs.  this  afternoon.  How  many  of  the  4th  Mass.  can  you 
possibly  spare  me.^^     Do  as  well  as  you  can. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Sept.  iSth,  1864 

Brig.  Gen.  Marston,  Comd'g.  at  Fort  Pocahontas 

You  will  send  with  the  utmost  possible  despatch  the  two 
colored  regiments  to  Deep  Bottom  to  report  to  General  Paine. 
They  will  not  stop  at  City  Point,  but  proceed  directly  up  the 
river.  You  will  send  the  89th  New  York  to  the  wharf  this 
side  of  the  pontoon  bridge  near  the  Point  of  Rocks.  You 
will  garrison  your  post  with  the  forces  that  are  left.  Please 
send  me  any  information  you  may  have  received  during  the 
day,  even  if  it  requires  a  special  boat. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Sept.  iSth,  1864 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Ord,  Comd'g.  18th  A.  C. 

You  will  make  arrangements  for  holding  your  line  between 
the  Appomattox  and  the  James  with  the  provisional  brigade. 
I  have  taken  from  it  only  two  battalions  which  you  report 
unfit  for  field  duty,  and  shall  send  a  regiment  to  your  moving 
column  instead.  You  can  move  them  at  such  time  during 
the  day  and  supply  the  place  in  such  manner  as  you  see  fit 
with  your  provisional  brigade  and  such  other  troops  as  you 
may  deem  necessary.  You  can  move  them  at  any  time 
during  the  day.  Their  exhibition  on  your  line  can  do  you  no 
harm.     Indeed  a  little  (parade)  of  them  might  aid. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   185 

From  General  Ord 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James  Sept.  iSth,  1864 

Col.  Potter,  Commanding  Provisional  Brigade 

You  will  send  two  of  your  best  companies  to  Bermuda 
Hundreds  under  a  Major,  to  relieve  the  Fortieth  (40)  Mass. 
Let  it  be  done  at  once.      ^  ^  ^  ^^^^  ^   y  ^^^^  ^^^^,^ 

From  General  Ord 

Hd.  Qrs.  18th  Army  Corps,  Sept.  iSth,  1864 

The  Commander  of  the  40th  Mass.  on  duty  at  Bermuda 
Hundred  will  with  his  regiment  report  as  soon  as  relieved  to 
Col.  Potter  at  these  Head  Quarters. 

E.  O.  C.  Ord,  N.  Y.  Vols.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  iSth,  1864,  7.35  p.m. 

Abraham  Lincoln,  President  United  States,  Washington 

John  H.  Lester's  property  was  confiscated  to  the  use  of 
the  United  States  and  is  in  the  hands  of  the  Provost  Marshal 
at  Fortress  Monroe.  The  record  of  confiscation  will  be 
found  in  General  Orders  No.  50,  published  May  8th,  1864. 
I  will  send  for  a  copy  and  forward  it  as  early  as  possible. 

We  did  not  confiscate  three  hundred  thousand   (300,000) 
dollars  worth  of  cotton  which  Lester  had  at  Wilmington  and 
(60,000)  sixty  thousand  dollars  in  gold  which  he  had  in  Canada. 
The  original  record  is  in  the  Judge  Advocate's  Office. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen' I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  James,  Sept.  iSth,  1864,  7.35  p.m. 

Major  Stackpole,  Judge  Advocate,  Fort  Monroe 
Send  up  the  record  of  John  H.  Lester's  trial. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Sept.  iSth.  1864,  8.15  p.m. 

Col.  Hoffman,  Commanding  Gen'l.  of  Prisoners, 
Washington,  D.  C. 
The  one  thousand  (1000)  invalid  prisoners,  of  which  you 
speak,  better  be  sent  to  Point  Lookout.     I  will  see  that  they 


186   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

are  furnished  with  transportation  to  Fort  Pulaski.  On  the 
going  up  of  the  flag-of- truce  boat  I  will  arrange  with  Mr. 
Ould  as  to  where  he  will  receive  the  invalid  prisoners  on  the 
Mississippi.  g^^j  J,  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

FoBT  Monroe,  Virginia,  Sept.  iSth,  1864 

Dear  General:  At  the  time  Todd  Chamberlain  Co.  was 
closed,  I  spoke  to  you  and  had  permission  to  grant  the  license 
to  Walker  &  Co.,  of  which  my  brother  William  was  to  be 
one-third  owner.  They  have  never  commenced  under  the 
permit  owing  to  my  brother's  doubt  of  being  able  to  do  business 
under  General  Shepley.  And  after  spending  some  time  here 
he  told  me  that  he  had  determined  not  to  go  into  business 
here  as  he  could  not  get  Shepley  to  stick  to  any  arrangement 
made,  and  that  it  was  impossible  to  do  business  independent 
of  him.  Walker  had  arranged  for  his  share  of  the  capital, 
and  is  very  anxious  to  go  on  and  establish  a  permanent  house 
in  Norfolk.  And  is  very  anxious  that  I  should  put  in  Bill's 
share  of  the  capital,  and  take  the  same  interest,  which  I  have 
concluded  to  do  when  I  get  home.  I  find  my  affairs  in  such 
shape  as  to  enable  me  to  do  it.  I  believe  that  Norfolk  will 
prosper,  and  I  know  Walker  will  deal  honestly  by  me,  so  that 
what  I  put  in  I  do  just  as  I  would  taking  so  much  bank  or 
railroad  stock. 

The  contract  is  that  I  am  to  be  relieved  from  all  responsi- 
bility in  regard  to  the  business.  I  should  have  liked  first  to 
have  seen  you  and  talked  the  matter  over,  but  that  was 
impossible.  If  you  see  any  impropriety  in  my  taking  an 
interest  here  please  drop  me  a  line  at  Freeport  so  that  I  can 
stop  in  time.  I  told  Walker  I  would  not  ask  any  special 
favors  for  the  concern,  only  such  as  all  could  have,  except 
this  that  the  other  officers  be  not  allowed  to  embarrass  and 
hinder.  Walker  has  got  the  impression  that  a  concern  that 
I  am  interested  in  will  do  most  of  the  North  Carolina  business 
this  side  of  China  (after  he  gets  possession),  as  he  says  those 
people  feel  very  kind  and  under  many  obligations  to  me. 

I  am  not  conscious  of  having  done  more  than  to  have  treated 
them  as  they  came  up  last  winter  with  what  I  considered 
proper  attention. 

However,  be  this  as  it  may,  Walker  is  entirely  willing  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   187 

have  whatever  strength  I  may  have  offset  his  services,  or 
rather  relieve  me  from  any  service.  I  have  faith  in  the  enter- 
prise. I  may  be  mistaken,  but  I  am  acting  from  what  I 
consider  good  evidences. 

If  Walker  should  call  on  you,  you  can  talk  freely  with  him. 
I  told  him  to  get  along  with  Shepley  as  long  as  he  could  hon- 
ourably, but  no  longer.  That  my  pride  would  not  allow  me 
to  have  an  interest  in  any  business  that  owed  its  success  to 
quieting  self-respect  to  any  such  a  man  as  Shepley. 

Now,  understand  me  General.     If  there  is  to  your  mind 

the  least  impropriety  in  my  movements,  let  me  know  and  I 

will  stop.     I  leave  in  five  hours.  t^  t  ttt  o 

^  Yours,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  George  B.  Way 

Washington  City,  Sept.  iSth,  a.d.  1864 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Commandg.  in  the  Field 

Dear  Sir:  When  I  visited  your  quarters  last  month,  with 
letters  of  introduction  from  Gen.  Schenck  and  Mr.  Risley,  I 
was  anxiously  searching  for  profitable  employment,  and  you 
were  good  enough  to  say  that  you  would  take  pleasure  in 
assisting  me.  We  spoke  of  trade  stores  at  Norfolk,  and  you 
offered  me  one  of  these.  On  Captain  Cassell's  arriving  in 
camp,  you  referred  me  to  him  for  particulars.  When  I  left 
Bermuda  Hundreds,  it  was  with  the  expectation  of  seeing  the 
Captain  again  at  Fortress  Monroe  within  two  or  three  days, 
but  after  waiting  his  arrival  there  an  entire  week,  I  was  com- 
pelled to  return  to  my  family.  Before  leaving  the  Fort, 
however,  I  left  the  letters  I  had  shown  you  (accompanied  by 
one  from  myself)  with  a  friend  who  promised  to  deliver  them 
to  Capt.  Cassell  on  his  return.  I  also  addressed  a  letter  to 
you,  in  which  I  informed  you  that  my  enquiries  at  Norfolk 
and  the  Fort  had  induced  me  to  believe  that,  owing  to  the 
number  of  permits  granted,  it  was  impossible  to  make  money 
out  of  a  trade  store  in  Norfolk,  unless  liquors  were  included 
in  the  stock.  I  begged  you,  therefore,  to  give  me  the  privilege 
of  dealing  in  wines,  liquors,  ales,  etc.  To  this  I  have  received 
no  answer.  Subsequently  I  wrote  to  Captain  Cassell  to  know 
what  amount  of  goods  per  month  I  would  be  permitted  to  take 
to  Norfolk,  exclusive  of  liquors.  This  letter  also  remains 
unanswered.  After  my  return  to  Washington  I  addressed 
you  again,  recapitulating  briefly  the  contents  of  my  letter 
from  Fortress  Monroe,  and  informed  you  that  I  would  request 


188        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

a  letter  from  Governor  Chase,  late  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
that  you  might  be  satisfied  that  I  was  not  utterly  unworthy 
of  the  assistance  my  friend  Gen.  Schenck  had  requested  you 
to  give  me.  Gov.  Chase  wrote  me  in  reply  from  Salem, 
Mass.,  enclosing  a  letter  to  you  which  I  forward  with  this. 
It  would  have  been  sent  to  you  earlier  but  that  I  have  been 
expecting  for  weeks  to  visit  your  camp  again  in  company  with 
Mr.  Risley.  Mr.  R.  has  been  and  still  is  detained  here  by 
pressing  business,  and  my  funds  are  getting  so  low  that  it 
has  become  necessary  to  address  you  without  further  delay. 
And  now,  General,  cannot  you  do  something  for  me?  You 
told  me  the  number  of  liquor  stores  at  Norfolk  was  limited  to 
twelve.  By  permitting  another,  it  will  only,  after  all,  be  a 
"Baker's  dozen."  A  general  trade  store  including  a  limited 
stock  of  liquors  I  think  might  be  granted  me.  I  very  much 
fear  that  I  am  becoming  troublesome,  but  I  am  in  so  much 
distress  that  I  am  compelled  to  try  every  means  in  my  power 
to  procure  remunerative  employment.  Were  I  sure  that  you 
had  not  received  the  letters  I  have  hitherto  addressed  to  you, 
I  would  explain  at  length  my  embarrassments,  and  the  causes 
which  led  to  them.  But  I  think  all  this  has  been  done  in  one 
or  perhaps  two  of  the  letters  you  should  already  have  received. 
And  perhaps  this  would  be  unnecessary  in  any  event.  Gov. 
Chase,  who  is  a  friend  of  many  years  and  knows  my  history, 
informs  you  that  I  have  met  with  misfortunes.  It  is  enough 
for  me  to  add  that  they  have  left  me  almost  destitute.  You 
know,  therefore,  that  I  am  in  great  distress,  and  if  this  con- 
stitutes any  claims  on  you,  I  urge  it.  My  knee,  very  seriously 
injured  by  a  fall  from  an  ambulance  whilst  on  duty  in  Western 
Virginia,  renders  it  impossible  for  me  to  seek  employment 
requiring  locomotion.  The  surgeons  say  that  I  can  hardly 
hope  to  regain  the  use  of  my  knee  in  a  twelvemonth. 

If  it  should  prove  impossible  to  give  me  the  facilities  I  seek 
at  Norfolk,  is  there  anything  else  you  can  do  for  me?  Or, 
can  you  give  me  hope  in  the  future?  In  the  event  of  the 
capture  of  Petersburg  and  Richmond,  for  example,  can  any- 
thing be  found  for  me  to  do?  Give  my  application  a  charitable 
consideration.  Believe  me,  you  seldom  have  an  opportunity 
of  being  so  serviceable  to  your  fellow-man.  It  seems  hard 
to  me,  crippled  and  unfortunate  as  I  am,  to  see  men  who  are 
in  no  need  of  assistance,  and  whom  I  know  to  be  mentally 
and  morally  my  inferiors,  daily  receiving  positions  and  favors 
which  I  seek  for  in  vain.     But  I  have  no  more  to  say.     I  can 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        189 

only  beg  you  in  conclusion  to  answer  this  as  soon  as  your 
convenience  will  reasonably  permit.  And  do  try,  General,  to 
comply  with  my  request.  With  sincere  respect,  your  friend 
and  servant,  George  B.  Way,  No.  372  Fourth  Street 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  28,  1864,  11.45  p.m. 

My  dearest  Sarah:  It  is  now  midnight,  and  I  am  to  be  up 
at  3  A.M.  tomorrow  and  start  out  on  our  move,  and  so  shall 
have  no  time  to  write  in  the  morning. 

Indeed,  I  have  nothing  to  say  now  save  that  I  was  disap- 
pointed in  not  getting  a  letter  tonight. 

I  will  enclose  the  last  I  have  received  from  you,  and  say 
goodby  dearest  (who  writes  oftenest  now  .5^),        ■„ 

Fi-om  General  Butler  to  General  Meade 

Telegram.     In  the  Field,  Junction  of  Varina  and  New  Market  Road, 

{Sept.  28),  12.15  p.m. 

Signal  officer  reports  train  of  16  cars  heavily  loaded  with 
troops  from  Petersburg  to  Richmond. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

At  Junction  of  New  Market  and  Varina  Road,  {Sept.  28),  12.50  p.m. 

Birney  is  this  moment  making  his  attack.  Will  inform 
you  at  once.  16  cars  from  Petersburg  with  troops  for  Rich- 
mond. Have  sent  word  to  Gen.  Meade.  The  enemy's  works 
do  not  cross  the  Varina  road,  but  run  nearly  parallel  with  it 
to  within  three  miles  of  Richmond.  We  shall  try  the  works 
if  they  are  carried,  —  it  is  the  best  obstacle. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sept.  29,  1864 

Dearest:  Two  letters  today.  Yesterday  none.  One  is 
quite  long,  both  pleasant.  Only  you  do  not  look  at  things 
quite  rightly.  Enthusiasm  with  you  is  on  the  wane.  That 
you  think  that,  I  do  not  altogether  credit,  but  if  it  were  so  it 
should  not  change  your  interest  in  life.  On  you  it  depends 
whether  the  enthusiasm,  hopes,  and  aspirations  of  your  boys 


190        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

are  directed  aright.  If  they  do  the  world  injury  instead  of 
good,  it  will  in  part  be  our  fault.  And  for  your  daughter  — 
but  I  think  you  do  not  require  any  suggestions  from  me  on 
those  matters,  So  far  from  being  obliged  to  give  your  thoughts 
principally  to  their  progress,  I  look  upon  your  career  as  just 
begun.  Never  think  you  will  not  find  pleasure  in  it.  It  is 
only  when  hope  is  defeated  for  the  time  being  that  one  is 
indifferent.  It  springs  again  fresh  as  at  first.  And  every 
year  the  great  game  is  played  with  increased  interest  (as  it 
will  be  with  you)  till  the  very  aged  are  more  reluctant  to  quit 
than  the  mere  youth.  Write  me  the  result  of  your  interview 
with  Seward.  I  am  very  sorry  I  could  not  see  him.  If  the 
care  of  the  family  will  admit,  I  shall  go  to  Washington  with 
Blanche  this  Winter  for  a  time,  if  you  approve.  I  wish  to 
know  some  of  the  people  there.  I  hope  the  campaign  will  be 
in  such  condition  that  you  can  go  with  us.  I  cannot  yet  find 
those  bills  for  the  furniture.  Nor  the  appointments  for 
Weitzel  and  Terry.  I  will  look  for  the  last  at  the  office  as  we 
go  down  to  put  the  letter  in  the  mail.  Your  coat  will  be 
ordered  this  afternoon,  and  forwarded  as  soon  as  finished. 
Your  letters  are  very  kind,  dearest,  and  fully  believed  in. 
A  part  of  the  time  I  am  merry  enough,  and  too  busy  to  be 
gloomy  at  any  time.  I  never  had  more  care  than  at  the 
present  time,  as  you  can  see,  with  Harriet  sick  and  so  many 
to  think  of.  But  after  a  little  I  shall  shake  it  off  and  run 
about  for  pleasure.  I  am  never  so  busy  as  to  forget  you,  and 
what  would  be  the  next  best  thing,  where  you  will  go,  and 
what  you  will  do;  these  are  the  primary  objects,  the  others, 
the  petty  ones  of  life  that  take  up  time  and  must  be  attended 
to.  The  children  are  well  and  all  busy.  Harriet  is  not  so 
well.  If  she  does  not  gain  she  cannot  go  with  us.  All  that 
you  have  written  will  be  attended  to. 

Most  truly  yours,  dearest,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Sept.  29,  1864,  Sunday  morning  5.00  o'clock. 
Head  Qrs.  at  Intersection  of  Varina  and  New  Market  Roads,  near  Richmond 

My  dearest  little  Wife:  I  am  waiting  now  expecting  an 
attack  from  the  enemy  which  will  be  made  at  daylight  if  at 
all.  I  think  I  improve  the  vacant  space  in  writing  you  — 
not  to  relieve  foolish  fears,  because  you  are  too  much  of  a 
soldier's  wife  to  have  any,  but  to  draw  away  from  the  grim 
surroundings  and  have  a  moment  with  you  in  a  nice  quiet 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        191 

chamber  at  home.  Home,  what  a  thought  here  in  this  wild 
savage  scene!  A  pine  forest,  camp  fires  lighting  up  the  dark 
trunks  all  around,  the  rain  pattering  from  the  pine  leaves, 
now  pouring  as  they  are  shaken  by  the  wind  upon  the  tent 
fly.  Dull  day  just  breaking,  showing  a  hazy  blue  outline 
with  the  tops  of  the  trees,  and  beginning  to  contend  with  the 
flaring  candle  for  a  supply  of  light.  Sounds  not  less  strange, 
the  shrieking  mules  making  most  hideous  yells  for  their  morn- 
ing feed,  the  tap,  tap,  tap  of  the  choppers  all  around  as  they 
slash  the  trees  for  defence  or  fell  them  for  fire  wood;  the 
occasional  picket  shot  from  our  side  replied  to  by  the  enemy. 
Now  about  —  it  would  seem  about  to  break  out  into  a  battle 
—  and  dying  again  away  with  intervals  of  comparative  quiet 
in  which,  however,  the  ear  can  hardly  tell  the  difference  from 
the  rumbling  of  the  army  wagon  over  the  corduroy  roads. 
Now  the  reveille  bugle  calls,  waking  up  the  soldiers,  so  that 
if  this  letter  is  to  be  interrupted  by  a  contest  it  will  be  soon  in 
earnest.  With  all  these  sights,  sounds,  and  expected  changes 
of  thought  and  action,  you  may  well  regard  it  as  one  of  the 
scenes  that  a  life-time  may  never  give  another,  but  thought 
is  too  tense,  the  mind  is  too  unsettled  to  make  it  otherwise 
than  savagely  pleasant,  and  so  I  am  trying  to  give  my  mind 
a  turn  to  you  and  the  sweet  peace  and  quiet  of  home  —  and  to 
talk  with  you  as  you  lay  in  your  quiet  bed.  Now,  after  the 
first  exclamation  of  "How  in  the  world  came  you  here?"  — 
you  would  say,  "What  have  you  been  about.^"  —  and  I  after 
a  little  ceremony,  which  you  can  guess,  should  tell  you  that, — 

On  Thursday  last,  after  careful  preparation  in  obedience 
to  the  orders  of  Lt.  General  Grant,  I  took  my  two  corps  and 
Kautz's  Cavalry,  all  the  army  of  the  James,  numbering  about 
one-half,  which  you  know  was  the  army  which  we  left  the 
Fortress  with  on  the  fifth  of  May,  —  and  moved  across  the 
river  at  daylight,  and  at  two  points,  Aikens'  landing  or  Varina, 
and  the  other  Deep  Bottom  about  3  miles  below. 

Gen.  Ord's  column  was  to  attack  the  enemy's  intrenched 
camp  at  Chapin's  farm,  or  bluff,  as  it  is  called.  This  was 
most  gallantly  done.  The  very  strong  works  of  the  enemy 
were  carried,  fifteen  guns  some  very  large  ones,  were  ours. 
At  the  same  time.  Gen.  Birney,  with  Paine's  Division  of 
colored  troops,  took  the  strong  works  of  the  enemy  at  New 
Market,  which  stopped  Hancock's  advance  when  we  moved 
over  here  before  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  —  a  charge, 
agreed  to  be  the  most  gallant  and  dashing  of  the  war.     They 


192        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

suffered  largely,  and  some  two  hundred  of  them  lay  with 
their  backs  to  the  earth  and  their  feet  to  the  fore,  with  their 
sable  faces  made  by  death  a  ghastly,  tawny  blue,  with  their 
expression  of  determination,  which  never  dies  out  of  brave 
men's  faces  who  die  instantly  in  a  charge,  forming  a  sad  sight, 
which  is  burnt  on  my  memory  as  I  rode  through  them  as 
they  lay.  Poor  fellows,  they  seem  to  have  so  little  to  fight 
for  in  this  contest,  with  the  weight  of  prejudice  loaded  upon 
them,  their  lives  given  to  a  country  which  has  given  them 
not  yet  justice,  not  to  say  fostering  care.  To  us,  there  is  pa- 
triotism, fame,  love  of  country,  pride,  ambition,  all  to  spur 
us  on,  but  to  the  negro,  none  of  all  these  for  his  guerdon  of 
honor.  But  there  is  one  boon  they  love  to  fight  for,  freedom 
for  themselves  and  their  race  forever,  and  may  my  "right 
hand  forget  her  cunning"  but  they  shall  have  that.  The 
man  who  says  the  negro  will  not  fight  is  a  coward,  and  his 
liver  is  white,  and  that  is  all  there  is  truly  white  about  him. 
His  soul  is  blacker  than  the  dead  faces  of  these  dead  negroes, 
upturned  to  heaven  in  solemn  protest  against  him  and  his 
prejudices.  I  have  not  been  so  much  moved  during  this 
war  as  I  was  by  this  sight.  Dead  men  and  many  of  them 
I  have  seen,  alas!  too  many,  but  no  such  touching  sight  as 
this.  Their  valor  had  just  been  reported  to  me,  and  I  rode 
through  the  evidences  of  it  and  over  the  strong  position  which 
they  had  cleared  for  me.  Gen.  Birney  went  on  —  his  corps 
carried  two  lines  of  intrenchments,  and  then  we  were  unsuc- 
cessful in  an  attack  on  the  enemy's  works,  and  night  came  on 
and  we  took  up  our  position  for  the  night.  Yesterday  the 
enemy  made  a  most  determined  assault  upon  our  (lines),  and 
specially  upon  the  lines  of  the  18th  Corps  under  the  command 
of  Weitzel,  who  came  here  from  Newburn  the  night  after  we 
came  up,  relieving  Ord  who  was  wounded.  Lee  commanded 
in  person  and  was  determined  to  retake  the  fort,  but  the 
assault  was  repulsed  with  fearful  slaughter  of  the  enemy,  and 
we  still  hold  our  lines.  The  event  is  happening  which  I  sup- 
posed might  when  I  began  this  letter  —  Lee's  cannon  are 
opening  on  my  dept.,  and  I  must  be  in  the  saddle.  Goodbye, 
dearest  wife,  I  have  not  written  a  word  which  I  intended  when 
I  began,  but  that  "corner"  of  the  heart  is  all  right,      -p 

We    captured    five    hundred    prisoners,    18    commissioned 
oflficers  and  five  battle-flags. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        193 

From  General  Butler 

Grevers  House,  8.30  a.m.,  SeTpt.  iQth 

Lt.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

BiRNEY  has  advanced  from  Deep  Bottom  and  taken  the 
main  Hne  of  works  at  the  signal  tower,  New  Market  Heights, 
which  commands  the  road  and  is  advancing.  This  lets  out 
Kautz,  who  is  starting  by  means  of  cavalry.  We  have  com- 
municated across  to  Ord's  column,  who  Col.  Meade  of  the 
4  Mass.  Cavalry  reports  to  have  carried  the  enemy's  main 
line  of  works  in  his  front  and  is  advancing  rapidly.  Paine's 
division,  foot  main  line,  holds  on,  but  with  considerable  loss. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Telegram.    Sept.  idth,  Grevers  House,  near  Kingsland  Road,  9  a.m. 

Col.  Potter,  commanding  defences  of  Bermuda  line 
through  Gen.  Butler's  Head  Qrs. 
We  are  advancing,  all  goes  as  intended  thus  far,  two  de- 
serters of  the  18th  Corps  have  told  enemy  that  all  the  troops 
have  been  taken  out  of  your  line.  They  may  attack  it;  if  so, 
it  will  be  just  at  night  or  at  daybreak.  You  may  show  them 
your  force  by  displaying  it  on  the  lines.     Have  your  reveille  at 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Signal  Hill,  Sept.  iQth,  '64, 12  m. 

After  riding  forward  to  what  was  Gen.  Birney's  front  at 
the  time,  the  intersection  of  New  Market  &  Mill  road,  I  turned 
to  the  left  and  visited  the  works  captured  by  the  18th  Corps. 
From  there  I  returned  to  Signal  Hill,  expecting  to  meet  you. 
Being  desirous  of  keeping  in  communication  with  Gen.  Meade, 
I  shall  now  return  to  Deep  Bottom  where  any  communication 
will  reach  me.  If  our  troops  do  not  reach  Richmond  this 
afternoon,  my  opinion  is  that  it  will  be  unsafe  to  spend  the 
night  north  of  the  enemy's  lower  bridge.  I  think  it  advisable 
to  select  a  line  now  to  which  the  troops  can  be  brought  back 
tonight  if  they  do  not  reach  Richmond.  I  have  not  yet  heard  of 
any  movements  of  troops  south  of  the  James.  My  desire  to  be 
informed  on  this  subject  prevents  me  riding  forward  to  where 
you  are.     Please  communicate  to  me  all  progress  made. 

Yours,  &c.,  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

VOL.   V — 13 


194        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Deep  Bottom,  1.35  p.m.,  Seft.  i9th,  1864 

If  Gen.  Birney  has  not  been  successful  in  carrying  the 
works  in  his  front,  I  think  it  will  be  advisable  to  move  out  to 
the  Central  road. 

From  the  enclosed  despatch  you  will  see  that  all  must  be 
done  today  that  can  be  done  toward  Richmond. 

U.  S.  Geant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Boat  "  Hotistonic."    Head  Quarters,  Deep  Bottom,  Sept.  i9th,  1864,  4.45  o'clock  p.m. 

I  WILL  now  return  to  City  Point,  at  which  place  dispatches 
will  reach  me  telegraphed  from  here.  Please  say  to  Gen. 
Barnard  that  I  will  send  a  boat  here  for  him.  If  the  enemy 
do  not  reinforce  by  more  than  a  Division,  we  will  give  them 
another  trial  in  the  morning,  flanking  instead  of  assaulting 

U.  S.  Geant,  Lt.  Gen. 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.,  Sept.  29th,  9.10  p.m. 

I  AM  holding  the  line  pointed  out  by  Col.  Comstock  and 
Gen.  Barnard,  to  wit,  from  near  Grave  Yard  at  Cox's  ferry  up 
to  the  White  House,  thence  to  the  fort  taken  by  Ord's  corps, 
thence  along  the  lines  of  the  enemy  taken  by  us  across  New 
Market  road,  thence  with  the  right  refused  extending  to  the 
Darbytown  or  Central  road,  thence  by  a  cavalry  picket  across 
that  road  with  a  small  brigade  in  reserve  at  the  Junction  of 
the  Kingsland  and  Varina  Road.  Kautz  has  advanced  up  the 
central  road  to  the  inner  line  of  redoubts  near  Richmond, 
thence  he  has  flanked  to  the  right,  and  has  cut  connection, 
and  we  have  not  heard  from  him.  Col.  Babcock  has  reported. 
Benj.  F.  Butlee,  3Iaj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

Tell  other  events  to  you.  If  Gen.  Meade  does  not  attack, 
why  can  we  not  have  the  other  corps?  The  danger  is  that 
the  enemy  may  cross  the  river  below  us  and  get  in  our  rear, 
as  we  have  not  cavalry  to  picket  the  line  to  Dutch  Gap. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   195 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Sept.  29,  10  P.M. 

Can  you  meet  me  as  early  as  sunrise  tomorrow  morning 
at  Deep  Bottom?  I  desire  to  consult  you.  I  would  not  say 
thus  early  were  it  not  that  any  move  should  be  made  early. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Sept.  i9th,  10  P.M. 

My  dearest  Wife:   I  am  in  the  field  now  at  the  crossing 

of  the  Varina  and  New  Market  Roads,  about  seven  miles 

from  Richmond.     You  will  see  it  on  the  map.     If  we  are  not 

attacked  tonight  I  shall  move  forward  tomorrow.     I  am  well, 

dearest,  and  send  much  love.  -r,         ^^  t, 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Sept.  29,  1864,  11  p.m. 

Gen'l.  Meade  will  attack  at  daylight  in  the  morning. 
If  the  enemy  have  detached  largely,  he  may  be  able  to  carry 
Petersburg;  if  so  I  can  send  two  Corps,  —  use  railroad  and 
steamers  for  the  infantry. 

On  account  of  this  attack  I  want  to  remain  through  the 

day.     I  will  go  to  Deep  Bottom,  however,  to  meet  you,  leaving 

here  at  5  a.m.  tt  o   /-<  t^  /^ 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  30th,  1864,  9.55  a.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd^g.  10th  Corps 

The  exigency  having  arisen  provided  for  in  the  instructions 
the  junction  of  the  two  corps.  Gen'l.  Paine's  Division  will 
report  to  Major  Gen'l.  Weitzel,  who  has  assumed  command 
of  the  18th  Corps. 

General  Birney  will  move  his  corps  by  the  left,  so  as  to 
connect  with  the  right  of  General  Weitzel  at  or  near  the 
prominent  work  taken  by  the  18  Corps  from  the  enemy,  now 
occupied  by  General  Stannard's  Division.  His  command  will 
then  man  the  line  until  it  strikes  the  New  Market  road,  and 
then  at  a  proper  point  across  that  road  he  will  refuse  his  right, 
throwing  it  over  nearly  parallel  to  the  road  as  the  capabilities 


196        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

of  the  ground  may  suggest.  General  Kautz,  with  his  com- 
mand now  on  the  Darbytown  road,  will  connect  with  General 
Birney,  holding  the  most  of  his  force  with  the  right  refused 
and  picket  so  as  to  join  pickets  with  the  forces  at  Deep  Bottom 
at  or  near  the  signal  station  at  New  Market.  General  Kautz 
will  throw  his  pickets  out  on  all  practicable  roads,  so  that  no 
advance  can  be  made  by  the  enemy  without  timely  notice, 
and  if  an  advance  is  made  it  will  be  resisted  firmly,  and  im- 
mediate information  given  to  General  Birney  and  these  Hd. 
Qrs.  simultaneously.  Both  Generals  Birney  and  Kautz  will 
strengthen  their  lines  by  abatis,  falling  trees,  and  by  such 
other  means  as  their  experience  will  suggest.  It  being  our 
intention  to  hold  our  position  as  at  present  until  other  move- 
ments of  the  enemy. 

It  is  suggested  that  the  reveille  should  be  at  half  past  four 
in  the  morning.  ^^^^  -p  b^^^er,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Junction  of  the  Varina  and  New  Market  Roads, 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  30,  '64 

Maj.  Gen.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  18th  Army  Corps 

Come  up  as  far  as  you  can.  We  shall  have  a  very  thin 
line  to  strike  the  New  Market  Road.  Favor  us  as  much  as 
possible,  and  Birney  will  join  Stannard's  Division. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Junction  of  Varina  &  New  Market  Roads, 

in  the  Field,  Sept.  30,  '64 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  &c. 

A  REFUGEE  from  Richmond  who  has  been  identified  by  one 
of  my  agents  states  that  great  excitement  exists  in  Richmond, 
and  that  the  people  talk  among  themselves  of  endeavoring 
to  have  the  authorities  evacuate  the  city  if  possible.  To  the 
best  of  his  knowledge  and  information  no  troops  arrived  in  the 
city  from  Petersburg  or  otherwise  up  to  10  p.m.  yesterday. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        197 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Junction  of  Varina  &  New  Market  Roads. 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  30,  '64 

Maj.  Stackpole,  Judge  Advocate,  Fort  Monroe 
The  President  has  telegraphed  me  as  follows: 

"Is  there  a  man  in  your  Dept.  by  the  name  of  James  Hallion  under  sentence,  and 
if  so  what  is  the  sentence  and  what  for?  .    j  P      'd    t 

Please  answer  this  for  me. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Geril.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Junction  of  Varina  &  New  Market  Roads,  Sept.  30th,  1864 

Quarter  Master  at  Bermuda  Hundreds 

Have  the  Hd.  Quarter's  mail  sent  here  at  once  upon  its 
arrival.  ^^^^  -p  g^^^ER,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Junction  of  the  Varina  &  New  Market  Roads. 

In  the  Field,  Sept.  30th,  1864 

E.  G.  Davis,  Master,  Ft.  Monroe,  Va. 

Before  your  schooner  goes  we  want  to  know  what  she 
was  doing  in  the  Warwick  River,  who  let  her  go  there,  &  for 
what  purpose,  and  several  other  inquiries  answered. 

Please  show  this  telegram  to  the  Prov.  Mar.  at  Fort  Monroe, 
and  if  he  decides  to  clear  the  vessel  I  shall  be  willing. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Junction  of  Varina  &  New  Market  Roads. 

Sept.  30th,  1864 

Comd'g.  Officer,  6th  Conn.  Vols. 

Restore  James  A.  Edwards  to  the  ranks.  Keep  your  eye 
on  him  and  tell  me  how  he  behaves  in  action.  If  well,  his 
absence  without  leave  will  be  pardoned. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Sept.  30th,  1864,  11.30  a.m. 

Lt.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  City  Point 

From  an  officer  who  is  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  I 
receive  the  following  information  upon  which  I  rely. 


198        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

That  before  me  there  is  Heth,  Wilcox,  Field,  and  Hoke's 
Division.  Pickett  still  at  Bermuda.  Early  having  Kershaw 
Rhodes  (Early  old)  and  Breckinridge's  forces.  Before  Peters- 
burg is  Anderson's  old  Division,  Mahone  Comd'g.,  and  Bush- 
rod  Johnson.  Lee  is  commanding  in  person  on  the  north 
side  of  the  James.  We  shall  be  attacked  in  the  morning,  and 
we  shall  make  the  best  fight  we  can,  but  it  is  respectfully 
suggested  that  the  immediate  movement  of  a  division  or  two 
by  rail  to  City  Point  and  thence  by  boat  to  Aikens'  Landing 
is  necessary.  They  have  as  many  men  as  we  have,  with  the 
advantage  of  being  the  attacking  party.  We  shall  be  ready 
for  them  at  daylight.  Hoke's  division  has  suffered  so  heavily 
that  I  don't  think  it  will  go  in  again.  This  information  which 
I  believe  is  reliable  is  submitted  to  the  Lieut.  Gen'l.  We 
have  as  the  result  of  today's  fighting  20  good  prisoners,  18 
officers,  two  battle  flags. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  in  the  Field.  Sept.  30,  '64,  12.30  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  City  Point 

Since  writing  my  despatch  of  11.30  p.m.  I  have  received 
yours  of  11  p.m.,  saying  that  two  divisions  of  Hill's  Corps 
are  before  Petersburg.  I  don't  think  that  can  be.  I  have 
drawn  all  the  available  old  men  with  the  exception  of  two 
hundred  men  from  Fort  Powhatan  and  Pocahontas.  Gen. 
Ord  was  notified  at  his  Head  Quarters  to  forward  all  the  men 
in  his  camp  today.  I  see  no  reason  to  alter  my  despatch  of 
8.30  P.M.  (11.30  A.M.i^).  I  will  put  the  officer  upon  his  life  as 
to  the  truth  of  his  information  before  sending  this  despatch. 

P.  S.  I  have  examined  this  man  upon  his  life,  and  he  says 
he  is  willing  to  put  it  upon  the  question  of  all  the  Divisions  I 
have  named  except  Wilcox'  Division  of  Hill's  Corps;  to  wit; 
Heth,  Field,  and  Hoke.  He  believes  strongly,  from  what  he 
has  heard,  that  Wilcox  is  here,  but  he  says  he  does  not  know 
it.  We  have  numbers  of  prisoners  from  Field  and  Hoke's 
Divisions,  and  all  report  Heth  here. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        199 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Sept.  30,  1864 

Has  anything  been  heard  of  Kautz  this  morning?     I  begin 

to  be  some  uneasy  about  him.  tt  o   /->  t^   n 

"^  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Junction  of  Varina  &  New  Market  Roads, 

Sept.  30th,  1864,  3  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.,  &c. 

Kautz  has  returned,  and  is  picketting  on  our  right  from 
the  Darby  town  road  to  New  Market,  and  is  holding  the 
former  road  in  force.     He  was  not  able  to  get  through. 

The  enemy  here  massed  on  Gen.  Birney's  left,  which  is  about 
the  centre  of  our  line,  nearly  opposite  the  large  fort  which  we 
took,  and  made  a  determined  assault  in  three  lines  with  a  very 
heavy  fire  of  Artillery,  but  were  repulsed  —  just  now. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Sept.  30,  1864 

The  Navy  having  no  torpedoes  here,  I  have  ordered  your 
ordnance  officer,  Lt.  Kress,  to  Ft.  Monroe  to  fit  up  what  you 
want.  He  will  be  able  to  get  them  ready  to  return  to  Aitkens' 
Landing  by  four  p.m.  tomorrow.         ^  g  ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^,^^ 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Sept.  30,  1864 

Indications  are  that  not  more  than  1  Div.  of  troops  have 
been  moved  from  Petersburg.  Reconnoissance  might  be 
made  towards  the  Charles  City  Road,  &  preparations  made 
to  move  out  that  way  in  a  day  or  2  if  thought  advisable, 
breaking  for  the  time  connection  with  the  river.  I  do  not 
say  this  will  be  advisable,  but  get  such  information  as  you 
can  about  roads,  &c.  Meade  has  moved  out  south  with 
2  divisions  and  sent  2  more  further  east  to  try  &  flank  the 
enemy. 

As  soon  as  anything  is  reported  I  will  inform  you. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 


200        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  SOth,  1864 

To  the  Corps  Commanders  18th  and  10th  Army  Corps 

You  will  see  that  reveille  is  sounded  tomorrow  morning  at 
4  o'clock,  and  that  the  men  of  your  commands  are  supplied 
with  coffee  at  that  hour. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant 

CiTT  Point,  Va.,  September  30<A,  1864,  5  p.m. 

Major  Gen'l.  H.  W.  Halleck,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General  Butler  reported  at  3  p.m.  that  the  enemy  had 
just  made  an  assault  in  three  columns  on  his  line  near  Chaffin's 
farm,  and  had  been  repulsed.  No  report  from  Meade  since 
he  carried  the  enemy's  line  near  Poplar  Spring  Church. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  21. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Sept.  SOth,  1864,  7.45 

Dr.  McCoRMiCK,  Medical  Director,  Gen' I.  Butler's  Hd.  Qrs. 
Send  a  hospital  boat  to  Deep  Bottom.     Keep  a  boat  there 
until  the  wounded  are  all  removed. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Sept.  SOth,  1864,  7.50  p.m. 

Major  MuLFORD,  Fort  Monroe 

Come  as  far  as  Varina  with  your  prisoners,  and  without 
making  any  attempt  to  communicate  with  the  enemy  report 
to  me  in  person.  ^^^^  ^  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Sept.  30,  1864 

Gen.  Warren  carried  the  enemy's  works  beyond  Sickamore 
Church  handsomely,  capturing  a  number  of  prisoners.  He  is 
now  preparing  for  a  further  advance  on  the  enemy.  Be  well 
on  your  guard  to  act  defensively.  If  the  enemy  are  forced 
from  Petersburg  they  may  push  on  to  operate  against  you. 

U.  S.  Grant 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        201 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  Javws,  Sept.  SOth,  1864,  7.50  p.m. 

Lt.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

The  telegraph  now  is  within  half  a  mile  of  my  Head  Quarters 
and  nearer  Weitzel's.  We  are  making  the  best  preparation 
we  can  for  defence.  We  have  repulsed  the  enemy  in  all  his 
attacks  with  little  loss  on  our  side  and  heavy  on  theirs.  We 
are  much  weaker  than  you  suppose.  I  would  be  very  glad  of 
any  reenforcements.  The  remainder  of  Field's  Division 
three  (3)  brigades  have  crossed  and  are  in  our  front  with 
Hoke's  Division.  Heth  was  ordered  to  start,  but  I  can  hear 
nothing  of  him.  The  City  local  reserves  are  in  our  front, 
down  to  the  clerks  in  the  Naval  Department  known  as  the 
Naval  Battalion,  and  the  clerks  in  the  express  companies  and 
the  policemen.  We  have  got  now  before  us  every  thing  there 
is.  A  few  more  men  and  we  can  push  through  the  Darbytown 
line  unless  Lee  quits  Petersburg.  If  he  does,  it  is  a  question 
of  legs  which  will  get  here  first.  I  feel  no  doubt  of  being  able 
to  hold  until  you  come.  These  assaults  appear  to  be  (directed) 
to  the  recapture  of  the  big  fort.  It  is  evident  that  that  cap- 
ture troubles  the  enemy  much,  indeed  the  prisoners  say  they 
are  told  it  shall  be  taken  if  it  costs  every  man  they  have  got. 
Be  it  so.  So  far  as  I  am  concerned,  it  shall  not  be  taken 
except  upon  those  terms. 

I  congratulate  you  upon  Warren's  success.  I  hope  he 
has  been  successful  in  the  attack  we  have  just  heard.  I  have 
no  accurate  map  so  I  cannot  appreciate  the  value  of  his  success. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  SOth,  '64 

Maj.  Gen.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10  Corps 

Can  you  send  me  ten  or  twelve  men  to  guard  prisoners 
here  tonight.?  ^^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  30,  '64 

Maj.  Genl.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  18  A.  C. 

Prisoners  taken  report  that  they  have  been  quite  heavily 
reenforced,  and  that  orders  have  been  given  to  take  the  forts 
in  your  front  at  all  hazards  before  sundown  tomorrow. 


202        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

We  know  of  their  being  reenforced  by  Hoke's  Div.  and  three 
brigades  of  Field's  Division,  about  3500  men.  Look  out  for 
tomorrow  morning.     ^^^^  ^  ^^^^^^^  ^^.  ^^^,^^  ^^^,^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  30,  '64,  11  p.m. 

Maj.  Gen.  Bikney,  Comd'g.  10th  Army  Corps 

You  will  have  to  send  me  another  officer  and  thirty  men, 

as  prisoners  still  keep  coming  in  and  I  have  actually  no  guard 

here.     Please  hurry  the  men  forward.         t>  t:^  t» 

•^  Benj.  F,  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Sept.  30,  '64,  11  p.m. 

Maj.  Gen.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10  Corps 

You  will  please  at  once  order  your  commissary  to  prepare 
and  send  here  immediately,  reporting  to  my  Prov.  Mar.  here, 
rations  for  one  hundred  and  thirty  men  prisoners  of  war. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Sept.  30th,  1864 

Col.  Moore,  Comd'g.  WSrd  Reg't  Pa.  Vols. 

Birney's  sharpshooters  are  hereby  detailed  to  take  com- 
mand of  the  post  of  Deep  Bottom  and  on  the  other  side  of 
4  mile  creek.  He  will  be  responsible  for  picket,  provost,  and 
other  duties,  and  will  receive  all  recruits  and  report  them  to 
their  proper  commands,  and  forward  them,  if  ordered  by 
their  commanding  officers.  He  will  see  that  no  enlisted  man 
passes  the  pontoon  bridge  from  the  post  without  a  proper 
order  or  an  orderly  bearing  despatches. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sept.  30th,  '64 

Dearest:  There  is  no  letter  from  you  this  morning.  But 
I  see  by  the  papers  that  there  has  been  a  successful  movement 
from  Deep  Bottom  and  near  Chapin's  Farm.  I  think  these 
places  are  in  your  command,  and  I  think  this  is  your  move- 
ment, the  one  you  thought  of  making,  that  you  wrote  of  in 
your   letter   that   came   yesterday.     If   so,   you   are   looking 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        203 

toward  Richmond.  Ord  was  slightly  wounded.  There  is 
no  mention  of  you  or  Weitzel.  The  report  is  from  General 
Grant.     We  shall  hear  more  soon. 

It  makes  me  very  impatient  to  be  here,  though  I  might  be 
of  no  use  there.  Yet  I  had  rather  be  on  the  spot.  I  could 
go  and  leave  them  all  to  come  after,  but  I  know  the  arrange- 
ments would  not  be  so  well,  and  then,  when  I  found  myself 
at  the  Fort,  I  should  say,  what  a  pity  I  did  not  wait  and 
finish  things  properly.  I  give  very  little  time,  even  to  you, 
I  am  in  such  a  hurry,  these  last  few  letters  are  scratched  off 
in  a  very  few  minutes.  They  are  not  such  as  I  wish  to  send 
you,  but  I  cannot  help  it.  Harriet  has  not  been  up  today; 
she  remains  about  the  same.  The  children  are  well  and  very 
happy.  It  has  rained  here  the  last  two  days.  That  has 
given  me  more  time.  I  shall  not  fill  the  other  page.  I  know 
how  full  of  care  you  are  now. 

Most  affectionately  yours,  dearest,  Sarah 

I  send  this  not  that  it  contains  anything,  but  that  you 
may  know  there  is  nothing  wrong  here.  If  you  are  making 
that  movement  you  will  hardly  have  time  to  read  this. 

From  General  Martindale  to  General  Butler 

{First  part  of  letter  missing) 

I  BELIEVE  these  successes  are  possible.  I  believe  there 
is  power  at  the  North  to  terminate  the  struggle  substantially 
before  the  first  of  January. 

The  practical  information  which  has  been  gained  by  two 
campaigns  prosecuted  to  the  gates  of  Richmond,  affords  the 
means  of  judging  accurately  as  to  what  is  to  be  done  in  the 
future.  You  and  I  know  that  if  you  had  been  provided  with 
a  force  of  100,000  men  on  the  1st  of  May,  in  place  of  the 
heterogeneous  composition  of  troops  assigned  to  you,  the 
rebellion  would  now  be  substantially  at  an  end.  I  think 
the  needed  force  may  yet  be  got  through  power  of  the  draft. 

It  is  true  that  resistance  is  threatened,  but  the  men  who 
threaten  riot  and  mutiny  do  not  disturb  me.  A  little  firm- 
ness will  dispose  of  them.  And  if  you  are  going  to  finish  up 
the  war  during  the  fall  campaign,  it  seems  proper  that  I 
should  be  present  at  the  final  act. 

And  now,  are  you  inclined  to  ascertain  and  inform  me 
whether  I  can  have  command  of  a  Corps?  Who  is  to  com- 
mand the  19th?     Who  the  9th?     Does  old  Ord  accept  your 


204        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

wishes?  He  expressed  himself  with  too  Httle  hope,  for  me. 
The  man  who  beheves  a  desirable  result  impossible  is  not  the 
one  usually  to  advise  it.  Besides,  I  do  not  believe  I  shall  be 
of  any  special  service  in  the  command  of  a  division  —  another 
will  do  as  well.     I  am  writing  to  you  frankly,  and  in  confidence. 

Should  I  take  any  public  station  in  civil  affairs,  I  could 
not  enter  upon  it  during  the  present  year,  and  it  would  give 
me  strength  if,  during  a  canvass,  I  should  be  in  active  and 
important  service  in  the  field.  Please  give  this  matter  your 
attention  and  express  yourself  with  entire  frankness. 

Will  there  be  any  change  in  the  command  of  the  army  of  the 
Potomac.'^  and  if  so,  who  is  talked  about  as  Meade's  successor? 
I  have  an  impression  that  Meade  does  not  like  to  be  under 
Grant's  immediate  tutelage,  and  I  have  thought,  too,  that 
Hancock  has  allowed  visions  of  such  a  succession  to  flit  before 
his  mind.  It  is  my  belief  that  you  and  most  general  officers 
would  accept  Franklin  in  the  event  of  a  change  with  most 
confidence  and  friendly  co-operation.  What  is  needed  is 
renewed  strength  got  by  needed  confidence  and  co-operation, 
by  reinforcements  of  men  which  will  carry  your  force  to  100,000, 
and  mobilize  the  army  of  the  Potomac  with  another  100,000; 
by  repairing  the  existing  organization  most  seriously  impaired 
through  deaths  and  removals  of  regimental  officers.  And 
these  results,  which  are  fully  attainable  within  a  brief  period, 
would  end  the  war  before  January. 

Please  answer  this  letter  speedily.  Wishing  success  for 
you,  and  assuring  you  that  you  have  great  personal  strength 
throughout  the  country,  I  am  Truly  your  friend, 

J.  H.  Martindale 

From  Fisher  A.  Hildreth 

Oct.  1,  1864 

Dear  Butler:  Am  exceedingly  glad  that  you  have  been 
thus  far  more  successful  than  any  one  else  in  this  great  move- 
ment.    I  hope  &  pray  you  may  be  the  first  into  Richmond. 

Webster  started  from  here  (your  old  quarters  at  Bermuda)  to 
go  to  you  yesterday  afternoon,  but  Col.  Dodge  says  he  has  not 
been  at  your  present  quarters  yet.  He  has  probably  stopped 
with  somebody  on  the  way  as  it  rained  soon  after  he  started. 

Gen.  Shepley  is  all  right  now.  I  may  come  over  &  see  your 
field  of  operations,  but  will  not  bother  you  at  this  time. 

God  bless  &  protect  you.  -^ 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       205 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  1st,  1864,  7.15 

Prisoners  were  yesterday  taken  from  Anderson  Brigade 
Field's  Div.  The  presence  of  Wilcox's,  Heth's,  Mahone's  & 
Johnson's  Divisions  was  also  shown  about  Petersburg. 

This  shows  that  the  enemy  have  divided  Divisions  &  possibly 
Brigades  to  give  the  appearance  of  force  at  all  points. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  1st,  1864 

Order 

AssT.  Surgeon  Christial  Miller,  of  the  8th  U.  S.  Colored 
Troops,  having  been  put  in  charge  of  the  transportation  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  as  he  admits,  wounded  men,  who 
had  had  nothing  to  eat  all  day,  as  he  reports,  left  Deep  Bottom 
on  the  boat  without  making  preparation  for  their  comfort, 
or  providing  for  them  food,  and  when  reaching  Bermuda 
Hundreds  was  found  personally  to  be  so  intoxicated  from,  as 
he  says,  a  grain  and  a  half  of  morphine  and  half  a  gill  of  whiskey 
as  to  be  unable  to  do  his  duty,  is  ordered  to  be  and  is  hereby 
dismissed  the  service  of  the  United  States  with  the  loss  of  all 
pay  and  allowances,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  President. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Oct.  1st,  1864 

Gen.  Kautz,  Commanding  Cavalry  Division 

I  have  directed  Gen.  Birney,  if  the  state  of  things  in  his 
front  will  justify  it,  to  make  a  reconnoissance  up  the  Darby- 
town  Road.  You  will  cooperate  with  him  keeping  a  sharp 
lookout  toward  New  Market.  The  cavalry  force  that  was 
there  has  gone  to  Richmond. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.  C.  A.  1st,  6  a.m. 

All  quiet  so  far.  I  have  sent  for  Qr.  N.  H.  &  Gen'l.  Marston 
from  Fort  Pocahontas.  Shall  we  see  you  today.?  I  have 
ordered  the  "Greyhound"  to  report  to  you. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


206   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  October  1st,  1864,  6.55  a.m. 

Lieut.  Gent.  Grant,  City  Point 

The  following  despatch  just  received  is  forwarded  for  the 
information  of  the  Lieut.  Genl.  Comd'g.: 

Hd.  Qrs.  10th  A.  C,  October  1st,  1864 
Lt.  Col.  E.  W.  Smith,  A.  A.  Gen'l.,  Gen'l.  Butler's  Hd.  Qrs. 

The  rebels  have  evacuated  the  small  battery  in  front  of  my  left  and  have  gone 
apparently  to  the  next  redoubt  toward  my  right.     My  picket  line  is  being  advanced. 

Respectfully,  D.  W.  Bibney,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  1st,  7.20  a.m. 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

Please  date  your  despatches  in  future  with  the  hour  and 
minute  of  transmissal. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  1st,  1864,  7.20  a.m. 

Mr.  O'Brien,  Telegraph  Office 
Run  your  cable  to  these  Hd.  Qrs. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

n/T    •    n      '7    -D  ^  .     .  Oc<.  ls<,  1864, 8.30  A.M. 

Ma^.  Gen  I.  Birney 

Unless  you  know  some  movement  of  the  enemy  of  which 
I  am  not  informed  which  should  vary  the  situation,  you  will 
please  take  two  brigades  of  Terry's  Division  and  make  a 
reconnoissance  in  force  up  the  Darbytown  Road  toward 
Richmond.  You  may  be  able  to  get  through.  I  enclose  an 
order  to  Gen.  Kautz  to  cooperate  with  you  if  you  move,  of 
which  please  let  me  know.  Also  send  you  a  report  from  Gen. 
Weitzel  which  will  show  that  the  enemy  are  looking  for  your 
right.  That  being  so.  Gen.  Terry's  Brigade  may  not  be  out 
of  place  on  the  Darbytown  Road. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   207 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Oct.  \st,  8.45  A.M. 

I  SEND  for  your  information  a  direction  for  a  movement  of 
Genl.  Birney.     I  will  inform  you  as  soon  as  movement  is  made. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  October  I,  1864,  10  a.m. 

Maj.  Gen.  H.  W.  Halleck,  Washington,  D.  C. 

The  enemy  assaulted  General  Butler's  line  north  of  the 
James  River  three  times  yesterday  afternoon,  and  were 
repulsed  each  time,  General  Butler  reports,  with  heavy  loss. 
Late  in  the  evening  Potter's  division,  Ninth  Corps,  whilst 
moving  to  get  to  the  left  of  Warren,  near  Poplar  Spring  Church, 
was  vigorously  assaulted  by  a  superior  force  and  driven  back 
until  re-enforced  by  Griffin's  division,  when  the  enemy  were 
checked.  General  Meade  thinks,  with  heavy  loss.  Potter  lost 
from  his  division  a  considerable  number  killed,  wounded,  and 
captured.  The  enemy  are  now  threatening  our  left  in  con- 
siderable force.  Our  line  extends  full  two  miles  west  of  the 
Weldon  railroad  with  the  left  turned  back.  The  troops 
intrenched  themselves  during  the  night. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  21. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  1st,  1864,  4.20  p.m. 

Col.  Pennipacker,  Comd'g.  2d  Brig.  %d  Div.  10th  A.  C. 

As  soon  as  everything  is  quiet  in  your  front,  and  you  can 
get  away  without  danger  to  your  command,  report  to  these 
Hd.  Qrs.  -g^^j  p  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  1864,  7.20  p.m. 

Your  despatch  reporting  the  enemy  throwing  up  signal 
lights  just  rec'd.  I  cannot  conceive  the  object.  The  enemy 
will  bear  watching.  -g.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 


208   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Birney 

Ed.  Qrs.  10  A.  C,  Oct.  1st,  1864,  7.30  P.M. 

Lt.  Col.  E,  W.  Smith,  A.  A.  G.  Army  of  James 

Colonel:  General  Terry  is  on  his  way  back.  He  drove  the 
enemy's  skirmishes  into  their  works,  found  them  apparently 
heavily  manned.  The  expedition  on  Charles  City  road  ad- 
vanced also  up  to  the  works  within  two  miles  of  city. 

Our  casualties  will  not  exceed  thirty.  The  movement 
created  the  greatest  excitement  and  movement  of  troops. 

The  enemy's  pickets  were  driven  in  with  greatest  celerity. 

D.  B.  Birney,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  1st,  1864,  8.55  P.M. 

Lt.  Gen'l.  Grant,  City  Point 

I  HAVE  received  no  oflBcial  report  of  the  reconnoissance. 
Lieut.  Michie  who  was  with  it  has  returned.  General  Terry 
penetrated  as  far  as  the  entrenchments  on  the  Darbytown 
Road  without  opposition.  General  Kautz  crossed  the  Charles 
City  Road  without  opposition  as  far  as  the  line  of  fortifi- 
cations, which  he  found  held  in  considerable  force,  but  not 
large  force  of  infantry.  General  Kautz  crossed  the  Charles 
City  Road,  and  exchanged  shots  with  the  enemy  at  a  point 
in  the  fortifications  where  they  crossed  that  road. 

General  Birney  advanced  his  pickets  along  the  New  Market 
Road  and  drove  their  skirmishers  into  their  works,  capturing 
some  prisoners  who  were  all  of  local  defence  battalions.  I 
have  seen  one  or  two  of  them.     All  is  quiet. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Va.,  Oct.  1st,  1864,  11  p.m. 

I  THINK  it  will  be  advisable  to  select  a  line  which  can  be 
held  with  one  of  your  corps  as  now  composed,  giving  you  an 
outlet  at  Deep  Bottom  or  Aikens'.  The  other  corps  could 
be  kept  on  the  north  side  as  well  as  elsewhere,  but  held  ready 
for  any  emergency.  The  line  now  held  seems  to  me  would 
always  expose  you  to  a  flank  or  rear  attack,  and  would  cause 
the  enemy  to  prepare  so  that  no  surprise  on  that  side  could 
again  be  made.  The  strong  works  about  Chapin's  farm 
should  be  held,  or  levelled  however.     Sheridan  for  want  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        209 

supplies  —  if  there  should  be  no  other  reason  —  will  be  forced 
to  fall  back.  The  enemy  may  take  advantage  of  such  occasion 
to  bring  the  remnant  of  Early's  force  here,  relying  upon  his 
ability  to  get  it  back  to  the  valley  before  Sheridan  could  fit 
up  and  return;  in  such  case  he  could  fall  upon  either  flank 
as  now  exposed  and  inflict  great  damage. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 


From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.  Junction  of  Varina  &  New  Market  Roads,  Oct.  \st,  11.55 

Will  prepare  to  take  up  such  line  as  you  propose  tomorrow. 
As  Gen.  Barnard  and  Col.  Comstock  have  been  over  the 
ground  as  well  as  yourself,  please  advise  me  what  line  to  take 
as  to  its  extent  and  advanced  posts.  Of  course  it  must  be 
a  much  shorter  one  than  the  present, 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  1,  1864,  Friday  evening 

Dearest:  I  am  very  tired,  but  will  write  again  today. 
Only  a  little  word  or  two.  Tomorrow  I  cannot,  as  I  expect  to 
run  all  day  over  Boston.  And  then  comes  Sunday.  You 
think  I  do  not  write  every  day.  It  seems  to  me  hardly  a  day 
has  passed  that  I  have  not  written,  and  that  too  when  it 
seemed  that  I  could  not  get  one  moment  from  the  calls  and 
claims  of  others.  If  you  knew  how  irritated  I  have  some- 
times felt  that  I  could  get  no  more  time,  you  would  wonder 
at  the  perseverance  I  have  shown  in  writing  so  much.  But 
I  am  not  satisfied  with  them,  neither  in  length  or  form  of 
expression.  They  do  not  express  me.  Only  the  routine  I 
must  daily  go  through.  So  I  fancy  it  is  with  you,  —  you 
have  not  much  time  or  thought  for  anything  but  the  pressing 
demands  that  are  hourly  made.  You  snatch  up  the  pen  and 
hastily  write  out  a  few  lines,  a  word  or  two  of  affection,  and 
that  is  passed  till  the  hour  comes  round  again.  But  they  are 
just  as  welcome  to  me.  I  know  very  well  how  your  life  goes, 
and  can  read  much  from  little.  Your  two  last  letters  are 
longer  and  more  descriptive.  I  read  your  account  of  the 
negro  charge  to  Dr.  Kimball,  and  their  dead  bodies  scattered 
over  the  field.  Mrs.  Kimball  and  Johnny  are  firm  and  un- 
wavering   admirers    of    yours.     Mrs.    Kimball    wants    your 

VOL.    V 14 


210    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

autograpli  and  photograph  for  a  friend  in  Scotland.  —  Inter- 
rupted again  and  the  whole  evening  gone! 

Well,  I  shall  be  nearer  soon,  with  a  better  chance  to  collect 
my  thoughts.  I  tell  you,  dearest,  I  do  not  allow  myself  to 
think  long  on  any  subject.  Those  that  present  themselves 
just  at  the  present  hour  are  not  agreeable  to  dwell  upon  — 
Harriet's  sickness,  your  exposure,  the  breaking  up  of  home, 
etc.  But  I  shall  believe  that  you  think  much  of  me,  and  so  go 
on  as  gaily  as  I  can.  The  children  are  well  and  lively.  I  write 
this  with  the  gas  lighted  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  room. 

As  ever,  Most  truly  yours,  Sarah 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  2,  1864 

If  you  desire  an  engineer  officer  to  report  either  to  yourself 
or  one  of  your  corps  Comdrs.  for  the  present  occasion,  I  can 
send  either  Comstock  or  Babcock.     Please  answer. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  12.30  a.m.,  October  id,  1864 

I  WILL  send  Barnard  &  Comstock  up  in  the  morning,  but 
do  not  let  this  make  any  difiference  in  your  plans  for  the  morrow. 
Gen.  Meade  will  feel  in  the  morning  to  ascertain  what  is  in 
his  front  at  different  points  in  his  line,  &  if  there  is  chance  for 
an  attack  on  his  left  he  will  make  it.  His  main  object  in 
feeling  at  different  points  in  his  front  will  be  to  ascertain 
whether  the  enemy  has  stripped  any  portion  of  its  line. 

IT.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  9.45  a.m.,  Oct.  2d,  1864 

Lieut.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

Upon  consultation  with  Generals  Birney  and  Weitzel,  we 
are  of  opinion  from  what  we  learn  from  the  reconnoissance 
of  yesterday  that  we  can  go  in  with  one  corps  and  certainly 
with  both  by  the  Darbytown  Road  and  Charles  City  Road. 
There  are  no  troops  there  except  the  militia,  composed  of  the 
employees  of  the  several  Departments  of  the  Government, 
and  as  we  made  two  reconnoissances  in  that  neighborhood 
which  are  supposed  by  them  to  be  cavalry  reconnoissance 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        211 

only,  their  attention  will  be  drawn  from  that  place,  especially 
if  as  you  believe  Lee  looks  upon  this  as  the  first  and  real 
attack  to  be  made  on  the  south  side.  My  judgment  is  that 
this  plan  is  more  hopeful  than  any  other,  especially  in  view 
of  the  several  attempts  that  have  been  made  by  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  to  turn  the  right  and  the  want  of  successful 
accomplishment.  To  do  this,  we  ought  to  have  a  Corps  sent 
to  take  our  place  behind  our  skirmish  line  on  the  line  we  now 
hold,  while  we  advance.  A  Corps  can  then  hold  that  line, 
they  marching  in  with  the  light  of  our  fires  and  we  marching 
out.  I  am  very  strongly  of  opinion  that  this  plan  would 
succeed  from  the  investigations  I  have  made,  and  I  trust  the 
Lieut.  General  has  confidence  enough  in  my  means  of  obtain- 
ing information  that  I  am  not  deceived  as  to  the  facts.  As 
the  corps  would  not  be  expected  to  advance  one  step  after 
they  get  their  place,  and  as  it  is  only  about  ten  (10)  niiles 
directly  from  Petersburg  to  the  left  of  our  line  here,  they 
might  make  the  march  in  the  early  night  so  as  to  let  us  out 
by  two  (2)  o'clock  in  the  morning,  which  would  be  sufiSciently 
early. 

I  have  examined  carefully  the  proposition  of  the  Lieut. 
Gen'l.  as  to  taking  up  a  line  to  hold  here  with  a  single  corps, 
and  I  find  it  very  difficult  in  view  of  the  possible  return  of 
Early  to  find  a  tenable  line  that  would  have  any  advantage 
over  our  line  at  Deep  Bottom  and  Dutch  Gap. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Birney 

11.15  o'clock  A.M.,  Ed.  Qrs.  IQth  A.  C.  Before  Richmond,  Oct.  Ind, 

Lt.  Col.  E.  W.  Smith,  A.  A.  G.  Army  of  the  James 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  reconnois- 
sance  ordered  has  started  for  the  Darby  Road.  I  have  made 
such  dispositions  of  troops  as  will  in  my  opinion  hold  our 
present  line,  which  has  been  made  very  strong  during  the 
night. 

I  will  personally  superintend  the  movement  as  it  advances. 
Yours  respectfully,  D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  in  Field,  Oct.  ind,  1864,  11.35 

The  attack  on  my  skirmish  line  has  been  repulsed.  The 
prisoners  are  from  Picketts  Div.,  and  left  the  Bluff  last  night. 


212   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

They  report  that  a  large  force  is  advancing  down  the  New 

Market  road,  forces  from  Beauregard  and  Ewell  under  Gen. 

Ewell 
^  •  D.  B.  BiRNEY,  M.  G. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  ind,  1864,  1.10  P.M. 

Maj.  Gen.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10  A.  C. 

Despatch  received.  If  the  enemy  run  your  flank,  refuse 
your  right  down  towards  the  New  Market  Road,  keeping 
Kautz  well  out  on  their  flank,  and  so  move  as  they  move, 
shortening  the  line  between  the  New  Market  and  Kingsland 
Roads  if  it  becomes  necessary. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  i,  '64,  Sunday 

Dearest:  Amid  all  the  cares  of  sickness,  dress-making, 
packing,  and  the  many  unmentionable  duties  that  constantly 
arise,  my  thoughts  still  turn  to  you.  What  you  are  doing; 
what  success  you  will  meet  with;  what  danger  you  may  be 
exposed  to.  We  do  not  know  precisely  where  your  forces 
are.  Kautz  has  been  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  Richmond. 
But  there  is  not  yet  I  think  much  expectation  here,  that  we 
shall  take  it.  I  cannot  help  but  be  dissatisfied  that  we  are 
still  here.  Yet  must  stay  this  week,  or  leave  things  unfinished. 
It  does  seem  as  though  I  never  should  get  the  house  ready  to 
close,  the  trunks  packed,  and  the  family  started.  Harriet  is 
no  better,  she  can  do  nothing  to  aid  but  of  course  requires 
attention.  When  we  leave  she  will  go  to  Mrs.  Read's  until 
she  is  better.  And  will  then  go  on  with  Fisher  or  Webster 
whenever  she  is  able.  Johnny  Kimball  and  his  father  have 
been  here  several  times  lately.  Both  are  desirous  that  John 
should  go  out  again.  You  know  best  if  you  want  him.  He 
aims  at  a  place  on  the  staff;  you  have  several  of  his  calibre, 
and  I  think  he  is  very  well-behaved,  and  a  devout  admirer  of 
yours,  but  I  have  always  urged  for  superior  men,  and  do  so 
still.  If  they  cannot  be  had,  he  is  as  good  as  the  average. 
You  do  not  say  anything  about  Hixon.  I  suppose  have  no 
place  for  him.  The  wardrobe  is  sent  home;  it  fits  the  place 
admirably.  If  ever  you  return  here  to  live,  you  will  be  pleased 
with  its  convenience;  it  is  very  nicely  arranged  for  a  gentle- 
man's wardrobe.     As  you  are  now  engaged,  full  of  action  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       213 

excitement,  I  do  not  fancy  my  letters  will  have  much  interest. 
My  interest  runs  toward  what  you  are  doing.  I  cannot  think 
yours  will  be  much  excited  with  anything  very  remote. 
Yesterday  I  went  to  Boston  again  with  Blanche.  Went  down 
in  the  morning,  back  at  evening.  We  were  walking  the  whole 
day  through.  You  can  imagine  our  fatigue.  The  leaves  are 
changing.  Autumn  has  almost  her  brightest  robes.  Today 
the  rain  is  pouring.  The  wind  sweeps  the  trees,  they  bend, 
twist,  and  sigh,  and  scatter  their  leaves  abroad.  Tomorrow 
I  must  begin  to  pack  the  trunks  in  order  to  know  what  I  must 
really  take;   and  if  more  trunks  are  wanted. 

Mrs.  Richardson  has  given  Blanche  a  pressing  invitation 
to  remain  till  November  for  the  Sailors'  Fair  at  Boston,  and 
take  charge  of  a  table.  If  the  people  were  as  curious  to  stare 
at  her  as  they  were  yesterday  it  might  be  worth  while.  You 
seem  to  think  I  am  tired  of  writing.  Do  not  believe  it.  But 
I  should  not  find  time  to  do  much  more  than  I  am  now  doing; 
this  week  I  must  say  I  look  at  with  dread.  With  all  the 
final  calls  to  make,  and  the  thousand  and  one  things  to  re- 
member. But  it  will  go  by,  and  I  shall  be  on  the  road  to  join 
you  somewhere,  —  at  Richmond  I  hope,  but  do  not  expect. 
Wherever  it  may  be,  I  shall  think  you  will  be  glad  to  see  us. 

Yours  very  truly,  Sarah 

From  General  Grant 

CiTT  Point,  Va.,  October  i,  1864,  8.30  p.m. 

Major-General  Halleck,  Washington 

General  Butler,  on  the  right  of  the  James,  and  General 
Meade,  southwest  of  Petersburg,  occupy  the  same  position  as 
yesterday.  There  has  been  very  little  fighting  to-day;  a 
few  prisoners,  however,  have  been  captured.  General  Butler 
reports  having  last  evening  sent  two  brigades  of  infantry, 
with  a  little  cavalry,  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  inner 
line  of  works  east  of  Richmond,  meeting  with  no  opposition. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  22. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Bead  Qrs.,  Oct.  3rd,  1864,  11.30  a.m. 

All  quiet  during  night.  An  attempt  was  made  on  Kautz's 
and  Birney's  pickets  on  the  Darbytown  &  New  Market  Roads 
last  evening,  which  was  easily  repulsed  and  by  Birney  with 


214   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  capture  of  17  prisoners.  Lt.  Michie  is  at  work  on  the 
new  line  with  one  thousand  colored  troops.  Will  you  tele- 
graph to  the  Secretary  of  War  for  a  brevet  major  for  Michie 
in  his  corps?  I  wish  him  as  my  chief  engineer.  If  gallant, 
unwearied,  and  most  meritorious  services  are  ever  deserving, 
they  are  in  his  case;  also  an  order  that  he  be  put  on  duty 
in  his  brevet  rank.  I  have  set  Ludlow's  extra  men  at  Dutch 
Gap  at  work  on  the  redoubt  on  Signal  Hill  near  him. 

Four  regiments  of  Pickett's  Division  are  over  here  from  the 
Bermuda  lines  between  Appomattox  &  James.  Leaving  about 
twenty-five  hundred  men  there.  I  believe  I  could  break 
through  on  the  left  with  three  thousand  negroes.  Can  we 
not  have  the  other  corps  here? 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Geril.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Va.,  Oct.  3rd,  1864 

A  DESPATCH  is  just  rcccivcd  from  Sheridan  up  to  the  first 
(1st)  inst.  The  enemy  have  entirely  left  his  front  and  come 
to  Charlottsville  &  Gordonsville.  He  cannot  reach  them, 
so  that  we  may  now  confidently  expect  the  return  here  of  at 
least  Kershaw's  Division  and  Rosser's  Cavalry.  It  will 
require  very  close  watching  to  prevent  being  surprised  by  this 
reinforcement.  I  will  have  forty  thousand  (40,000)  reinforce- 
ments  here  in  ten  (10)  days.  ^  g  ^^^^^^  ^  .^^^  ^^^,^^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Oct.  3rd,  1864,  7.30  p.m. 

Despatch  relating  to  Sheridan  received.  Will  watch 
with  the  utmost  vigilance.  Can  we  not  have  the  19th  Corps? 
All  quiet  tonight.        ^^^^  ^  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

CiPHEH.    Washington,  Oct.  3,  1864 

I  HAVE  directed  Adjt.  Gen'l.  Thomas  to  bring  up  five  thou- 
sand negro  troops  from  Kentucky,  who  are  said  to  be  superior 
to  any  others  that  he  has  organized  in  the  south,  &  to  take 
them  to  your  command.  He  leaves  Washington  for  that 
purpose  today,  &  has  orders  to  hasten  them  forward  with  all 
despatch.  ^  ^  Stanton,  Sec'y  of  War 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   215 

From  General  Butler 

Oct.  3rd,  1864,  Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  near  junction  of 
Varina  &  New  Market  Roads  7.45  p.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Despatch  relative  to  the  negro  troops  received.  I  told  you 
they  would  do  well  in  my  Department.  My  colored  troops 
under  Gen.  Paine,  twenty-five  hundred  strong,  carried  in- 
trenchments  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet  that  in  a  former 
movement  across  the  river  stopped  double  their  number. 
It  was  most  gallantly  done  with  most  severe  loss.  Their 
praises  are  in  the  mouth  of  every  oflBcer  in  this  Army.  Treated 
fairly  and  disciplined  they  have  fought  most  heroically. 

I  have  received  a  letter  from  Capt.  Smith  of  the  Navy 
proposing  to  Ould  an  exchange  of  Naval  prisoners  "inde- 
pendently of  our  commissioner."  There  have  been  many 
negroes  captured  from  the  Navy  who  are  thus  abandoned 
to  their  fate.  Is  it  not  possible  for  the  Government  to  have 
a  policy?  If  Sherman  exchanges  at  Atlanta,  if  Foster  at 
Charleston,  if  (Banks)  at  New  Orleans,  and  Rosecrans  in 
Missouri,  then  I  do  not  see  why  we  should  not  exchange  here. 
Our  soldiers  will  not  be  too  well  pleased  to  hear  that  sailors 
can  and  soldiers  cannot  be  exchanged. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

Washn.  D.  C.  7  P.M.,  Oct.  5,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Your  telegram  of  yesterday  was  my  first  information  of 
the  contemplated  exchange  of  Naval  prisoners. 

On  inquiry  it  appears  that  there  has  been  direct  communica- 
tion by  the  Sec'y  of  the  Navy  with  Mr.  Mallory,  &  an  arrange- 
ment for  exchange  between  them.  This  was  unknown  to  the 
President  &  myself  until  today.  He  has  directed  the  ex- 
change to  be  adverted,  &  directed  the  correspondence  to  be 
forwarded  to  Gen.  Grant  with  authority  to  stop  the  proceeding 
or  let  it  go  on  under  your  supervision,  &  in  accordance  with 
the  principles  before  maintained  in  your  correspondence  with 
Mr.  Ould,  according  as  Gen'l.  Grant  may  think  proper.  The 
papers  go  by  mail.  ^  ^  Stanton,  Sec'y  of  War 


216        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Near  Varina,  Oct.  6th,  1864    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Capt.  Smith,  Senior  Naval  Officer  Commanding  forces 
on  the  James 
Sir:  Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  say  what  is  the  state  of 
attempted  exchange  of  Naval  prisoners?  State  whether  you 
have  had  any  and  what  communication  with  Ould  on  the 
subject.  These  inquiries  are  rendered  necessary  by  the  tele- 
gram from  the  War  Dept. 

Yours  Truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  Srd,  1864 

If  all  remains  quiet  I  shall  go  to  Washington  tomorrow. 
I  send  you  copy  of  despatch  to  Gen'l.  Meade  which  explains 
what  I  want  done.  As  much  of  present  position  north  of  the 
James  as  can  be  held,  I  want  held.  Please  telegraph  me  the 
situation  of  affairs  daily.  I  wrote  a  letter  to  Gen'l.  Lee  in 
reply  to  one  from  him  which  has  not  yet  been  answered. 
Should  this  or  any  other  communication  come  from  inside 
the  rebel  lines  directed  to  me  in  my  absence,  direct  it  to  be 
received  and  sent  to  you.  You  will  be  at  liberty  to  open  any 
such  communication,  and  if  immediate  action  is  required  to 
act.  I  would  prefer,  however,  my  absence  should  not  be 
known  across  the  lines.  IT  ^  r  Tf  C     1 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Cipher.    City  Point,  Oct.  3,  1864 

I  SHALL  go  to  Washington  tomorrow  &  see  if  I  cannot 
devise  some  means  of  getting  promptly  into  the  field  the  large 
numbers  of  recruits  that  I  understand  are  now  in  depots 
all  over  the  north  —  will  be  gone  three  or  four  days.  In  my 
absence  would  like  to  have  present  lines  held  if  possible,  but 
if  necessity  requires  it  all  or  as  much  as  is  necessary  west  of 
the  Weldon  road  may  be  abandoned.  One  corps  or  as  many 
troops  as  possible  from  the  Army  of  the  James  will  be  held 
foot-loose  to  operate  on  the  defensive  at  any  place.^,|Ma]\ 
Gen'l.  Butler,  the  Senior  Ofl&cer  present,  will  command  during 

"y  ^^'''"'^-  V.  S.  Gkant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 


LETTERS   OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        217 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  3rd,  1864 

Your  despatch  received.  Send  me  a  list  of  all  the  pro- 
motions by  brevet  &  otherwise  you  would  like  made  from 
your  command,  stating  the  particular  services  for  which 
brevets  are  asked,  and  I  will  take  pleasure  in  recommending 
them.  Gen.  Sherman  is  preparing  such  a  (list)  from  his 
army,  and  Gen.  Meade  has  already  sent  one  from  his.  In 
the  matter  of  breaking  the  enemy's  lines  as  suggested  by  you 
I  think  it  practicable,  but  think  that  will  keep.  To  bring 
any  troops  from  the  left  a  good  long  line  now  held  must  be 
abandoned.  -^  g  ^^^^^^  ^^  g^^,^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.  near  Junction  of  New  Market  and  Varina  Roads,  Oct.  3,  1864,  10.5  p.m. 

Despatch  received.  Will  send  forward  a  list  of  deserving 
officers.  We  will  hold  where  we  are.  Will  keep  you  advised 
daily,  and  oftener  if  anything  happens  of  interest. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.   Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  Sd,  1864,  10.10  p.m. 

The  19th  will  come  here.  ^j  g  ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^,^ 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  Sd,  1864,  Monday 

Dearest:  The  morning  news  leaves  me  all  excitement. 
How  I  detest  the  petty  details  that  keep  me  here!  There  is  an 
appearance  of  success  for  us.  I  do  not  by  any  means  feel  sure 
you  will  win,  but  there  is  a  hope  for  it.  And  I  want  to  be 
where  I  can  have  the  quickest  news.  But  patience,  patience, 
is  the  lesson  to  learn.     I  shall  have  it  complete  in  time. 

You  are  too  busy  to  read  much,  nor  have  I  anything  to  com- 
municate but  wishes  for  your  success. 

Yours,  dearest,  as  ever,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head'q'rs.  Near  Junction  of  New  Market  and  Varina  Roads,  October  4,  1864,  5.30  a.m. 

My  dearest  Sarah:  In  my  last,  as  I  skipped  a  day  yester- 
day, having  lain  abed  until  too  late  for  the  mail,  I  gave  you 


218        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

some  description  of  my  camp,  and  was  interrupted  by  an 
artillery  attack  just  as  I  was  getting  through.  It  proved  to 
be  nothing,  and  I  am  just  where  I  was,  nothing  having  been 
done  since.  My  health  is  very  good,  specially  considering 
the  exposure,  as  the  rain  has  poured  here  every  day  since  we 
came  up,  and  is  now  pattering  on  the  tent.  I  move  my  camp 
today  some  distance  back  to  an  oak  grove,  as  I  am  uncom- 
fortably situated  near  a  swamp  which  has  already  given  young 
Clark  the  chills,  and  besides,  in  case  of  an  attack,  the  place 
would  be  a  landing  for  all  the  chance  shells. 

Fisher  was  here  yesterday  and  starts  for  home  tomorrow. 
Webster  was  here  the  day  before.  I  am  much  grieved  to 
hear  that  Harriet  is  no  better  but  rather  worse;  alas,  poor 
lady,  I  fear  she  will  never  be  any  better,  and  that  I  shall 
never  see  her  again,  but  still  have  a  lingering  hope.  Tell 
Blanche  I  am  waiting  for  that  "ladylike"  letter  I  was  to 
have,  although  her  last  was  very  pretty.  Two  days  have 
passed  without  a  letter,  one  was  Sunday,  —  that  was  fair,  as 
the  mail  does  not  run,  but  what  of  the  other.'^  You  be  cooped 
up  here  in  a  swamp  in  the  rain  in  a  little  tent,  with  hardly  a 
person  to  speak  to,  and  have  a  dear  little  wife  at  home,  all 
cosy  and  snug,  and  some  boys  and  a  bouncing  girl,  and  none 
of  them  write  to  you,  and  you  would  be  glum,  I  reckon.  How- 
ever, Miss  Sally,  I  have  somebody  to  write  to  me,  and  I  won't 
let  you  see  the  letter.  Yes,  but  I  will,  though,  to  make  you 
die  of  envy  and  jealousy.  "Fanny  Fern  writes  for  the  Ledger" 
and  for  me.  Read  it  and  say  if  it  isn't  a  pretty  letter.  "Fas- 
cinating think  of  that  Master  Brooks."  Tell  Benny  that 
after  all  I  think  he  had  better  not  take  her  tale  for  a  model. 
Grant  has  gone  to  Washington  and  left  me  in  command  of 
the  Army  here,  and  I  am  therefore  more  than  usually  busy. 

I  have  had  very  bad  luck  you  see.  While  it  is  acknowledged 
that  I  planned  and  carried  out  the  movement,  owing  to  what 
I  believe  to  be  an  inadvertence  of  Grant's  staff  officer,  I  was 
not  mentioned  in  the  official  despatch.  Just  my  luck.  Such 
is  fame,  to  be  killed  by  a  bullet  and  have  your  name  misspelled 
in  a  despatch.  y^^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^^^  -g^^^ 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       219 

From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Head  Qrs.  Junction  of  Varina  and  New  Market  Roads,  October  Uh,  1864 

Robert  Ould,  Esq.,  Commissioner  of  Exchange 

Sir:  Maj.  Mulford,  my  assistant  agent  of  exchange,  has  at 
Varina  about  seven  hundred  invalid  prisoners  for  delivery. 
For  obvious  reasons  they  cannot  be  received  by  you  there, 
and  in  the  present  state  of  the  roads  it  would  be  cruel  to 
transport  them  far  by  wagons.  I  would  suggest  that  they  be 
delivered  at  Port  Walthall,  at  the  same  point  where  it  is 
proposed  to  deliver  the  Naval  prisoners.  If  so,  the  prisoners 
will  be  delivered  there  at  any  hour  you  may  name.  We  will 
also  receive  yours  at  the  same  point.  Or  if  you  prefer  we 
will  deliver  at  same  point  on  the  New  Market  Roads  between 
the  pickets.     Respectfully, 

Your  Obedient  Servant, 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

In  the  Field,  Head  Qrs.  Junction  of  Varina  &  New  Market  Roads,  Oct.  4<A,  1864 

Robert  Ould,  Esq.,  Commissioner  of  Exchange 

I  AM  informed  that  certain  prisoners  of  war  are  now  em- 
ployed at  labor  in  making  army  materials  for  your  forces. 
It  is  so  published  without  contradiction  in  two  Richmond 
journals.  If  this  be  so,  the  practice  must  cease.  This  Govern- 
ment has  never  employed  prisoners  of  war  in  any  other  work 
than  that  which  contributed  to  their  own  comfort  and  con- 
venience. If  this  fact  is  not  either  officially  denied  or  as- 
surances given  that  it  will  be  stopped  by  your  authorities, 
I  shall  be  compelled  to  employ  an  equal  or  greater  number  of 
your  men  prisoners  in  my  hands  in  the  manner  judged  by  me 
most  advantageous  to  my  army  as  you  have  done  with  ours. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  very  respectfully. 

Your  Obedient  Servant, 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  ith,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Birney,  Commanding,  &c. 

1  AM  about  to  move  my  Head  Qrs.  to  near  the  Fraser  House 
in  rear  of  the  18th  Corps  Hospital.  I  leave  the  telegraph 
line  to  connect  with  you  here,  as  my  Head  Qrs.  will  be  outside 


220   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

of  every  body's  pickets.  If  I  get  gobbled,  you  will  have 
command.  My  staff  have  selected  the  position.  I  must  be 
in  that  neighborhood,  however. 

Benj.  F.  Butlek,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.  near  Varina,  Oct.  ith,  1864 

Telegram  received.  All  quiet  in  my  lines.  Have  moved 
my  Head  Qrs.  to  near  Varina.  Have  a  good  wharf  at  Varina 
to  land  horses.  Should  be  pleased  to  have  you  ride  up  & 
visit  us.  Can  show  you  a  new  Rebel  line,  which  shows  we 
were  not  a  moment  too  soon.  Ought  we  not  to  make  that 
move  before  Early  gets  up.^ 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  3Iaj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  4,  1864 

I  WILL  be  up  to  see  you  in  the  morning.  The  difficulty  of 
holding  more  than  we  now  have,  I  think,  should  keep  us  from 
further  offensive  operations,  until  we  get  more  men.  We 
will  have  at  least  thirty  thousand  (30,000)  additional  veteran 
troops  in  the  next  ten  days,  besides  all  the  new  troops  that 

"^^y  ^^^^-  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'L 

From  General  Butler 

Army  of  the  James,  Head  Qrs.  in  the  Field,  near  Varina,  Oct.  4ith,  1864 

Chief  of  the  Bureau  of  Ordnance 

Please  send  me  five  hundred  Spencer  or  Ames,  with  100 
rounds  of  ammunition  for  driving  cavalry.  They  are  needed 
at  once.  Send  direct  to  Bermuda.  Requisitions  will  go  by 
mail.  Answer  by  telegraph.  Say  how  soon  I  can  have  them 
and  by  what  boat,  so  that  I  can  order  them  here  at  once. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  Uh,  1864,  6.20  p.m. 

Col.  R.  C.  Webster,  Chief  Q.  M.,  Fort  Monroe 

You  will  send  every  boat  that  you  have  got  to  Washington 
which  you  can  possibly  spare,  to  carry  troops. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        221 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  ith,  1864,  6.20  p.m. 

Col.  Dodge,  Chief  Quartermaster,  Bermuda 

Send  every  boat  that  you  have  got  that  can  possibly  be 
spared,  except  the  "Greyhound,"  to  Washington  that  can 
carry    roops.  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  4,  '64 

Dearest:  I  can  only  write  a  word,  for  I  have  not  time.  I 
am  in  that  state  of  nervous  irritation  that  I  cannot  endure  to 
think  on  one  thing  for  five  minutes. 

Up  to  the  last  we  heard  you  were  still  successful.  Of  course, 
over  Sunday  we  know  nothing.  Tomorrow  morning  there  will 
be  something  definite.  It  is  not  your  movements  alone  that 
make  me  nervous.  I  am  harassed  by  matters  here.  But  that  is 
no  matter.     A  little  more  time  and  I  shall  be  through  with  it. 

The  family  are  well.  Harriet  is  about  the  same.  I  am 
now  going  out  to  make  calls  as  one  of  the  last  duties  and  most 
wearisome. 

May  you  be  successful  and  may  I  be  there  to  see. 

Yours  most  affectionately,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

in  tl}e  Field  near  Varina,  Oct.  5,  1864 

My  dearest  Sarah  :  It  is  too  bad  —  the  third  night  and  no 
letter.  I  have  not  heard  from  you  since  the  30th.  My 
headqrs.  are  moved  again.  I  have  got  out  of  my  swamp,  and 
am  now  on  a  hill  near  a  little  cottage  which  I  occupy  for  offices 
—  in  a  beautiful  vale  opening  on  a  little  plain  or  table  land  about 
a  mile  from  the  James.  How  long  we  shall  stay  here  I  do  not 
know,  but  hope  not  long.  We  are  getting  on  as  well  as  we  can. 
I  fear  for  the  delay;  it  is  against  my  judgment,  but  Grant  is 
waiting  for  reinforcements.     I  would  proceed  at  once. 

How  are  you  getting  on?  Give  my  love  to  Harriet  —  ask 
her  from  me  how  she  is,  and  tell  her  I  hope  much  to  hear  her 
health  has  mended.  Tell  Blanche  to  write  me.  I  haven't 
much  time  to  answer,  but  will  try.  I  like  to  get  her  letters. 
Was  much  pleased  the  other  day  when  I  got  one  in  the  very 
midst  of  the  battle.     It  seemed  like  a  gleam  of  sunshine  in 


222   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

storm.  As  for  yourself,  I  have  given  you  up  as  incorrigible. 
You  will  not  write,  that  is  evident.  So  I  will  write  you  such 
long  letters  that  you  will  wish  you  had  written.  When  do 
you  come  down.^*  If  you  are  otherwise  ready,  I  do  not  believe 
from  what  Fisher  says  that  it  is  worth  while  waiting  for  Harriet, 
for  I  do  not  believe  she  will  be  able  to  bear  the  journey.  But, 
however,  do  not  come  if  by  waiting  you  can  do  her  any  good, 
as  I  do  not  mean  to  be  selfish.  You  see,  the  election  at  present 
appearances  will  almost  go  by  on  the  part  of  the  Democrats. 
If  we  can  succeed  here,  we  will  bring  the  whole  matter  to 
a  determination  at  once.  Banks  has  come  back  from  the 
department  of  the  Gulf,  and  I  do  not  believe  will  return 
unless  he  expects  to  be  elected  Senator.  In  the  view  of  almost 
all  men  he  has  entirely  played  out  down  there. 

The  mail  goes  now  and  so  goodby.  Love  to  Paul  and  Ben- 
nie.  Tell  them  how  much  their  father  loves  them,  and  hopes 
for  them  that  they  will  be  good  and  great  men,  and  never  do 
a  mean  thing.  y^^^^^  g^^^ 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  {5th),  (1864) 

Dearest:  There  has  been  a  frightful  rumor  in  the  papers 
that  you  were  shot.  I  have  waited  all  the  forenoon  with  a 
vague  terror  that  I  might  get  a  despatch  confirming  it.  Now 
I  hardly  dare  sit  down  to  write  for  fear  I  shall  hear  the  bell 
pull  before  I  have  finished  writing.  It  is  noon,  and  if  Webster 
is  alive  I  ought  to  have  word  from  him  if  anything  has  befallen 
by  this  time.  Whether  wounded  or  whatever  misfortune,  I 
do  not  believe  it,  still  I  cannot  go  to  work  or  fix  my  mind  on 
any  of  the  business  I  have  to  do.  Let  me  beg  of  you  not  to 
expose  yourself,  as  you  have  done  at  times.  By  the  horror  I 
have  felt  this  morning  I  know  too  well  the  calamity  it  would 
be,  not  alone  to  your  family  but  to  the  country.  There  are 
few  minds  that  equal  yours,  none  in  my  mind  that  can  do 
such  service  for  the  general  good. 

Do  not  unwisely  expose  yourself  for  mere  bravado,  or 
rather  for  the  purpose  of  exciting  the  enthusiasm  of  the  soldiers. 
The  object  is  inferior  to  the  risk  of  a  life  like  yours.  Heaven 
knows  where  this  letter  will  go  to;  I  write  in  doubt,  but  still 
believing  you  are  safe.  I  shall  know  by  evening.  Yours,  as 
ever,  dearest,  ^^^^  ^^^^^^  g^^^^ 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   223 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  5th,  1864,  6  p.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  IHth  A.  C. 

Brig.  Gen'l.  Paine,  Comd'g.  3rd  Div.  18th  Corps,  will 
forward  me  forthwith  a  list  of  vacancies  in  the  officers  of  his 
command,  and  also  such  men  as  by  their  conduct  he  thinks 
worthy  of  promotion.  He  has  mentioned  several  sergeants 
&  sergeants  majors  Comd'g  Companies.     Are  these  sergeants 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  5th,  1864,  6  p.m. 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Birney,  Comd'g  lOth  A.  C. 

Send  list  of  vacancies  in  your  colored  troops.  Also  names 
of  meritorious  officers  and  men  who  ought  to  be  promoted  in 
your  whole  command  or  worthy  of  mention. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Arm,y  James,  Oct.  5th,  1864 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Weitzel,  Comd'g  I8th  A.  C. 

Have  you  any  Cols,  in  your  command  who  ought  to  be 
brevetted  to  command  brigades  for  gallant  services? 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  5th,  1864 

Dearest:  The  day  is  over.  After  these  long  hours  of 
suspense  the  evening  papers  say  the  "rumour  is  unfounded." 
I  did  not  believe  the  report  (that  you  were  shot),  but  I  feared 
you  were  wounded,  and  I  have  lost  the  day.  To  go  about 
the  usual  hurrying  work,  I  could  not  do  it,  through  the  day 
I  have  thought  there  might  come  a  despatch  that  would  take 
me  to  Fortress  Monroe,  leaving  all  behind.  Now  I  am  re- 
lieved but  tired  to  death.  Yet  no  one  would  think  I  had 
been  much  moved.  No  calamity  will  ever  force  me  to  make 
much  outcry.  I  only  know  by  the  relief  I  feel  how  much  I 
have  been  disturbed.  Pray  be  cautious,  not  cowardly  so, 
but  as  becomes  a  man  who  holds  your  position.  Our  lives  do 
not  belong  wholly  to  ourselves.     If  you  had  been  killed,  your 


224        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

suffering  would  be  light  compared  to  the  agony  of  those  you 
would  leave.  Remember  this,  and  when  you  say  that  life 
has  no  charm  to  a  man  past  forty-five,  do  not  forget  "that 
Heaven  doth  with  us  as  we  with  torches  do;  not  light  them  for 
themselves."  I  could  write  further,  but  I  will  not  tonight. 
I  am  thankful  but  weary,  and  still  must  gather  up  my  neglected 
work  and  prepare  for  leaving.  Oh,  dearest,  you  seem  very 
far  away.  But  never  mind,  I  shall  lessen  the  distance  shortly. 
The  children  are  well,  wanting  very  much  to  see  you.  Good- 
night, dearest,  I  wish  I  was  with  you  tonight.  I  should  feel 
less  anxiety.     I  think  you  are  where  you  would  not  care  to 

Yours  most  truly  and  affectionately,  Sakah 
From  D.  W.  C.  Farrington 

Norfolk,  Va.,  October  6th,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Commanding  Dept.  Va.  and  N.C. 

General:  Having  returned  from  New  York  and  closed 
my  first  cotton  transaction,  —  which  I  regret  to  say  was  not 
a  profitable  one,  —  I  respectfully  beg  leave  to  give  you  my 
experience,  and  to  suggest  some  alterations  in  my  instructions. 

1st:  I  have  learned  that  cotton  at  a  forced  sale  brings  from 
15  &  20  cents  pr.  pound  less  than  the  market  quotations  in 
such  unsettled  times  as  these,  and  1  should  therefore  advise 
sales  by  a  responsible  Broker. 

2nd:  Most  cotton  coming  into  this  place  is  in  bad  order, 
from  exposure  to  the  weather,  being  damp  and  in  torn  and 
rotten  wrappers.  This  gives  it  an  unmerchantable  appear- 
ance which,  of  course,  operates  against  a  fair  price  at  auction. 

Finally,  Buying  cotton  in  this  market,  with  its  accom- 
panying disadvantages,  at  fths  of  its  value  in  New  York 
according  to  quotations,  on  a  falling  market,  is  extra  hazardous, 
particularly  while  you  and  Gen'l.  Sheridan  are  gaining  such 
glorious  victories  as  you  have  during  the  past  ten  days ! 

Since  my  return  from  New  York,  I  have  bought  36  bales 
and  although  the  papers  quote  middling  @  $1.20,  I  have 
paid  but  75  cents,  and  less,  for  lower  grades,  which  seems  to 
me  to  be  perfectly  safe.  I  engaged  the  services  of  an  ex- 
perienced cotton  broker  in  New  York,  who  has  been  here 
the  past  few  days,  giving  me  much  information  in  sampling 
and  classifying  cotton,  —  a  thing  which  has  been  of  great 
service  to  me.  There  are  now  between  200  and  300  bales  in 
town,  which  the  owners  have  reported  to  me,  but  which  is 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   225 

being  held  by  them  for  a  rise,  or  perhaps,  in  hopes  that  they 
may  get  permits  to  ship  it.  As  the  present  regulations  of 
the  Treasury  Department  will,  in  my  opinion,  tend  to  prevent 
parties  from  bringing  in  cotton,  I  beg  leave.  General,  to  make 
the  following  suggestions,  and  ask  if  I  may  be  allowed  to 
follow  any  of  them.  First:  If  a  lot  of  cotton  is  offered  for 
sale,  and  I  duly  appraise  its  auction,  or  real  value,  in  New 
York,  may  the  owner  (should  he  desire  to  do  so)  ship  it,  on 
his  own  account,  by  paying  me  25  %  of  my  oflBcial  valuation? 
An  operation  which  would  be  necessarily  safe  and  advantageous 
for  the  Treasury  Department. 

Second:  May  I  receive  and  ship  cotton  to  New  York, 
selling  it  by  a  broker  or  by  auction  —  as  I  may  judge  best,  — 
and  pay  the  owner  fths  of  the  net  proceeds,  holding  the  re- 
maining |th  thereof  for  the  Treasury? 

Third:  Would  not  your  New  Orleans  plan  prove  advan- 
tageous in  Norfolk?  That  is,  might  not  all  the  cotton  coming 
within  the  lines,  at  the  place,  be  sold  at  auction  here  as  soon 
as  convenient  after  its  arrival,  allowing  the  owner,  the  Govt. 
Agent,  or  any  party  who  proves  the  highest  bidder,  to  pur- 
chase it,  and  after  deducting  all  expenses  and  such  per  cent 
for  special  cotton-tax  as  you  or  the  Treasury  Department 
may  see  fit  to  designate,  paying  the  balance  to  the  owner,  and 
permitting  the  purchaser  to  ship,  as  usual,  to  any  Northern 
port?  Now,  General,  if  you  see  best  to  allow  me  to  adopt 
either  of  the  above  plans,  or  the  seller  to  choose  either  of 
them,  will  you  please  write  me,  when  convenient,  and  also  give 
me  any  orders  which  may  occur  to  you  in  addition? 

Otherwise,  I  will  go  on,  as  heretofore,  and  do  my  best;  but 
if,  as  your  late  successes  render  probable,  I  should  receive  an 
order  from  you  dated  at  "Richmond"  sometime  when  I  have 
a  lot  of  cotton  on  hand,  your  change  of  location  might  seriously 
affect  its  New  York  value!  I  have  the  honor,  to  be,  very 
respectfully,  your  oU.  Servant,  D.  W.  C.  Farrington 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  6th,  1864,  9.55  a.m. 

Brig.  Gen'l.  Rufus  Ingalls,  Chief  Quartermaster, 
City  Point,  Va, 
The  first  Maryland  Cavalry  are  ordered  down  after  their 
horses  now  and  I  suppose  are  on  the  road  for  them.     We 
have  been  delayed  a  little  in  getting  arms  before  we  mount 

VOL.    V — 15 


226        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

them.     Please  keep  the  horses,  as  the  cavalry  will  be  there 
ay  or   omorrow.     -g^^^j  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  6th,  1864,  9.55  a.m. 

Col.  Dodge,  Chief  Quartermaster,  Bermuda 

Get  horses  for  the  1st  Md.  Cavalry  over  to  Bermuda  if 

they  are  not  there  already.     Notify  me  as  soon  as  they  come 

over 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  6th,  1864,  10  a.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

Has  the  1st  Md.  Cavalry  reported  to  General  Kautz? 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  6th,  1864,  10  a.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Birney,  Comd'g.  10  A.  C. 

Please  confer  with  your  Medical  Director  upon  the  prac- 
ticability of  organizing  your  ambulance  train  as  a  corps  train 
and  not  as  a  division  train.  By  it  many  men  and  many 
horses  may  be  saved.  The  18th  Corps  is  so  organized.  I 
should  like  to  hear  your  views  upon  the  subject  if  you  differ 

^         ■     Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

By  telegraph /rom  10  A.  C,  Oct.  (6?),  1864 

My  ambulance  train  is  organized  and  corps  train  strictly 

under  the  law  and  under  control  of  medical  director.     During 

the  campaign  or  march  a  small  number  is  sent  with  each 

division,  but  the  corps  ambulance  officer  has  entire  charge. 

A  surg.   that  acted  before  Dr.   Smith   was   appointed  gave 

much  trouble  in  the  matter,  but  it  is  working  smooth,  and  I 

think  will  not  be  interfered  with  until  I  can  give  it  necessary 

farther  explanations.     1st  Md.  Cavalry  reported  same  night. 

Order  was  received  to  Gen.  Kautz.        t\  t>   t>  n/r  n 

D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   227 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  6th,  1864,  10.15  a.m. 

Brig.  Genl.  Graham,  Comd'g.  Army  Gunboats, 
Point  of  Rocks 
Maj.  Gen'l.  Birney  has  applied  for  you  to  take  charge  of 
one  of  his  divisions.  I  should  be  glad  to  consent  did  I  know 
how  to  spare  you  from  charge  of  the  Army  gunboats.  If  you 
would  be  willing  to  keep  a  general  oversight  of  them  in  connec- 
tion with  your  command  I  should  be  happy  to  make  the 
assignment,  as  you  know  that  I  have  no  one  in  whom  I  have 
more  confidence  either  on  land  or  afloat.  Please  answer  by 
telegraph.  -g^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  6th,  1864,  2.40  p.m. 

Provost  Marshal,  City  Point 

Have  any  separate  companies  from  New  Hampshire  arrived 
at  City  Point  lately?     If  so,  how  many  and  what  has  been 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  3Iaj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  6th,  1864,  2.50  p.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War,  Washington,  D.C. 

I  UNDERSTAND  that  there  are  six  (6)  companies  of  heavy 
artillery  belonging  to  an  unfilled  regt.  of  New  Hampshire 
Vols,  somewhere  near  Washington.  As  artillerists  they  must 
be  nearly  or  quite  useless.  Can  they  not  be  sent  to  me  in 
my  skeleton  New  Hampshire  regiments,  and  teach  them  the 
first  duty  of  the  artillery  soldier,  the  use  of  the  musket,  in  a 
short  time.?  ^^^^  -p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Kautz 

Head  Quarters,  Cav.  Div.,  October  6th,  1864,  7  p.m. 

Major  Gen.  Butler,  Comd'g. 

General:  I  send  in  four  deserters  and  two  Refugees. 
The  refugees  left  Richmond  this  afternoon,  they  tell  of  a 
movement  of  troops  to  the  enemy's  left.  They  passed  Thome's 
House,  going  to  the  left  on  York  River  R.  R.  One  mentions 
Law's,  Benning's  and  Griggs'  Brigades  with  a  good  supply  of 


228   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Artillery.  He  has  been  drinking  a  little  and  I  do  not  know 
how  much  confidence  to  place  in  his  statement.  If  you  should 
hear  any  confirmation  of  his  story,  please  notify  me,  as  it  will 
indicate  a  reconnoissance  in  force  in  my  front. 

Very  Respectfully,  etc.,  August  (V.)  Kautz,  Brig,  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  &h,  1864,  12.30  p.m. 

Col.  Sharp,  Depfy  Prov.  Mar.  Gent.,  City  Point 

I  WILL  be  at  my  Head  Qrs,  a  mile  and  a  half  from  Varina. 
You  will  land  at  Varina  or  Aikens'  Landing,  and  bring  horses. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  6,  '64 

My  dearest  little  Wife:  Why  "little,"  I  don't  exactly 
know,  because  you  are  as  big  as  anybody  except  Blanche,  but 
I  suppose  because  of  a  desire  of  all  men  to  have  that  which  is 
dear  to  them  small,  petite,  so  that  they  may  pet  it.  I  got 
your  letter  last  night  of  October  2d.  Where  is  the  one  of 
October  Ist.^^  But  you  say  you  went  to  Boston  yesterday 
and  were  very  tired,  and  I  suppose  there's  where  the  letter  is. 
You  say  I  have  not  been  doing  anything  in  particular. 
Let  me  tell  you  this  has  been  the  most  brilliant  movement  of 
the  War.  So  now,  my  critical  Madame.  As  to  Hixon,  I 
thought  I  wrote  you.  If  he  would  like  the  position  of  surgeon 
either  to  a  colored  or  a  white  regiment  I  can  give  him  one. 
Write  me  in  your  next.  As  to  Kimball,  I  will  give  him  a 
lieutenancy  in  a  new  rebel  regiment  that  I  am  raising  to  serve 
on  the  North  Western  frontier,  and  quick  promotion.  But 
I  do  not  want  him  on  the  staff.  I  have  not  quite  a  taste  for 
him  —  "some  cannot  abide  a  homeless,  necessary  cat." 
And  although  I  have  men  not  his  equals,  if  you  please,  yet 
most  of  them  are  more  to  my  taste.  I  wish  well  to  the  young 
man.  If  you  hear  of  any  smart,  active  young  men  that  have 
been  in  the  war  or  have  not,  if  they  are  in  earnest  I  will  make 
them    lieutenants,    and    promote    them    according    to    their 

^^P^^^^y-  Yours,  Benj. 

P.  S.  You  say  you  are  coming  this  week,  and  write  Sun- 
day. I  suppose  that  means  you  will  start  before  Saturday. 
Please  advise  me  when  you  start,  whether  you  will  stay  a 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   229 

day  at  New  York,  and  when  you  will  probably  reach  the 
Fortress.     B. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  6th,  1864 

Gen.  Kautz  sends  in  some  prisoners  who  report  three 
brigades  of  enemy  moving  this  afternoon  down  York  river 
railroad,  evidently  a  reconnoissance  on  Kautz's  front. 

D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  6th,  1864 

Kautz  I  think  has  been  (mistaken  ?)  Musketry  seemed  like 
infantry.  Shall  I  make  any  disposition  to  meet  this.^*  I 
have  sent  staff  officers  to  ascertain  the  exact  state  of  affairs. 

D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Q'rs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  1th,  1864 

My  dearest  Sallie:  I  got  your  little,  very  very  little,  note 
of  Oct.  3rd  last  night,  and  was  thankful  for  little  ("smallest 
favors  gratefully  received,  larger  ones  in  proportion")-  All 
quiet  along  our  lines.  We  are  getting  ready  for  a  move,  how- 
ever, and  this  time  I  have  hopes.  Grant  has  gone  to  Wash- 
ington for  a  day  or  two.  I  am  in  command  of  the  Army. 
Nothing  will  be  done,  however,  till  he  returns.  My  health  is 
of  the  best.  Our  camp  is  now  a  very  pleasant  one  in  an  oak 
grove.  I  am  afraid  we  shall  not  stay  long  enough  for  you 
to  see  it.  When  do  you  start.^* — I  suppose  you  will  be  almost 
started  before  this  reaches  you.  You  should  tell  me  when 
you  start,  so  that  I  may  not  be  writing  useless  letters  home 
to  you.  Does  Sue  go  out,  and  how  soon.f*  Is  mother  all  well 
and  supplied  with  money.''     See  to  that,  please. 

Is  Frazer  going  to  stay.?  Why  don't  that  dear,  lazy  good- 
for-nothing  girl  of  mine  write  to  me? 

Truly  yours.  Dearest,  Benj. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  1th,  1864 

Dearest:   I  have  your  letter  including  Fanny  Fern's. 
The  place  you  are  in  seems  solitary,  or  rather  wretched 


230        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

enough,  but  the  excitement  of  the  situation  will  relieve  it 
from  being  tedious.  For  me,  I  think  of  you  of  course  with 
anxiety  daily,  exposed  to  battle  or  liable  to  be,  and  of  Harriet 
with  increasing  doubt,  if  she  will  rally  from  this  attack  that 
has  brought  her  to  the  bed.  On  either  side  there  is  no  great 
cause  just  now  to  be  merry,  yet  I  am  too  active  and  full  of 
care  to  be  dull.  I  had  fixed  on  Monday  next  to  leave  for  the 
Fortress,  but  today  she  is  so  feeble  I  do  not  feel  positively 
sure.  I  am  glad  Fisher  is  about  to  return.  We  shall  look 
for  him  on  Saturday  night.  When  he  comes,  I  can  better 
determine  the  day  we  will  start.  Corliss  has  not  yet  com- 
pleted Harriet's  will,  but  intends  to  this  week.  The  chairs 
and  tables  are  piled  with  clothing  ready  to  put  in  the  trunks. 
I  am  very  impatient  to  be  at  the  Fort.  It  seems  to  me  there 
is  more  safety  to  you  if  I  am  nearer.  I  think  it  odd  Grant 
should  be  away  at  this  time.  Gold  has  been  running  down, 
now  it  is  at  a  standstill.  If  our  troops  get  no  nearer  to  Rich- 
mond, it  will  go  up  at  once.  And  you  will  be  likely  to  be 
attacked  where  you  are.  If  I  were  at  the  Fort  I  should  know 
the  liabilities.  I  might  as  well  be  at  the  North  Pole  as  here 
for  any  immediate  knowledge  of  what  you  are  doing.  I  must 
say  goodbye,  dearest,  with  the  hope  of  seeing  you  soon. 

Most  truly  and  affectionately  yours,  Sarah 

From  General  Birney  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Smith 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

The  enemy  are  attacking  Kautz  on  both  roads,   Gary's 
Cavalry,  he  thinks.  j^  -g  g^^^^^^  ^  ^ 

From  General  Birney 

2.10  A.M.,  10  A.  C,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

Lt.  Col.  Kensel,  Chief  of  Staff 

The  Captain  of  Artillery  sends  me  word  he  has  only  a 
hundred  infy.  to  protect  his  battery. 

D.  B.  Birney,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

Oct.  7th,  1864,  3.37  a.m. 

My  staff  officer  finds  that  the  story  as  to  massing  front  of 
Fort  Harrison  untrue.  jy  ^  ^^^^^^^  m.  G. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        231 

From  General  Birney 

United  States  Military  Telegraph,  10  A.  C,  Oct.  1th,  1864,  6.45 

To  Col.  E.  W.  Smith,  A.  A.  G. 

The  enemy  are  driving  in  Kautz's  pickets  on  Darby  & 
Charles  City  Road.     Cannot  tell  whether  it  is  a  large  force 

D.  B.  Birney 
From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

By  Telegraph,  10  A.C.,  Oct.  1th,  1864 

General  Kautz  is  routed,  and  enemy  are  moving  to  my 
rear  &  right.  ^  -g  g^^^^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  1th,  9  a.m. 

Lt  Gen.  Grant,  War  Dept.,  Washington 

At  6.45  this  morning  the  enemy  have  attacked  and  driven 
Kautz  back,  and  are  now  advancing  on  our  right  toward  the 
rear  in  strong  force.  They  have  just  opened  fire  upon  Fort 
Harrison.  ^^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Oct.  Ith,  9.30  A.M. 

Do  you  see  anything  on  the  left  that  looks  like  a  demon- 
stration, or  is  it  only  mortar  firing?  If  they  are  massing 
troops  at  all,  this  move  on  the  right  may  be  the  feint,  but  I 
am  inclined  to  think  not. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Head  Qrs.,  9.45,  Oct.  1th 

I  AM  inclined  to  think  that  the  enemy,  if  they  are  in  earnest 
on  the  right,  will  make  the  attack  pretty  far  down  toward 
New  Market,  so  as  to  turn  us  if  possible.  A  brigade  of  ob- 
servers pretty  well  down  might  be  well.  What  has  become 
of  Kautz?     You  say  routed,  I  hope  not  as  bad  as  that. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 


232         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  9.50 

Gen.  Weitzel  just  says  he  sees  no  movement  of  troops  in 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  7,  9.55  a.m. 

Have  as  strong  a  reserve  force  as  you  can  spare  ready  to 
move  to  the  aid  of  Birney  if  the  attack  develops  itself  on  our 

"^    *  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Rawlins  to  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.,  City  Point,  10  a.m.,  Oct.  7,  1864 

Please  furnish  these  Hd.  Qrs.  with  any  information  you 
can,  to  have  forwarded  to  Gen'l.  Grant,  &  it  will  be  sent 
forward  with  all  possible  haste  if  you  have  not  already  sent 

Jno.  a.  Rawlins,  Brig.  Genl.  C.  of  Staff 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  10.15  a.m. 

Refugee  reports  Law's,  Benning's  and  Greggs'  Brigades 
as  the  force  of  infantry,  and  a  battalion  of  artillery  with 
Lomax'  Cavalry,  as  the  force  of  artillery  and  cavalry.  If 
this  be  so,  then  it  is  but  a  demonstration  on  the  right,  and  it 
may  be  possible  to  push  them.  I  think  Weitzel  can  hold  his 
left.     I  have  ordered  four  pieces  of  artillery  to  Signal  Hill 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Head  Qrs.,  October  7th,  10.20  a.m. 

A  REFUGEE  reports  Law's,  Benning's,  Greggs'  Brigades  as 
the  force  on  our  right,  with  a  brigade  of  artillery  &  Lomax' 
Cavalry.  If  this  be  so,  then  this  on  the  right  is  but  a  feint, 
and  we  must  look  to  the  left  and  centre  sharply. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        233 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Rawlins 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  11  a.m. 

I  HAVE  ordered  my  despatch  to  General  Grant  to  be  dupli- 
cated to  you.  Nothing  has  changed  since  that  despatch. 
I  have  thrown  my  right  back,  put  Spring  Hill  near  New 
Market  in  fighting  order,  and  am  waiting.  Deserters  report 
no  new  troops  in  my  front,  but  a  large  portion  withdrawn 
from  Chaflfin's  for  this  demonstration  on  the  right.  The 
force  moving  I  make  out  to  be  Law's,  Benning's  and  Greggs' 
brigades  infantry  &  battery  of  artillery,  and  Lomax'  brigade  of 
cavalry.  The  shelling  of  Harrison  still  goes  on  with  vigor.  If 
I  can  learn  with  a  little  more  certainty  about  his  movement  on 
my  right  I  shall  take  the  oflFensive  with  two  divisions  of  Birney. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

I  will  direct  the  operator  to  take  off  at  City  Point  any 
despatch  I  may  send  to  Gen'l.  Grant.     B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Meade 

Head  Qrs.  near  Varina,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  11.05  a.m. 

I  HAVE  made  out  this  attacking  column  to  be  Benning's, 
Law's  &  Greggs'  Brigade  infantry,  a  battalion  of  artillery,  & 
Lomax'  Cavalry.  I  hear  of  no  reinforcements  to  General  Lee. 
Nor  have  I  heard  of  any  other  troops  moved  across  the  river. 

I  am  inclined  to  think  that  there  can  hardly  be  a  real  attack, 
so  far  as  my  information  goes. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Head  Qrs.,  11.16  a.m.,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

Despatch  by  hand  of  aid  rec'd.  Field  Division  to  wit. 
Law's,  Benning's,  &  Greggs'  Brigades  have  always  been  here. 
There  are  four  regiments  of  Pickett's  division.  They  may 
be  on  the  move  to  get  to  our  right;  if  so  I  think  we  may  send 
two  divisions  after  them,  and  get  between  them  &  their  base. 
What  think  you?     I  can  hear  of  no  new  troops  coming  over 

^^^^-  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


234   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Oct.  7th,  12  M. 

BiRNEY  reports  that  he  easily  repulsed  the  enemy  on  his 
right,  but  that  Pickett's  &  Field's  Divisions  are  going  still 
farther  to  his  right.  If  I  take  the  offensive,  what  force  can 
you  show  to  hold  Birney's  left? 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Oct.  7th,  12  M. 

I  THINK  we  must  not  let  them  intrench  on  the  Darbytown 
Road.  Please  advance  upon  them  in  such  forces  as  you  can 
spare,  and  see  if  we  cannot  get  on  their  flanks.  I  am  at 
telegraph  office  to  confer  with  you. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.  near  Vahina,  12  m.,  Oct.  7 

Kautz's  cavalry  were  driven  in  with  some  loss.  Birney 
easily  repulsed  the  enemy  on  his  right,  and  I  am  now  waiting 
for  a  little  further  information,  when  I  propose  to  assume  the 
offensive  with  two  divisions  of  Birney.  I  think  this  is  only 
an  attempt  to  hold  the  Darbytown  Road  far  down  as  possible. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Major  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  1  p.m. 

I  AM  now  forming  for  attack.     Have  you  anything  for  me 

D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 


now.'* 


From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  2  p.m. 

I  HAD  supposed  the  127th  Colored  at  Signal  Tower.  Capt. 
Battery  says  that  he  has  only  one  hundred  infy.  I  have  sent 
a  large  regt.  there.     I  do  not  believe  the  enemy  are  advancing 

^^  ^^-  D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   235 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  3.35  P.M.,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

My   reconnaissance   to    Darby   road   below    where   Kautz 

was  finds  no  enemy.     I  am  advancing  here  to  Kautz's  position 

with  a  division.  t^   t.    t.  ^i^   ^ 

D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Oct.  7th,  1864,  3.50  p.m. 

Push    them    smartly.     Weitzel    will    hold    on.     Despatch 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

I  AM  doing  that  now.  t-w   ti   t.  T,r   ^ 

^  D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  4.30  P.M.,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

I  HAVE  the  entrenchments  that  rebels  constructed,  and  am 
advancing  towards  Darby  road  at  Dr.  Johnson's  house.  A 
rebel  deserter  of  Hagood's  brigade  reports  Hoke's  division 
massed  in  Darby  road  on  Richmond  side,  and  Field's  on  my 
right.     If  this  is  true,  it  will  soon  be  developed. 

D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Birney 

10  A.  C,  4.50  P.M.,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

Lt.  Col.  Kensel,  Chief  Staff 

The  signal  officer  is,  I  think,  at  last  right.  The  enemy  I 
think  are  marching  rapidly  towards  Charles  City  road.  It 
may  be  to  make  a  detour  and  hide  their  movements. 

D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  7th.  1864 

We  have  prisoners  from  Gary's  Brigade  of  Cavalry.  They 
say  that  Lomax  is  in  the  valley  —  the  prisoners  from  the 
Hampton  Legion.     Gary  was  in  to-day's  fight. 

D.  B.  Birney,  Maj.  Gen. 


236   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Kautz 

Ed.  Qrts.  Cav'y  Div.,  Army  Corps,  Jordan's  Neitmiarket  Road, 

Oct.  7th,  1864,  6  o'clock,  p.m. 

Major  General  Butler,  Comdg. 

General:  I  am  camped  here  and  will  picket  out  in  front 
of  Spring  Hill  until  further  orders.  My  command  has  suffered 
heavily  to-day.  We  held  on  as  long  as  we  could,  and  I  sup- 
posed I  could  hold  them,  but  after  three  hours'  fighting  they 
came  on  me  in  superior  numbers  and  drove  us  back.  I  lost 
the  artillery  in  the  swamp,  through  which  the  enemy  forced 
me  to  retreat,  by  getting  on  my  right  flank  and  cutting  me 
off  from  the  Darby  Road.  Nine  oflBcers  and  three  hundred 
and  nineteen  men  are  killed,  wounded,  or  missing,  most  of 
them  missing.  My  Adjt.,  Gen.  Capt.  Asch,  and  Lt.  Beers, 
Aide-de-Camp,  are  captured.  Eight  pieces  of  artillery  are 
lost.  I  have  sent  a  squadron  out  to  the  Darby  Road  that 
reports  the  enemy  have  retired.  I  can  go  back  in  the  morning 
and  re-establish  my  line  but,  as  I  said  before,  it  is  an  exposed 

^  '  Very  respectfully,  etc., 

A.  V.  Kautz,  Brig.  Gen.  Comdg.  Division 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  7th,  6  p.m. 

At  6.45  this  morning,  the  enemy  having  moved  Quid's 
and  Hoke's  Divisions  from  the  left  at  Chaffin's  farm  round 
to  our  right  at  Darbytown  Road,  attacked  with  spirit  Kautz's 
cavalry  in  their  entrenchments,  and  drove  him  back  with 
small  loss  of  men  but  with  the  loss  of  his  artillery.  The 
enemy  suffered  very  considerable  loss  in  this  attack.  The 
enemy  then  swept  down  the  entrenchments  toward  Birney, 
who  having  thrown  back  his  right  waited  their  assault  and 
repulsed  it  with  very  heavy  loss  on  the  part  of  the  enemy. 
The  enemy  in  the  meantime  advanced  toward  New  Market, 
but  were  met  by  a  force  at  the  Signal  Tower.  At  three  p.m. 
I  took  the  offensive,  sending  Birney  with  two  divisions  up 
the  Darbytown  Road.  The  enemy  has  retreated  as  he  ad- 
vanced, and  he  now  has  reached  and  occupies  the  entrench- 
ments which  the  enemy  took  from  Kautz  and  were  fortifying 
for  themselves.  Our  loss  has  been  small,  not  that  of  the 
enemy's.  We  have  about  a  hundred  prisoners.  Will  tele- 
graph if  anything  of  interest  occurs. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen' I.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       237 

From  General  Birney 

Id  A.C.,  6.50,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

Lt  Col.  Smith,  A.  A.  G. 

We  have  Kautz's  position,  rebels  have  gone  back  to  the 
entrenchments,  a  very  rehable  lady  near  the  road  reports 
death  of  Gen.  Gregg.     Saw  his  body. 

D.  B.  Birney,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  General  Birney 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

Lt.  Col.  Smith,  A.  A.  G. 

Enemy  are  in  retreat,  a  division  is  forming  and  may  strike 

his  rear.     They  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  heavy.     One  of 

my  staff  estimates  a  thousand.         .      ta  t>   t>  nr  r^ 

•^  D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Kautz 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  7.15  p.m. 

I  grieve  for  your  loss.  You  do  not  state  what  loss  you 
inflicted  on  the  enemy.  The  enemy  attacked  Gen.  Birney 's 
right,  were  repulsed  with  slaughter,  with  a  loss  of  a  thousand 
killed  &  wounded  and  a  hundred  prisoners.  Birney  then 
took  the  offensive  and  drove  them  back,  and  now  holds  your 
old  line  with  a  division  of  infantry. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  7.20  P.M.,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

My  impressions  are  that  the  enemy  have  resumed  their 
old  positions,  and  if  Fort  Harrison  is  to  be  attacked  it  will  be 
at  daylight  tomorrow.  I  shall  strengthen  my  left  and  be 
prepared  for  it.  j^  g   g^^^^^^  ^  g 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Hd.  Qrs.,  Oct.  7th,  7.50  p.m. 

I  THINK  you  are  quite  right  in  your  suggestion  as  to  the 
possible  attack  on  Fort  Harrison  tomorrow  morning.  I  do 
not  precisely  understand  the  position  of  your  troops.  Please 
explain  a  little  more  at  length. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


238   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Oct.  7th,  8  P.M. 

BiRNEY  thinks  the  enemy  have  returned  to  their  old  position, 
and  possibly  with  intent  to  attack  your  left  or  Harrison  at  day- 
light. I  know  you  will  be  ready.  We  have  much  the  best  of 
this  day's  work.  -g^^^  ^  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Birney 

10  A.  C,  8.20  P.M.,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

Lt  Col.  E.  W.  Smith,  A.  A.  G. 

My  corps  is  disposed  as  follows:  Terry  on  right,  holding 
Kautz's  position  of  this  morning  across  the  Darbytown  road 
with  strong  skirmish  line.  His  brigades  massed  on  Foster's 
right.  Foster  holds  the  right  of  my  position  this  morning, 
and  Gen'l.  Birney  the  left,  excepting  that  portion  relieved 
by  the  18th  A.  C.  ^  B   g^^^^^^  j^  ^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Oct.  7th,  1864,  9  p.m. 

Birney  now  holds  from  the  Darbytown  Road  to  your 
right.  I  have  directed  him  to  strengthen  his  left  so  as  to  be 
able  to  aid  you  in  case  of  attack.  If  your  men  get  their  coffee 
early  in  the  morning  you  can  hold. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Kautz 

Bead  Qrs.,  Oct.  7th,  1864 

Gen.  Terry  with  such  troops  as  he  has  under  his  command 
holds  your  old  position.  You  will  move  up  your  old  com- 
mand just  before  day,  and  reporting  to  him  for  this  purpose 
take  position  to  strengthen  his  right  and  flanks. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

October  7th,  1864,  9.30  p.m. 

I  HAVE  ordered  Gen.  Kautz  to  move  up  from  near  Spring- 
hill,  where  he  now  is,  and  reporting  to  Terry  for  this  purpose 
to  take  position  to  strengthen  his  right  and  flanks  at  day- 
break. That  may  enable  you  to  look  a  little  more  to  your 
left.  You  can  also  order  up  your  regiment  from  Deep  Bottom. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   239 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.     Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  October  7th,  1864,  10  p.m. 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant,  Washington 

BiRNEY  has  taken  Kautz's  old  position,  and  holds  the 
enemy  in  the  inner  line  of  entrenchments  around  Richmond, 
extending  from  the  Darbytown  Road  to  connect  with  Weitzel 
on  the  left  near  Fort  Harrison.  There  has  been  no  movement 
at  Petersburg  today. 

We  have  much  the  best  of  this  day's  work.  A  thousand  at 
the  least  of  the  enemy  killed  &  wounded,  a  hundred  prisoners, 
and  a  bloody  repulse.  Gen.  Gregg  commanding  Field's 
division  is  reported,  by  a  lady  who  saw  the  body,  as  killed. 
No  news  by  Richmond  papers  save  that  they  boast  that 
Hood  is  at  Marietta,  strongly  entrenched. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

10  A.  C,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  10  p.m. 

I  DO  not  care  about  Kautz's  men  more  than  to  picket  to 
Darby  road  from  the  point  on  New  Market  road.  I  have 
Col.  Sumner  of  Mtd.  Rifles  and  my  4th  Massachusetts  cavalry. 

I  have  brought  up  the  regiment  that  I  sent  Signal  Tower. 
Were  you  not  mistaken  in  saying  Deep  Bottom,  where  I  also 
have  a  large  regiment.'*  If  Gen'l  Kautz  can  keep  me  advised 
of  any  movement  on  Darby  and  Charles  City  road,  so  that  I 
can  march  upon  them,  it  will  answer. 

I  have  Gen.  Terry  massed  on  my  right,  and  have  my  picket 
line  strong  and  running  to  Darby  road.  My  casualties  will 
not  exceed  one  hundred  and  fifty  (150). 

D.  B.  Birney,  M.  G. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Birney 

Oct.  7,  1864,  10.15  P.M. 

I  SHOULD  have  said  Signal  Tower  instead  of  Deep  Bottom. 
Kautz  is  ordered  up.  You  can  dispose  of  him  as  may  be  of 
most  use.  -g^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 


240        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 
From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Heed  Q'rs.  near  Vaeina,  Oct.  8th 

My  dear  Sarah:  Just  as  I  closed  my  letter  yesterday 
morning  the  enemy  began  firing,  and  we  had  a  smart  fight  all 
day.  He  began  by  driving  in  Kautz's  Cavalry,  and  then 
attacking  my  right  flank.  He  was  then  repulsed  with  loss, 
and  our  men  thereupon  assumed  the  offensive  and  drove  him 
back  and  retook  the  line  from  which  Kautz  had  been  driven. 
All  quiet  this  morning. 

I  have  got  your  letter  of  the  3rd.  I  got  your  letter  of  the 
second,  none  of  the  first  or  4th  or  5th  or  6th.  I  should,  if 
the  mails  are  in  any  order  at  all. 

I  suppose  you  will  hardly  get  this  letter,  and  this  will  be  the 

last  one  I  shall  write  till  I  see  you  here,  or  hear  of  you  at  the 

fort.     This  will  not  reach  Lowell  till  Monday,  if  then,  and  I 

suppose  you  will  have  started  by  that  time.     But  if  not,  you 

will  get  this  and  see  renewed  evidence  that  I  love,  and  love  to 

think  of  my  own  dearest  wife.  t» 

•^  Benj. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  October  8th,  1864 

Brig.  Gen.  Rawlins,  Chief  of  Staff 

Please  order  all  men  of  the  142nd  and  112th  and  169th 
New  York  to  come  up  to  me  at  once  from  the  landing  at  City 
Point.  There  has  been  very  unfair  means  used  by  officers 
from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  in  relation  to  these  men.  They 
have  tampered  with  them,  endeavoring  to  get  them  into  regi- 
ments in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

Please  order  all  men  for  New  York  Regiments  not  actually 
in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  to  report  to  me  at  Varina,  &  send 
them  with  transportation  to  that  point. 

While  we  are  here  fighting  I  had  a  little  rather  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  would  not  steal  our  men. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  8,  '64,  1.35  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Washington,  D.C. 

Our  success  yesterday  was  a  decided  one,  although  the 
Rebel  papers  claim  a  victory.     They  admit  Gen.  Gregg  killed 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        241 

and  Gen.  Britton  wounded.     Gen.  Gregg  was  in  command 
of  Field's  Division. 

The  Richmond  Examiner  of  this  morning,  containing  an 
official  despatch  from  Gordonsville  last  night,  states  that  a 
Yankee  cavalry  force  yesterday  burnt  the  railroad  bridge 
over  the  Rapidan  and  made  their  escape.  No  movement  on 
the  Petersburg  side.  No  more  troops  have  been  sent  over 
from  Lee.  The  movement  of  yesterday  was  made  under  his 
eye.     All  quiet  today. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Meade 

Ed.  Qrs.  near  Varina,  Oct.  8th.  1864,  7.45  p.m. 

Despatch  received.  Upon  full  examination  I  agree  as  to 
your  force.  It  was  reported  to  me  in  the  morning  of  yesterday 
that  prisoners  from  Heth's  and  Wilcox's  Division  were  cap- 
tured. This  at  first  caused  some  anxiety,  but  upon  personal 
examination  I  find  that  they  were  soldiers  of  those  divisions 
who  had  deserted,  and  been  in  the  exigency  when  out  of 
Castle  Thunder  and  put  into  the  local  defence. 

We  have  before  us  Field,  Hoke,  four  regiments  of  Pickett 
and  Bushrod  Johnson,  composite  brigade,  and  some  five 
thousand  local  defences. 

In  the  affair  of  yesterday  we  killed  Gen.  Gregg,  command- 
ing Field's  Division,  wounded  severely  Gen.  Britton,  Col. 
Haskell  of  the  7th  S.  C.  Infantry,  and  Maj.  Haskell  of  the 
S.  C.  Artillery,  and  quite  a  thousand  others.  Captured 
a  hundred  and  fifty  deserters  and  prisoners.  I  have  over 
fifty  deserters  today.  We  lost  less  than  four  hundred  all  told. 
All  quiet  today.  -g^^^  ^  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l  Comd'g. 

From  General  Kautz  to  General  Butler 

By  Telegraph /rom  Head  Quarters,  Caet,  Oct.  8,  1864 

I  FIND  that  all  the  axes  and  entrenching  tools  in  my  com- 
mand were  lost  in  the  affair  of  the  7th,  and  some  delay  must 
occur  unless  there  are  some  tools  on  this  side  of  the  James. 

Please  let  me  know  if  I  can  get  axes,  etc.  on  this  side.  Col. 
West  has  in  his  brigade  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  recruits 
here,  dismounted.     Will  it  be  possible  to  get  horses  for  them 

Very  respectfully,  Aug.  V.  Kautz,  B.  Gen. 

VOL.   V — 1 6 


242   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  S.  H.  Gay  to  General  Butler 

Office  of  the  "  Tribune,"  New  York,  Oct.  8th,  1864 

Dear  Sir:  Notwithstanding  I  know  that  you  must  be  a 
good  deal  troubled  with  representations  of  the  peculiar  hard- 
ships of  individual  cases  among  the  prisoners  held  by  the 
Rebels,  I  send  you  the  enclosed  copies  of  two  letters  to  which 
I  beg  your  special  attention.  Mr.  Brown,  naturally  enough, 
believes  himself  greatly  aggrieved,  but  how  unjustly,  so  far 
as  I  am  concerned,  my  pertinacity  with  you  in  regard  to  Mr. 
Richardson  and  himself,  will  bear  me  witness.  I  have  pre- 
ferred rather  that  you  should  consider  me  a  bore  than  that  I 
should  not  be  able  to  say  to  them  and  their  friends  I  have  done 
all  that  I  could.  And  now  will  you  not  consider  me  pre- 
suming in  adding  a  word  upon  another  subject.? 

Major  General  Butler 

I  have  several  times  been  asked,  within  the  last  year,  to 
state  to  you  that  stories  injurious  to  your  reputation  are 
busily  circulated  here  in  relation  to  certain  transactions  in 
New  Orleans.  One  in  relation  to  some  plate,  another  to  a 
box  of  gold,  it  is  quite  unnecessary  that  I  should  enter  into 
details,  as  you  know  to  what  I  refer,  have  been  most  used  to 
your  injury. 

You,  perhaps,  have  been  led  to  expect  a  letter  of  inquiry 
from  me.  I,  at  all  events,  have  been  led  to  believe  by  those 
who  ought  to  know  that  you  would  prefer  to  have  an  ex- 
planation asked,  but  you  might  avail  yourself  of  an  oppor- 
tunity to  crush  the  slander,  unearth  those  who  by  its  private 
circulations  are  taking  the  surest  way  of  injuring  your  repu- 
tation. If  I  am  wrong  in  this,  or  have  been  misled,  I  shall 
deeply  regret  having  taken  what  may  seem  an  unwarrantable 
liberty.  If  otherwise,  I  have  only  to  assure  you  that  the 
columns  of  the  Tribune  are  open  to  you  to  make  any  explana- 
tion you  see  fit,  in  reply  to  an  inquiry  in  a  private  letter  as  to 
the  real  history  of  those  slanders  against  you. 

You  have,  no  doubt,  received  assurances  enough  of  the  good 
done  by  your  recently  published  letter.  Permit  me  to  add 
my  testimony  to  the  rest  that  nothing  that  has  been  said  has 
so  clearly  set  forth  the  present  situation  of  affairs,  nothing 
has  so  encouraged  the  faint-hearted  and  doubting,  and  no  one 
thing  has  so  added  to  the  enthusiasm  and  courage  of  the  coun- 
try. It  was  the  right  word  spoken  at  the  right  time.  I  am, 
With  great  respect,  Your  obdt.  Servant,  S.  H.  Gay 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        243 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  near  Vahina,  Va.,  October  9th,  1864 

Hon.  Edwards  Pierrepont,  New  York  City 

I  OWE  you  an  apology  for  not  answering  your  note  in  rela- 
tion to  the  Smith  Claim.  When  I  left  Fort  Monroe  for  the 
field  I  directed  all  my  business  letters  to  be  opened  by  my 
confidential  clerk,  and  kept  on  file  till  I  returned  to  the  Fort, 
to  let  nothing  pass  which  did  not  relate  to  the  current  business 
of  the  Army.  When  I  went  back  to  Fortress  Monroe,  except 
as  a  sick  man  for  two  days,  I  went  to  New  York  to  prove  my 
brother's  will,  which  had  been  waiting  from  February  for  my 
personal  presence.  Hoping  each  day  to  get  away  and  then 
see  you  in  person,  as  I  endeavored  to  do  when  in  New  York, 
I  delayed  from  time  to  time  this  business,  as  you  see  I  did  the 
more  important  business  of  my  brother's  will.  I  make  my 
offer  again.  I  will  pay  to  you  for  Messrs.  Smith  the  sum 
taken  by  my  order,  upon  his  release,  if  you  will  get  the  author- 
ity of  the  War  Department  or  the  President's  that  I  shall  so  do. 

I  took  the  money  as  the  servant  of  the  Country,  holding 
military  position  from  at  that  time  rebellious  citizens  of  the 
Confederate  States,  by  their  own  oath  of  allegiance  to  that 
supposed  government.  I  used  it  as  a  military  officer  for  the 
service  of  my  army.  It  was  repaid  me,  and  is  now  held  by 
me  as  an  officer  of  the  Government  to  be  paid  on  its  order  or 
by  its  permission.  What  I  would  or  would  not  do  were  it 
left  to  my  judgment  is  not  the  question.  I  should  make 
myself,  I  think,  personally  responsible  were  I  to  attempt  to 
act  without  direction.  You  will  do  me  a  favor  if  you  will 
get  the  order  for  payment.  If  such  is  the  determination  of 
the  Government,  they  have  all  the  papers  before  them,  and 
have  the  power  and  right  to  determine  the  question.  It  is 
the  only  thing  that  gives  me  any  uneasiness  in  case  of  my 
death.  But  that  must  be  borne  like  every  thing  else  that 
comes  in  the  course  of  duty. 

I  grieve  much  I  did  not  see  you  in  New  York.  As  soon 
as  the  movements  are  over  I  intend  to  come  to  New  York 
again,  and  hope  then  to  see  you. 

Very  respectfully  yours,   Benj.  F.  Butler 


244        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Sunday,  October  9th,  '64 

Dearest:  So  you  concluded  from  something  in  my  letter 
that  I  think  you  have  not  been  doing  much.  You  are  vastly 
mistaken.  I  know  you  are  working  with  all  the  power  you 
possess,  to  achieve  what  so  many  have  failed  in.  And  that 
you  have  gone  far  to  do  it.  But  there  are  intervals,  when 
you  are  at  rest  and  cannot  move  forward,  when  you  are  obliged 
to  halt,  as  I  have  been  from  time  to  time  in  my  work.  Yester- 
day I  went  through  a  sad  duty,  to  convey  Harriet  to  Mrs. 
Read's,  I  held  her  head  in  my  lap  and  she  rode  easily,  but 
she  is  very  feeble,  by  no  means  so  well  as  when  you  left.  You 
can  imagine  I  have  some  care  and  anxiety,  but  I  do  not  like 
to  dwell  upon  it. 

Most  of  our  trunks  are  packed,  and  there  is  a  general  gather- 
ing up  of  smaller  articles  to  put  them  up  for  safety.  If  you 
are  full  of  work  and  action,  I  at  least  am  not  idle.  In  truth, 
I  could  sink  down,  wearied  out,  only  that,  that  is  a  poor 
resource,  not  fit  for  a  thinking,  earnest  man  or  woman.  Poor 
Harriet!  her  case  is  sad,  too  sad  to  write  about.  I  did  not  go 
to  Boston  on  the  day  I  wrote  you,  but  shall  go  tomorrow  if  it 
does  not  rain.  And  on  the  next  day,  Tuesday,  shall  start 
for  N.  York  if  I  find  we  can  get  off.  If  not,  shall  leave  on 
Wednesday.  We  shall  stay  over  one  day  in  N.  York  and 
then  on  to  the  Fortress.  It  may  seem  strange  to  you  that 
I  should  be  willing  to  take  such  a  charge,  but  for  her  sake  I 
would  much  rather  take  Harriet  with  me.  She  relies  on  me 
and  will  miss  me  much,  poor  woman,  too  much  at  this  time. 
You  see  I  have  written  this  letter  bottom  side  up.  You  must 
excuse  it  and  the  wretched  scrawly  way  I  write.  I  have  not 
written  a  letter  since  you  left  when  I  have  felt  at  ease  and  not 
hurried  on  to  something  else.  When  I  get  to  you  I  hope 
there  will  be  time  to  rest.     But  one  cannot  be  sure  of  it. 

The  news  from  you  last  night  in  the  papers  is  most  cheering. 
I  write  of  it  the  last  thing,  but  you  know  it  is  first  in  mind,  as 
all  that  pertains  to  you  must  be  to  me.  The  children  are  well 
and  pleased  to  go  on  the  whole,  though  they  cannot  bear  to  give 
up  the  skating.  It  is  very  cold  today,  and  makes  me  shudder. 
Dearest,  do  you  think  of  me  much  and  pleasantly  .f^  I  hope  so, 
for  you  and  I  have  need  of  each  other's  care  and  sympathy. 
At  least,  I  have  need.     I  shall  write  again  before  I  leave. 

Yours  most  truly,  Sarah 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   245 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  9th,  1864,  9.30  a.m. 

William  H.  Stiner,  Herald  Correspondent,  Fort  Monroe 

Your  reports  in  the  Herald  on  the  6th  of  activity  in  the 
Navy  at  Fort  Monroe,  of  the  arrival  and  departure  of  Naval 
Officers,  is  calculated  to  give  information  to  the  enemy,  and 
it  must  never  occur  again. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Bead  Qrs.,  Oct.  9th,  1864,  5.35  p.m. 

The  enemy  had  some  cavalry  come  over  last  night.  May 
this  not  be  a  prelude  to  attempting  to  break  through  on  the 
left?  We  have  a  thousand  (prisoners)  there,  a  temptation, 
to  say  nothing  of  a  Maj.  Gen.  &  his  staff.  Will  you  look  to 
that  a  little,  as  a  deserter  from  the  "Virginia"  says  that  he 
came  through  from  the  graveyard  directly  into  your  redoubt 
and  was  not  challenged. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  9,  1864 

I  AM  at  City  Point.  U.S.Grant 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Oct.  9th,  1864,  Head  Qrs.,  7.10  p.m. 

I  AM  glad  to  hear  of  your  safe  return.  All  quiet  along  my 
lines.  I  got  75  deserters  yesterday,  and  shall  have  about 
the  same  number  by  the  morning,  have  twenty  odd  now. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  Birney  is  so  sick  with  dysentery  that  I 
must  let  him  go  home  or  lose  him. 

Shall  I  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  in  the  morning? 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

CiTT  Point,  Oct.  9,  1864 

I  WILL  be  up  to  see  you  in  the  morning. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 


246        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  10,  '64,  7.50  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Kautz,  Comd'g.  Cavalry  Div. 

You  will  receive  in  the  morning  two  hundred  and  fifty- 
entrenching  tools  and  one  hundred  axes. 

Benj.  F.  Butler  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  10,  '64,  7.50  p.m. 

Col.  Dodge,  Chief  Qr.  M. 

Can  you  squeeze  out  one  hundred  and  fifty  cavalry  horses 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Grant 

Headquarters,  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  October  11th,  1864 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Commanding  Army  of  the  James 

General:  I  inclose  you  the  letter  of  the  President  to  me, 
together  with  all  other  papers  relating  to  the  exchange  of 
naval  prisoners  of  war  now  in  the  James  River,  and  turn  the 
whole  matter  over  to  you  to  conduct. 

In  our  conversation  yesterday  I  explained  the  point  in 
Secretary  Welles'  correspondence,  which  the  President  was 
afraid  might  involve  us  in  trouble  if  retained  by  him.  In 
conducting  this  exchange,  ignore  all  that  has  been  done  here- 
tofore in  the  matter,  but  make  the  exchange  man  for  man, 
yielding  no  point  before  insisted  on.     Very  respectfully,  your 

obedient  servant,  tj  c   r^  t  •    ^        ^  n  ? 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  2,  Vol.  7,  Page  965. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  October  5,  1864    [Not  in  chronological  order^ 

Lieutenant-General  Grant 

I  inclose  you  a  copy  of  a  correspondence  in  regard  to  a 
contemplated  exchange  of  naval  prisoners  through  my  lines, 
and  not  very  distant  from  your  headquarters.  It  only  came 
to  the  knowledge  of  the  War  Department  and  of  myself 
yesterday,  and  it  gives  us  some  uneasiness.  I  therefore  send 
it  to  you  with  the  statement  that,  as  the  numbers  to  be  ex- 
changed under  it  are  small  and  so  much  has  already  been 
done  to  effect  the  exchange,  I  hope  you  may  find  it  consistent 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   247 

to  let  it  go  forward  under  the  general  supervision  of  General 
Butler,  and  particularly  in  reference  to  the  points  he  holds  vital 
in  exchanges.  Still,  you  are  at  liberty  to  arrest  the  whole 
operation  if  in  your  judgment  the  public  good  requires  it. 

"Abraham  Lincoln,"  p.  215.  ^^^^^  ^^^^2/.  A.  LiNCOLN 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  11th,  1864,  9.25  a.m. 

Brig.  Genl.  Rufus  Ingalls,  Chief  Quartermaster,  City  Point 

Please  send  me  up  twelve  hundred  (1200)  feet  of  rails  to 
Dutch  Gap.  I  do  not  need  the  best  quality  of  rails.  Any- 
thing that  will  do  for  a  gravel  train.  If  you  have  any  strap 
rails  they  will  do  as  well  as  any.     Please  answer  by  telegraph 

when  I  can  have  them.  t»  t^  t»  it   •   i-(     >7 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  11th,  1864,  9.25  a.m. 

Col.  Webster,  Chief  Quartermaster,  Fort  Monroe 

Send  me  eight  (8)  gravel  railroad  cars,  dumpers,  at  once. 
There  are  at  Norfolk  some  that  go  with  the  dredging  machine; 
I  should  prefer  those.  Acknowledge  the  receipt  by  telegraph, 
and  say  when  the  cars  will  leave. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  11th,  1864,  9.45  a.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Terry,  Comd'g.  10th  Army  Corps 

The  recommendations  of  your  brigade  and  divisions  Com- 
manders of  gallant  and  meritorious  officers  and  men  who  dis- 
tinguished themselves  in  the  late  movement  on  the  north  side 
of  the  James,  were  sent  back  for  correction  three  days  since, 
and  I  have  not  heard  from  them  since.  Please  have  them  com- 
pleted and  forwarded  to  these  Hd.  Qrs.  without  delay. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  11th,  1864,  9.45  a.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Kautz,  Comd'g.  Cavalry  Division 

One  hundred  and  fifty  (150)  cavalry  horses  are  at  your 
disposal  at  Bermuda. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


248   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  11,  '64 

Maj.  Gen.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  18  Corps 

You  will  order  each,  from  every  regt.  in  your  command, 
an  oflScer  &  orderly  to  go  to  their  respective  camps  on  the 
other  side  of  the  James,  &  bring  up  with  them  all  men  found 
in  such  camps,  &  at  Deep  Bottom  surgeon's  certificate  for 
excuse  to  men  in  camps. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

Duplicate  to  Gen.  Bienet,  Comd'g.  10  A.  C. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  11th,  1864 

Brig.  Gen.  Graham,  Comd'g.  Army  Gunboats,  Point  of  Rocks 
Please  send  down  one  of  your  boats  to  the  Northern  Neck 
opposite  Smith's  Neck  light.  Land  there  and  seize  some 
eight  (8)  or  ten  (10)  of  the  most  reputable  citizens  you  can 
find  and  bring  them  to  me.  State  that  they  are  taken  as 
hostages  for  J.  R.  McDonald,  captain  of  the  light-ship  and 
six  (6)  men  who  went  on  shore  for  water. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  11th,  1864 

Capt.  Cassells,  Prov.  Mar.,  Bermuda 

Report  in  person  this  evening.  I  wish  information  in 
regard  to  the  oyster  &  huckstering  business. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  11th,  1864,  3.30  p.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  18th  A.  C. 

It  is  reported  to  me  that  there  are  between  seven  (7)  and 
eight  hundred  (800)  men  at  the  Hd.  Qrs.  of  the  18th  Army 
Corps.  It  seems  to  me  hardly  possible  that  so  many  can  be 
needed.  Pray  investigate  it.  It  may  not  have  been  brought 
to  your  attention.     There  are  250  in  the  10th  A.  C. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   249 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  11,  1864 

Did  Gen.  Weitzel  attempt  what  he  proposed  for  last  night? 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Rawlins  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  11,  1864 

Gen'l  Gregg  has  been  applied  to  in  relation  to  the  Spencer 
carbines  referred  to  in  your  despatch  of  last  evening,  and 
reports  that  he  cannot  spare  them,  as  he  has  not  a  sufficient 
number  to  arm  his  own  cavalry. 

Jno.  a.  Rawlins,  B.  G.  Chf.  of  Staff 

From  James  R.  Eden 

Army  of  Potomac,  Oct.  11,  1864 

Brig.  Gen  I.  Rawlins,  Chf.  of  Staff 

Your  communication  to  Gen.  Meade  concerning  Spencer 
carbines  for  Gen'l.  Butler  has  been  referred  to  me. 

There  are  no  Spencer  carbines  on  hand  at  the  depot.  As 
soon  as  any  are  rec'd  Gen'l.  Butler  will  be  supplied. 

Jas.  R.  Eden,  Lt.  Chf.  Ord. 
Repeated  to  Gen'l.  Butler  by  order. 

Lt.  Col.  Bowers,  A.  A.  G. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  Uth,  1864 

Dearest:   I  could  not  get  off  today.     And  I  have  worked 

rapidly.     Tomorrow  afternoon  we  leave.     I  have  only  time 

to  write  this.     It  is  now  two  o'clock.     I  carry  the  silver  to 

the  bank  at  three,  make  one  or  two  more  calls,  pick  up  the 

odds  and  ends,  and  say  amen  to  it  all.     Shall  stay  over  one 

day  in  N.  York,  then  on  to  the  Fort,  and  up  to  see  you.     Till 

then,  as  ever,  nj    4  4     i  c 

Most  truly  your  Sarah 

From  General  Butler 

Hdqrs.,  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field,  October  Uth.  1864 

Hon.  Robert  Ould,  Agent  of  Exchange,  Richmond,  Va. 

Sir:  I  enclose  a  copy  of  an  advertisement  cut  from  a  Rich- 
mond paper,  where  a  military  officer  commanding  a  camp 


250   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

near  Richmond  calls  upon  their  masters  to  come  forward  and 
make  claim  to  the  services  and  labor  of  certain  colored  men 
therein  described.  Some  of  these  are  believed  to  be  soldiers 
of  the  U.  S.  Army  captured  in  arms.  If  I  am  mistaken  in 
this  belief  I  desire  to  be  promptly  corrected. 

I  have  ordered  to  such  manual  labor  as  I  deem  most  fitting 
to  meet  the  exigency  an  equal  number  of  the  prisoners  of  war 
held  by  us,  and  I  shall  continue  to  order  to  labor  captives  in 
war  to  an  equal  number  of  all  the  soldiers  of  the  United  States 
I  have  reason  to  believe  are  held  to  labor  and  service  by  the 
forces  you  represent,  until  I  am  notified  that  this  practice  on 
your  part  has  ceased.  Much  as  I  regret  the  necessity  imposed 
upon  me  to  do  this,  yet  I  am  compelled  by  the  sternest  con- 
victions of  duty  thus  to  inaugurate  a  system  of  retaliation, 
which  will  be  firmly  carried  out. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient 

'  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Major-General  Commanding 

Official  Records,  Series  2,  Vol.  7,  Page  970. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  lith,  1864,  11.15  a.m. 

Brig.  Genl.  Patrick,  Prov.  Mar.  Gen  I.,  City  Point 

Please  send  me  under  guard  on  board  a  boat  one  hundred 
and  fifty  (150)  of  the  most  considerable  of  the  prisoners  cap- 
tured by  us  in  your  hands,  especially  of  the  local  defence, 
including  Privates  Henly  and  McRay,  for  the  purpose  of 
being  put  to  work  in  Dutch  Gap  in  retaliation  for  our  soldiers 
now  at  work  in  the  Rebel  trenches  near  Fort  Gilmer. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  October  lith,  1864,  12.30  p.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Terry,  Comd'g.  10th  Corps 

You  will  take  two  divisions  of  your  corps,  preferably  the 
1st  and  3rd  if  their  places  on  your  line  can  be  spared,  and  in 
conjunction  with  Gen.  Kautz's  cavalry  you  will  make  a  recon- 
noissance  in  force,  and  drive  away  if  practicable  the  enemy 
from  the  works  they  are  now  building  on  the  Darbytown  or 
Central  Road.  Gen'l.  Weitzel  has  been  ordered  to  support 
your  line  if  necessary.  Take  care  that  your  force  are  not 
cut  off.     I  presume  you  will  find  about  six  thousand  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   251 

enemy's  veteran  troops, .  Early  &  Hokes  Divisions,  in  your 
front.  You  will  push  the  enemy  in  his  old  line  of  fortifica- 
tions, but  not  pursue  further  unless  you  see  such  indications 
of  giving  way  as  will  justify  it,  of  which  you  will  keep  me 
advised.  You  will  communicate  this  order  to  Gen.  Kautz 
that  he  may  cooperate  with  you.  Make  all  your  dispositions 
as  rapidly  as  possible,  &  inform  me  when  you  are  ready  to 
move,  and  I  will  give  the  order. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Head  Quarters,  October  lith,  1864,  12.30  p.m. 

I  FORWARD  to  you  for  your  information  orders  sent  to  Gen'l. 
Terry,  also  orders  from  the  Lt.  General  to  me.  You  will  take 
such  measures  as  you  may  be  able  to  support  General  Terry's 
movements.     I  will  advise  you  of  the  moment  he  moves. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James.  October  lith.  1864,  12.50  p.m. 

Lt.  Gent.  U.  S.  Grant,  City  Point 

In  compliance  with  your  instructions  in  regard  to  the  recon- 
noissance,  orders  have  been  issued  which  went  out  at  half 
past  twelve  (12^)  today,  copies  of  which  I  will  forward.  We 
are  delayed  moving  at  once  by  the  fact  of  a  flag-of-truce  being 
out.  We  shall  be  all  ready  to  move  if  the  flag-of-truce  returns 
in  season.  g^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  lith,  1864,  1.30  p.m. 

Lieut.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

I  SEND  by  Orderly  copies  of  correspondence  between  myself 
and  Mr.  Ould.  I  also  enclose  the  affidavits  upon  which  my 
action  is  based.  The  notification  to  Mr.  Ould  of  my  action 
will  actually  get  to  him  before  it  is  consummated.  I  think 
you  will  agree  with  me  that  the  evidence  is  conclusive.  You 
will  find  a  copy  of  the  advertisement  of  which  I  speak  in  one 
of  my  letters  in  the  Richmond  Examiner,  which  I  sent  you 
yesterday.  ^^^^  ^  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


252       LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  12,  1864 

Your  correspondence  with  Judge  Ould  on  the  subject  of 
exchange,  &  also  the  aflBdavits  upon  which  you  rely  for  proof 
of  the  unwarrantable  conduct  of  the  enemy  in  employing 
prisoners  of  war  at  work  on  fortifications,  and  your  letter  in- 
forming Mr.  Ould  of  the  steps  taken  to  retaliate,  are  received 
and  the  whole  approved.  I  will  forward  the  whole  to  the  Sec'y 
of  War  with  my  approval  under  each. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen  I. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  Vith,  1864,  1.50  P.M. 

Maj.  Genl.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  18th  A.  C. 

Following  despatch  forwarded  to  Maj.  Gen'l.  Weitzel  for 
his  information,  with  directions  to  occupy  the  line  left  by 
Birney  and  to  watch  the  Newmarket  Road. 

„  ,  ^    ,  Ed.  Qrs.  10th  A.C.,  Oct.  Uth,  1864 

Maj.  Genl.  Butlek 

The  2d  Div.  will  not  be  sufficient  to  occupy  more  than  its  own  place  in  the  entrench- 
ments and  the  place  of  the  1st  Div.  I  think  that  Gen.  Weitzel  should  occupy  the 
position  to  be  vacated  by  the  3rd  Div.  If  he  do  so,  I  will  move  Bimey  out  as  he 
moves  in.  If  he  will  then  have  any  additional  force  to  spare,  I  would  suggest  that  it 
should  be  passed  on  the  New  Market  Road,  so  as  to  be  ready  to  meet  any  movement 

on  my  left  after  I  have  moved  out.  .        ,^  ,„  ^    , ,   ^ 

Alf.  H.  Tekht,  B.  M.  G. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler 

Eead  Qrs.,  October  lith,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Terry,  Commanding  10th  Army  Corps 

You  will  move  Ames'  and  Birney's  Divisions  upon  the 
enemy  near  the  brick  house  on  the  Darbytown  road  with 
vigor,  so  as  to  possess  yourself  of  their  line  point  being  in- 
trenched on  that  road.  Gen.  Kautz  will  move  with  you, 
turning  the  enemy's  left  if  possible.  Your  movement  should 
be  so  early  as  to  strike  the  enemy  by  sunrise.  Gen.  Weitzel 
will  be  notified  of  your  movement,  &  will  hold  as  far  as  the 
New  Market  Road. 

You  will  observe  the  general  directions  as  for  the  movement 
intended  this  afternoon.  Keep  me  advised  as  often  as  possible 
of  your  movement. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   253 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  \%th,  1864,  1.55  p.m. 

Maj.  Gen.  Terry,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

General  Weitzel  is  ordered  to  occupy  the  line  left  by 

^^^^^^'  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  12th,  1864,  2.30  p.m. 

I  HAVE  the  honor  to  enclose  for  your  information  copies 
of  orders  sent  to  Major  Generals  Terry  and  Weitzel  prelimi- 
nary to  the  movement  you  have  directed.  We  are  waiting  re- 
turn of  flag-of -truce  to  move. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  lith,  1864,  3.10  p.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Terry,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

I  FORWARD  General  Weitzel's  despatch  for  your  informa- 
tion. I  do  not  see  that  he  can  do  any  more  than  he  has  done. 
Your  field  return  of  this  morning  shows  in  the  1st  Div.  a 
total  of  four  thousand  four  hundred  and  eighty-eight  (4488) 
men,  the  3rd  Div.  two  thousand  nine  hundred  and  seventy 
(2970)  men,  making  seven  thousand  four  hundred  and  fifty- 
eight  (7458)  men  in  these  two  Divisions.  Can  it  be  that  you 
have  on  picket  the  difference  between  4700  men  and  7400? 
Of  course  the  100th  N.  Y.,  if  at  Deep  Bottom,  is  not  in  your 
field  return,  nor  Birney's  regt.  if  it  is  away. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  Uth,  1864,  3.20  p.m. 

Major  Genl.  Terry,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

Four  (4)  regiments  of  Pickett's  Division  are  up  the  New 
Market  road  in  rear  of  local  defences  as  reserves.  They 
have  been  there  all  the  time.  They  are  the  only  troops  of 
Pickett's  on  this  line.  If  you  find  them  on  your  right,  you 
may  be  sure  there  is  nobody  to  move  on  New  Market. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


254   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  lith,  1864,  3.55  p.m. 

Maj.  Gent.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  18th  A.  C. 

Terry  is  ready  to  move,  but  will  not  move  until  direction 
from  me.     The  moment  the  flag-of -truce  returns  let  me  know. 

I  suppose  you  refer  to  the  movements  of  our  troops.  No 
offensive  movements  will  be  made  until  the  flag  returns. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  GerCl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  lith,  1864,  4  p.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Terry,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

Despatch  announcing  your  readiness  for  movement  re- 
ceived at  3.50  P.M.     Flag  is  still  on  the  picket  line. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Eead  Qrs.,  Oct.  \1th,  1864,  4  p.m. 

I  AM  ready  to  move,  but  the  enemy  still  detain  my  flag  on 

the  picket  line  in  front  of  Battery  Harrison.     I  suppose  that 

having  moved  my  troops  into  position  is  all  1  can  do  till  flag 

returns.     I  am  in  doubt  whether  to  move  tonight  it  is  so  late. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Terry  to  General  Butler 

United  States  Military  Telegraph,  4.20  p.m.  10  A.  C.  Oct.  12,  1864 

General:  By  your  first  order  you  directed  me  to  inform 
you  when  ready  to  move,  saying  that  you  would  give  the 
order.  I  telegraphed  at  3.25  that  I  was  ready  but  have 
received  no  reply.  Are  you  expecting  me  to  move  without 
further  orders?  ^^^  ^  ^^^^^_  ^  j^  g 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Terry 

Oct.  lith,  1864,  4.35  p.m. 

At  four  o'clock  p.m.  I  sent  you  word  that  my  flag-of-truce 

was  detained  by  enemy  on  the  picket  line.     I  cannot  move 

till  that  comes  back.         T»T-«-r.  ti^   •   n     ^i   /^      ?> 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd  g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        255 
From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Oct.  nth,  1864,  5  P.M. 

Col.  Kensel  has  now  been  waiting  four  hours.  Send 
messenger  to  him  to  return,  leaving  his  papers  in  any  officer's 
hands  to  whom  they  may  have  been  entrusted. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.,  Oct.  lith,  1864,  5  p.m. 

My  flag  is  still  out.  I  have  sent  for  it.  It  is  raining,  and 
I  submit  to  you  whether  any  movement  best  be  made  till 
morning.     Am  all  ready. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  12,  1864,  5  p.m. 

Your  despatch  reed.  Postpone  the  movement.  It  is 
now  too  late.  ^  g  ^^^^^^  -^^  ^^^,^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Terry 

Oct.  Uth,  1864,  5.15  p.m. 

Postpone  the  movement;  it  is  now  too  late.  Hold  all 
ready  for  further  orders.  Of  course  your  command  will  be 
informed  that  you  are  about  to  cross  the  James. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Oct.  uth,  1864,  5.20  p.m. 

Any  movement  will  be  postponed  till  further  orders.  It  is 
too  late  tonight.  ^^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Oct.  12,  1864,  7  p.m. 

There  are  at  City  Point  about  three  hundred  used  recruits 
of  the  142nd  New  York.  They  have  been  some  days  at 
City  Point,  have  been  coaxed  by  them  who  desire  to  get 
them.  The  Captains  that  have  been  commissioned  have 
deserted  them  and  cannot  be  found;  they  were  ordered  to 
the  142nd  Regt.  by  the  War  Department.  They  have  elected 
officers  and  they  are  a  mob.     If  they  can  be  sent  to  the  Regi- 


256   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ment  to  which  they  belong,  they  will  be  assigned  to  good 
companies  with  good  officers  and  will  be  serviceable  in  a 
fortnight;    otherwise  they  are  worse  than  useless  for  months. 

We  have  suffered  so  much  from  these  organizations  render- 
ing men  useless  that  I  trust  where  there  is  no  organization 
we  shall  not  wait  for  a  mob  to  make  one. 

Please  order  them  to  me,  and  I  will  send  for  them  tomorrow 

^^'''''''^'  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Oct.  12,  1864,  7.30  p.m. 

If  you  have  no  objection,  I  will  order  that  movement  at 
daybreak  tomorrow,  so  as  to  strike  the  enemy's  pickets  by  sun- 
rise, giving  the  men  their  coffee  before  the  start. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  12,  1864 

I  FULLY  approve  of  your  making  the  movement  ordered 
for  this  afternoon,  early  in  the  morning. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Maj.  Gen.  Weitzel,  Commanding,  &c.  ^°  ^^    ' 

Maj.  Gen.  Terry  will  move  with  two  divisions  aided  by 
Kautz  upon  the  enemy  at  the  Darbytown  Road  at  daylight, 
so  as  to  meet  the  enemy  at  sunrise.  A  vigilant  watch  should 
be  kept  of  the  enemy,  and  in  case  they  move  any  forces  to 
their  left,  a  demonstration  should  be  made  from  Battery 
Harrison.     The  New  Market  Road  will  need  observation. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Captain  Mclntire  to  General  Butler 

Office  of  the  Provost  Marshal  General,  Armies  operating  against  Richmond, 

Oct.  13,  1864 

General  :  Two  men  belonging  to  the  5th  New  York  Cavalry 
who  were  captured  at  Fort  Republic  and  were  taken  to  Rich- 
mond, where  they  arrived  on  the  3d  of  Oct.,  report  that  they 
were  confined  about  twenty-four  hours  in  "Libby  Prison," 
that  there  were  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  negro  soldiers 
there  at  that  time.  Citizens  were  permitted  to  go  among 
them,  and  if  any  of  them  were  recognized  as  having  been  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   257 

property  of  those  individuals  they  were  permitted  to  take 
them  away  to  their  homes. 

These  men  were  also  confined  two  days  on  Belle  Isle.  They 
state  that  there  were  six  thousand  Union  prisoners  there  at 
that  time,  and  that  they  were  being  sent  to  Georgia  as  fast  as 
they  could  conveniently  be  got  off.  Sixty  men  were  placed 
in  a  small  box  car.  They  were  packed  so  close  that  during 
the  short  time  these  men  were  with  them  many  of  them 
fainted  from  exhaustion  and  want  of  air.  They  were  all 
compelled  to  stand  upon  their  feet  during  the  long  journey. 

The  informants,  who  are  named  respectively  J.  B.  Knight 

and  E.  McMannis,  both  of  5th  N.  Y.  Cav.,  made  their  escape 

on  the  Danville  R.  R.  by  leaping  from  the  car,  &  yesterday 

arrived  within  our  lines.     Very  respectfully,  your  obdt.  servt., 

Jno.  McIntire,  Ca'pt.  &  Asst.  Pro.  Mar. 

Head  Qrs.,  Dept.  Va.  &  No.  Car.  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Oct.  15,  1864 

By  direction  of  the  Commanding  General,  respectfully 
referred  to  Col.  W.  Hoffman,  Commissary  Gen'l.  of  Prisoners 
at  Washington,  D.  C.      ^^  ^^^^^^^  ^^^^^.^  &A.D.C. 

Office  Com.  Gen'l.  of  Prisoners,  Washington,  D.C,  Oct.  20,  '64 

Respectfully  submitted  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

W.  Hoffman,  Col.  Srd.  Supt.  Com.  Gen'l.  Pris. 

War  Dept.,  Oct.  21,  '64 

Respectfully  referred  to  the  Commissioner  for  the  Exchange 
of  Prisoners  for  remarks.     By  order  of  the  Sec'y  of  War. 

Louis  H.  Pelouze,  Asst.  Adft.  Gen'l. 

Oct.  24,  1864 

It  is  respectfully  recommended  that  this  letter  be  sent  to 
Maj.  Gen.  Butler.  ^  ^  Hitchcock,  Maj.  Gen.  Vol. 

Oct.  26,  1864 

To  be  forwarded  —  by  order  of  the  Sec'y  of  War. 

E.  A.  Hitchcock,  M.  G.  V. 

A.  G.  Office,  Oct.  29,  1864 

Respectfully  referred  to  Major  General  Butler  with  refer- 
ence to  the  endorsements  hereon. 

A.  A.  Nichols,  Asst.  Adjt.  General 

VOL.   V — 17 


258        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 
From  D.  W.  C.  Farrington 

Norfolk,  Va.,  Oct.  13th,  1864 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comdg.  Dept.  Va.  and  N.C. 

General:  Owners  of  cotton  here  desire  to  sell  me  their 
cotton  at  three-fourths  the  net  sales,  deducting  ordinary  rate 
of  transportation  and  insurance,  but  desire  me  to  sell  through 
a  broker  of  my  own  selection  rather  than  by  auction,  expecting 
to  realize  more  from  a  broker  than  by  auction. 

Please  answer  me  by  telegraph  if  I  may  do  so?  And  if  you 
think  best  I  will  go  to  New  York  and  see  that  it  is  properly 
sold.  This  arrangement  will  give  the  Treasury  one-fourth  of 
the  net  sales  without  expense  or  risk  (except  my  commissions) , 
and  requires  no  investment  of  capital.  Nearly  all  cotton 
which  has  come  to  this  place  is  damaged  and  in  bad  order, 
making  it  very  difficult  to  determine  its  value.  I  shipped 
one  hundred  and  seven  bales  to  New  York  yesterday.     Very 

respectfully,  your  obdt.  Servt.,  D.  W.  C.  Farrington 

Oct.  13th,  1864,  1|  P.M. 

P.  S.  Your  telegram  in  regard  to  Mr.  G.  W.  Lane's  ship- 
ment of  cotton  is  this  moment  received.  I  know  of  no  reason 
why  he  should  not  be  allowed  to  ship  it,  although  I  have  not 
carefully  examined  his  documents. 

Very  respectfully,  D.  W.  C.  Farrington 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  I3th,  1864 

I  HAVE  ordered  Gen'l.  Benham  to  send  back  one  of  the 
regiments  brought  from  Bermuda.  Please  notify  Col.  Totten 
that  it  will  reach  Bermuda  early  this  morning,  &  for  him  to 
designate  where  it  shall  go.  ^  g  ^^^^^^  j,^  ^^^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Terry 

Oct.  13,  8.45  A.M. 

Despatch  received  8.30.  Heard  first  sharp  musketry  at 
7.40,  next  at  8  o'clock. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        259 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Oct.  13,  '64,  12  m. 

Lieut.  Genl.  Grant,  Comd'g.  U.  S.  Armies,  Hdqrs.,  City  Point 

I  FORWARD  to  you  the  enclosed  despatch  from  Gen.  Terry 

as  the  result  so  far  of  his  reconnoissance,  which  he  began  this 

morning  at  daylight.     Shall  I  order  an  attack  on  the  works .f^ 

They  extend  in  a  line  from  the  house  marked  E.  Cunningham 

on  the  map  near  Darbytown  Road  about  two  (2)  miles  from  the 

intermediate  line,  round  to  the  point  near  New  Market  road 

marked  Laurel  Hill,    -r,  tit*  iT-ry'//-r      j' 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  L  Coma  g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Terry 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  13,  1864,  12-10  p.m. 

Despatch    received.     Contents    referred    to    Gen.    Grant. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

By  Telegraph  from  City  Point,  Oct.  13,  1864,  Rec'd  1  p.m. 

I  WOULD  not  attack  the  enemy  in  his  intrenchments.  The 
reconnoissance  now  serves  to  locate  them  for  any  future 
operation.  To  attack  now  we  would  lose  more  than  the 
enemy,  &  only  gain  ground  which  we  are  not  prepared  to 
hold,  nor  are  we  prepared  to  follow  up  any  advantages. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'L 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  13th,  1864,  1.20  p.m. 

Lieut.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

Despatch  received.  Orders  have  been  sent  to  Gen'l. 
Terry  to  reconnoiter  the  ground  thoroughly,  and  to  return 
to  his  old  position.      ^^^^  -p  -Q^^^^^^  j^^j  g^^^i  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Eead  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  October  13,  1864,  1.30  p.m. 

Maj.  Genl.  Terry,  Comd'g. 

I  WOULD  not  attack  the  enemy  in  their  entrenchments. 

Having  carefully  reconnoitered  the  enemy,  found  their 
position  and  looked  out  all  the  roads,  retire  at  leisure. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


260   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  13,  1864 

Has  the  expedition  started  out  this  morning  returned? 
What  was  the  result  of  their  observation?  The  troops  here 
have  been  assigned  to  Gen'l,  Benham  to  complete  work  laid 
to  protect  this  place  from  raids,  &  to  enable  a  small  force 
to  hold  it  in  case  it  becomes  necessary  to  move  the  greater 
part  of  the  Army.  I  would  not  like  to  reduce  this  force  unless 
there  is  a  special  necessity  for  it.         ^  g   ^^^^^^  ^^   ^^^,^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  13,  1864,  7.25  p.m. 

The  expedition  has  returned.  Gen.  Terry  is  now  telegraph- 
ing me  the  results.     I  will  send  them  as  soon  as  received. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  13.  1864 

Is  the  158th  N.  Y.  Inf.  Vols,  with  the  Army  of  the  James? 

U.  S.  Grant 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Quarters,  Army  of  the  James,  October  13,  1864,  7.30  p.m. 

The  158th  New  York  is  with  the  Army  of  the  James,  and 
won  its  colors  handsomely  at  Battery  Harrison. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  October  13,  1864,  7.30  p.m. 

Terry  has  found  the  enemy  in  force  and  entrenched.  I 
have  ordered  him  to  return  after  making  reconnoissance. 

(Benj.  F.  Butler),  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Oct.  13th,  1864,  9.10  p.m. 

Col.  Dodge,  Chief  Quartermaster,  Bermuda 

Send  the  detachment  of  the  New  York  Mounted  Rifles  to 
report  to  Genl.  Kautz.  g^^^^  -p_  ^^^^^^ 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   261 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  13th,  1864,  9.10  p.m. 

Col.  Potter,  Comd'g.  at  Bermuda  Hundred 

One  regt.  of  the  two  at  Prince  George  Court  House  will 
report  to  you  between  this  &  morning.       -g^^^  j,  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  13th,  1864,  9.10 

Maj.  Gen.  Terry,  Comd'g.  10th  A.  C. 

Please  send  me  a  general  report  of  your  operations  today 
for  Gen'l.  Grant.     What  you  have  done  &  what  you  have 

^^"°^-  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  13th,  1864,  9.15  p.m. 

Please  give  me  such  information  as  you  have  of  the  result 
of  Gen.  Terry's  reconnoissance.  Such  wild  rumors  were 
afloat  about  Varina  this  morning  that  I  feel  much  anxiety  to 
know  the  facts.  ^  g  ^^^^^^  ^^   g^^,^ 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  13,  1864 

Have  you  artillery  enough  in  Bermuda  to  defend  it  if  the 
enemy  should  attack.?  I  do  not  think  such  a  thing  likely,  but 
would  rather  judge  their  examination  to  (be)  with  a  view  to 
further  reduce  their  force  than  to  run  you  north  of  the  James. 

We  want  to  be  watchful,  however,  at  all  points. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  13th,  1864,  9.15  p.m. 

Lt.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

I  THINK  we  have  artillery  enough  in  Bermuda  to  defend  it 
if  they  should  attack.  We  have  all  the  artillery  necessary 
on  the  line  and  one  six  (6)  gun  Napoleon  battery  for  movable 
artillery.  I  do  not  believe  in  any  intention  of  attack.  A 
deserter  I  had  from  in  front  of  our  line  there  said  they  had 
orders  to  look  out  for  an  attack  from  us  day  before  yesterday. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  \Mh,  1864,  9.50  p.m. 

Lt.  Gen'l.  Grant,  City  Point 

The  operations  today,  as  I  learn  them  from  Gen.  Terry, 
are  as  follows:  With  two  (2)  divisions  and  Kautz's  Cavalry 
he  went  up  the  Darbytown  road,  went  along  the  enemy's  lines 
to  the  right  for  something  like  a  mile,  driving  in  the  enemy's 
pickets  with  considerable  loss  to  them.  He  then  sent  me  a 
telegram  which  I  forwarded  to  you  at  12  o'clock  M.  To  that 
I  returned  an  answer.  "Despatch  received,  contents  referred 
to  Gen.  Grant.  Will  send  orders."  After  receiving  your 
orders  at  1.30  I  despatched  to  him  the  following:  "I  would 
not  attack  the  enemy  in  their  entrenchments.  After  care- 
fully reconnoitring  the  enemy,  found  their  position  and 
looked  at  all  the  roads,  retire  at  leisure."  At  3  o'clock  I 
received  from  him  that  Gen'l.  Kautz  had  found  a  place  in 
the  line  where  there  was  apparently  a  gap,  and  Ames  had 
gone  in  with  a  brigade  before  my  orders  were  received,  that 
he  would  retire  as  soon  as  that  fact  was  settled. 

Ames  was  unsuccessful  owing  to  the  enemy's  lines  being 
retired,  which  gave  the  impression  that  there  was  a  gap  in  the 
line.  The  enemy  then  charged  Ames,  and  were  repulsed 
handsomely.  Terry  then  retired  leisurely,  followed  only  by 
a  line  of  skirmishers  for  a  short  distance.  The  losses  in  his 
Corps  he  says  during  the  day  were  between  three  (3)  and  four 
hundred  (400).  The  troops  are  all  back  in  their  camps  and 
every  thing  quiet.  There  is  not  the  slightest  cause  for  anxiety. 
I  had  telegraphed  for  all  particulars  from  Gen'l.  Terry,  but 
ascertained  that  being  very  much  tired  he  was  home  abed. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  13th,  1864,  10.5  p.m. 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  18th  A.  C. 

Send  the  12th  New  Hampshire  to  Potter  immediately. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Gejieral  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  13th,  1864,  10.5  p.m. 

Col.  Potter,  Comd'g.  Bermuda 

The  12th  New  Hampshire  will  report  to  you  between  now 
&  morning.  ^^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   263 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Oct.  ISth,  1864 

Col.  Potter  is  naturally  from  his  situation  a  little  nervous, 
and  I  have  ordered  Gen.  Weitzel  to  send  over  the  12th  New 
Hampshire  to  him,  Col.  Potter's  own  regiment. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gent.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

In  an  attack  on  Fort  Gilmer,  on  the  29th  of  September, 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  negro  soldiers  of  the  Army 
of  the  James  were  captured.  On  the  12th  of  October  I  was 
credibly  informed  that  these  prisoners  of  war  had  been  set  at 
work  in  the  trenches  under  fire  in  front  of  our  lines.  I  im- 
mediately notified  Mr.  Ould,  the  agent  of  exchange,  of  this 
outrage,  and  failing  to  get  an  answer  at  12  o'clock  on  the 
13th  of  October,  I  determined  to  try  the  virtue  of  retaliation 
for  wrong,  and  issued  an  order  which  will  explain  itself :  — 

Headquarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

General  Order,  No.  126    ^''"^^  "^  ^^'  ■^"™'''  ^'^  ^^'  ^''^^'  ^'^-  ^^'  ^^^^ 

It  being  testified  to  the  commanding  general,  by  a  number 
of  refugees  and  deserters  from  the  enemy,  that  from  one 
hundred  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  soldiers  of  the  United  States, 
captured  in  arms  by  the  Confederates  on  the  lines  near  Chapin's 
Bluff,  have  been  taken  from  Libby  Prison  and  otherwheres, 
and  placed  to  labor  on  the  intrenchments  of  the  enemy's 
lines  in  front  of  their  troops,  the  commanding  general  on  the 
13th  day  of  October  notified  the  Confederate  agent  of  ex- 
change, Robert  Ould,  of  the  outrage  being  perpetrated  upon 
his  soldiers,  and  informed  him  that  unless  the  practise  was 
stopped,  retaliation  in  kind  would  be  adopted  by  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States. 

Being  assured  by  General  Ewell,  commanding  Confederate 
forces  on  the  north  side  of  the  James,  that  an  answer  to  this 
communication,  if  any,  would  be  sent  by  11  o'clock  a.m. 
to-day,  and  it  being  now  passed  12  (noon)  and  no  answer 
having  been  received. 

It  is  ordered:  That  an  equal  number  of  prisoners  of  war, 
preferably  members  of  the  Virginia  reserves,  by  and  under 
whose  charge  this  outrage  is  being  carried  on,  be  set  to  work 
in  the  excavation  at  Dutch  Gap,  and  elsewhere  along  the 
trenches,  as  may  hereafter  seem  best,  in  retaliation  for  this 


264   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

unjust  treatment  of  the  soldiers  of  the  United  States  so  kept 
at  labor  and  service  by  the  Confederate  authorities. 

It  being  also  testified  to  by  the  same  witnesses  that  the 
rations  served  to  the  soldiers  of  the  United  States  so  at  labor 
is  one  pound  of  flour  and  one-third  of  a  pound  of  bacon  daily, 
it  is  ordered  that  the  same  ration  precisely  be  served  to  these 
Confederate  prisoners  so  kept  at  work,  daily,  and  no  other  or 
different. 

It  being  further  testified  to  that  the  time  of  labor  of  the 
soldiers  of  the  United  States  so  at  work  under  the  Confederates 
is  ten  hours  each  day,  these  Confederate  prisoners  so  kept  at 
work  will  be  made  to  work,  and  work  faithfully,  daily  during 
the  same  period  of  time. 

This  order  will  be  read  to  the  prisoners  set  to  work  the 
first  time  they  are  mustered  for  labor,  in  order  that  they  may 
know  why  it  is  that  they  do  not  receive  that  kind  and  cour- 
teous treatment  they  have  heretofore  from  the  United  States, 
as  prisoners  of  war. 

Upon  any  attempt  to  escape  by  any  of  these  prisoners  so 
kept  at  work,  they  will  be  instantly  shot. 

By  command  of  Major-General  Butler 

Ed.  W.  Smith,  Assistant  Adjutant-General 

The  succeeding  day  the  order  was  exactly  executed.  The 
experiment  was  a  success.  October  20,  General  Lee  oflBcially 
notified  General  Grant  that  the  negro  prisoners  had  been 
withdrawn  from  the  trenches  and  would  be  treated  as  prisoners 
of  war,  and  thereupon  an  order  was  issued  and  they  were 
released. 

From  General  Butler  to  Lieutenant  Michie 

Oct.  Uth,  1864 

I  THINK  that  one  would  do,  but  does  Gen.  Weitzel  desire  to 
weaken  his  reserves  so  much?  There  is  no  trouble  on  the 
right.  This  done  at  all  is  some  divilment  on  the  left,  either 
our  cattle,  or  brigade  at  Aikens',  these  Hd.  Qrs.,  your  Cox 
Hill  Fort,  or  Dutch  Gap.  It  is  possible  that  they  mean  to 
use  and  fortify  under  cover  of  their  boats  the  hill  to  the  left 
of  Weitzel's  line.  You  and  Weitzel  will  make  such  disposi- 
tions as  will  take  care  of  all  of  us. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   265 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James.  Oct.  Uth,  1864.  4.45 

Lt.  Genl.  U.  S.  Grant,  Comd'g.  Armies  U.S.,  City  Point 

No  agreement  has  yet  been  made.     Major  Mulford  is  now 

out  meeting  Mr.  Ould.  t>  t^  t> 

^  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

CiTT  Point,  Oct.  15.  1864.  4.20  p.m. 

I  THINK  it  probably  advisable,  whilst  Maj.  Mulford  is  here, 
to  get  the  naval  prisoners  on  hand  put  through  the  lines. 
Points  of  difference  may  serve  a  good  purpose  hereafter. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Headqrs.  Army  of  the  James,  in  Field,  Oct.  15,  '64 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.  U.S.  Armies,  City  Point 

The  proposition  for  exchange  of  naval  prisoners  is  accepted 
by  the  Rebels.     I  have  just  returned  from  a  ride. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  \5th,  1864,  7.25 

Brig.  Genl.  Shepley,  Comd'g.  Norfolk 

Stephen  Barton,  of  Bartonsville,  Hertford  Co.,  was  arrested 
near  South  Mills  with  his  property.  Send  him  up  to  me  with 
copies  of  charges  against  him,  all  papers  found  upon  him,  any 
examinations  that  may  have  been  had,  and  an  inventory  of  the 
property  found  upon  him.        ^^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  GenH. 

From  General  Butler 

Edqrs.  Army  of  the  James,  in  Field,  Oct.  15,  '64 

Gen.  Terry,  Comd'g.  10th  Corps 

Forward  the  deserters  spoken  of  in  your  despatch  at  once. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  16th,  1864 

Dearest:  We  are  here  at  last,  as  you  know  before  this  by 
Field.  Shall  you  come  down,  or  will  it  be  possible  for  us  to 
come  to  you.f^ 


266        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

We  have  been  as  busy  as  we  were  at  home,  dusting  drawers, 
closets,  unpacking  trunks,  and  arranging  generally.  Yester- 
day was  lovely.  We  stole  time  for  a  drive  on  the  beach,  the 
air  certainly  is  most  delicious.  This  morning  is  a  little  cloudy. 
Fisher  is  still  here,  will  leave  this  afternoon  if  Bennett  is  here 
to  give  him  his  papers.  The  children  are  all  well.  Benny, 
though,  complained  of  sickness  at  the  stomach  before  break- 
fast, but  he  has  now  gone  out  to  see  the  morning  inspection. 
They  bathed  in  two  hours  after  we  arrived  in  the  surf,  and 
were  never  quiet  the  whole  day  through.  They  are  full  of 
questions  when  they  shall  go  to  the  front. 

Expecting  to  hear  from  you  today,  whether  you  will  come 
or  we  shall  go  to  you,  I  am. 

Ever  most  affectionately  your  Sarah 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  16,  1864,  12.05  p.m. 

The  Sec'y  of  War  and  myself  will  start  immediately  for 
Aikens'  Landing.  Will  take  no  horses  with  us,  and  therefore 
request  you  to  meet  us  at  the  Landing. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  18th,  1864,  9  p.m. 

Col.  Hoffman,  Commissary  General  of  Prisoners, 
Washington,  D.C. 
Lieut.  Col.  Mulford  has  delivered  to  the  Confederate 
Agent  of  Exchange,  Mr.  Ould,  ninety  (90)  naval  officers  and 
men  of  the  Confederate  service.  He  has  received  three 
hundred  and  twenty-three  (323)  officers  and  men  of  our 
naval  service,  including  five  (5)  negroes,  which  he  claims  are 
all  the  negroes  captured  of  our  naval  service.  It  is  agreed 
between  Ould  and  myself  that  I  shall  deliver  any  other  naval 
prisoners  which  we  have,  and  he  will  deliver  all  the  naval 
prisoners  black  or  white  that  he  has,  and  he  desires  from  us  a 
list  of  any  others  which  are  supposed  to  be  in  the  possession 
of  the  Confederates.  He  also  wishes  any  other  prisoners  of 
their  naval  service  which  we  have  to  be  sent  forward.  He 
thinks  there  are  some  at  Elmira  and  some  at  Fort  Delaware. 
Please  have  inquiry  made  at  our  depots,  because  I  am  to 
deliver  to  him  army  equivalents  according  to  assimilated 
rank  for  the  excess.     Please  have  these  naval  men  assembled 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        267 

at  Point  Lookout,  so  that  I  may  take  them  when  we  go  to 
Savannah.  Colonel  Mulford  will  be  in  Annapolis  on  Thurs- 
day morning,  immediately  after  which  we  shall  embark  as 
soon  as  possible  all  the  invalid  prisoners  we  can  get  up  to 
five  thousand  (5000),  to  be  exchanged  at  Fort  Pulaski  for 
invalid  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  the  Confederates. 

Col.  Mulford  has  also  four  hundred  and  fifty  (450)  army 
prisoners,  including  twenty-seven  (27)  officers. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  ISth,  '64 

Gen'l.  Patrick,  Pro.  Mar. 

The  acting  Pro.  Mar.  of  the  mail-boats  at  City  Point 
passed  a  woman  without  any  permission  whatever  to  Bermuda 
Hundred.  She  is  now  on  my  hands  at  my  Hd.  Qrs.,  without 
any  place  to  sleep,  and  with  nothing  to  eat.  She  is  simply  a 
nuisance.  I  pray  you  see  that  this  is  corrected.  The  Pro. 
Mar.  at  Fort  Monroe,  unless  by  a  special  order  of  Gen.  Grant, 
will  not  be  permitted  to  pass  people  to  my  Hd.  Qrs.  The 
woman's  story  is,  that  she  wanted  to  come  here  to  see  her 
son  in  the  army.  The  Pro.  Mar.  took  pity  on  her  and  passed 
her  up.     True,  there  is  no  excuse;  false,  there  is  none. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  19th,  1864,  4.30  p.m.  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  the  Comd'g.  Gen'L,  Middle  Deparment,  Baltmore,  Md. 

Your  Provost  Marshal  is  sending  down  here  people  on 
unauthorized  passes  to  my  Department.  Women  to  see 
their  sons,  brothers,  and  fathers.  I  want  no  such  visitors. 
I  apply  to  you  in  preference  to  correct  the  evil. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  18,  1864 

The  first  of  a  number  of  regiments  of  colored  troops  from 
Kentucky  have  just  arrived.  At  what  point  will  you  have 
them  landed.^ 

By  command  of  Lt.  Gen.  Grant. 

T.  S.  Bowers,  A.  A.  G. 


268        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  18ih,  10.10  a.m. 

Col.  Bowers,  A.  A.  G.,  City  Point 

I  PROPOSE  to  disembark  at  Deep  Bottom  the  colored  troops 
coming  to  me.     They  will  be  there  at  a  place  easy  of  access, 
now  healthy,  and  with  good  water  and  a  fine  place  for  drill. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  James,  Oct.  18,  '64,  10.45  a.m. 

Col.  R.  C.  Webster,  Chief  Qr.  M.,  Fort  Monroe 

Have  the  dredging  machine  which  we  sent  down  fitted  up 

for  work  as  quickly  as  possible  &  sent  up  here. 

Some  portion  of  her  machinery  has  gone  which  should  be 

at  once  fitted  up.     Also  an  extra  dumping  send. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Kautz 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  James,  Oct.  18,  '64,  11  a.m. 

I  SEND  you  a  marked  article  in  the  Richmond  Enquirer 
which  I  think  you  had  better  read  to  your  troops,  and  ask 
them  if  they  can't  beat  such  cavalry  as  is  therein  described. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Kautz  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Cav.  Div.,  Mrs.  Gay's  House,  Oct.  18<A,  1864,  3§  p.m. 

General:  Your  note  and  the  Enquirer  received.  There 
has  been  no  difficulty  about  the  enemy's  cavalry  except  to 
meet  them  with  us.  It  has  been  our  fortune  to  be  opposed 
to  infantry,  artillery,  and  breastworks,  almost  without  ex- 
ception. If  you  will  engage  to  keep  the  infantry  off  us,  we 
will  try  and  take  care  of  their  cavalry.  I  have  been  quite 
unwell  since  I  last  saw  you,  but  trust  I  shall  be  out  again 
before  any  movement  takes  place.  I  send  the  requisition 
for  orders  with  an  endorsement  as  to  the  state  of  the  battery. 
Very  respectfully  yours,  August  V.  Kautz,  Brig.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

11.10  o'clock  A.M.,  Oct.  I8th,  1864 

If  you  please  to  have  one  of  your  staflf  inspect  our  base 
hospital  of  the  18th  Corps  at  Point  of  Rocks,  perhaps  it  will 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        269 

be  seen  that  with  small  expense  we  can  make  a  hospital  that 
will  serve  all  purposes  of  the  field  in  connection  with  our 
hospital  boats.     It  has  provided  for  three  thousand. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  ISth,  1864,  9  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen  I.  Patrick,  Prov.  Mar.  GenL,  City  Point 

Please  send  me  fifty  (50)  more  rebel  prisoners  to  put  in 

Dutch  Gap. 

So  many  of  these  are  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  that  I 

want  to  keep  the  numbers  full. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  F.  W.  Bird  to  General  Butler 

Private.     Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  Council  Chamber,  Boston,  Oct.  19th,  1864 

Dear  General:  Our  Executive  Committee  to-day  invited 
you  to  come  and  speak  to  us.  You  will  receive  the  oflScial 
communication  from  Mr.  Clafflin,  who  will  delay  it  a  day  or 
two  to  see  if  the  National  Committee  will  join  it.  Let  me 
urge  you  to  come  if  possible.  If  not,  write  us  a  stirring  letter. 
You  can  do  our  cause  good  and  help  forward  an  object  which 
you  know  I  cherish  in  connection  with  its  future  in  Massa- 
chusetts. 

Pardon  me  if  I  suggest  that  in  your  letter  you  should  say 
what  generous  words  you  can  for  Governor  Andrew's  admin- 
istration. You  know  Gov.  Andrew's  warmest  friends  are 
yours  as  well,  and  my  heart  is  set  upon  your  succeeding  him. 

Do  not  fail  either  to  give  us  the  speech  or  the  letter.  Address 
the  letter  to  Clafflin,  not  to  me,  as  I  am  only  Bill  Robinson's 
locum  tenens  during  his  absence. 

Faithfully  yours,  F.  W.  Bird 

From  Wm.  C.  Clafflin  to  General  Butler 

Republican  Head-Quarters,  3  Cornhill  Court,  Boston,  Oct.  19th,  1864 

Dear  Sir:  We  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the 
executive  committee  of  the  Republican  State  Committee 
this  day  voted  to  request  you  to  address  the  people  of  Massa- 
chusetts, at  Faneuil  Hall,  upon  the  issues  of  the  present 
political  canvass,  at  such  time  before  the  election  as  may 
suit  your  convenience. 


270        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Permit  us  to  add  personally  our  earnest  hope  that  you  will 
be  able  to  gratify  a  large  portion  of  your  fellow-citizens  by 
complying  with  this  request. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  General,  your  obedient  Servant, 

William  C.  Clafflin,  Chairman 
F.  W.  BiED,  Secretary  Pro  Tern. 


From  Richard  Fay^  Jr.,  to  General  Butler 

Beookline,  Oct.  \Mh,  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  have  supposed  that  the  weight  of 
labor  and  responsibility  on  your  shoulders  would  make  cor- 
respondence rather  a  bore  to  you,  but  meeting  Webster  yester- 
day, he  told  me  you  still  liked  to  have  your  mail  bring  letters 
from  Northern  friends.  I  do  not  know  if  you  ever  received 
my  note  written  at  Laconia  in  answer  to  your  kind  invitation 
to  come  to  Lowell.  I  did  not  know  of  your  being  at  home 
or  I  would  have  made  business  give  way  to  the  pleasure  of 
seeing  you.  I  stopped  at  Lowell  on  my  way  back,  but  you 
had  returned  to  the  army  to  carry  on  a  campaign  which  has 
given  you  great  and  deserved  reputation,  and  gratified  your 
friends  here  beyond  any  scene  in  your  career.  Knowing 
your  ardent  wish  to  command  troops  in  the  field,  I  yet  trembled 
at  the  diflBculties  without  and  within  I  knew  you  would  have 
to  encounter,  and  the  auspicious  course  of  your  late  operations 
has  greatly  delighted  me.  May  it  be  the  augury  of  constant 
good  fortune. 

I  have  been  out  of  health  all  summer,  and  now  Dr.  Bigelow 
insists  that  I  shall  give  up  business  for  a  year  and  go  to  Europe 
or  elsewhere,  far  from  my  office  to  think  of  nothing  but  air 
and  sunshine  and  my  dinner.  I  cannot  sleep  or  think  without 
pain  and  effort,  and  must  confess  I  am  in  a  bad  way.  John 
Lovell  is  to  be  Treasurer  in  my  absence,  and  my  private 
business  will  be  attended  to  by  Tenney.  In  arranging  for  so 
long  an  absence,  I  want  to  know  your  wishes  about  your  own 
balance  of  account  and  your  brother's  debt  to  me.  I  could 
not  sell  his  Ogdensburg  bonds,  for  though  they  were  quoted 
high  enough,  they  would  not  sell.  I  doubt  if  there  is  any 
speculation  in  them  before  spring.  I  can  do  one  of  several 
things,  as  you  wish.  I  can  leave  your  balance  on  interest  as 
heretofore,  or  (what  I  should  prefer)  give  you  my  note  for 
the  amount  with  interest,  for  a  year;  leaving  Col.  Butler's 
account  also  open,  and  depositing  his  stock  with  any  broker 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        271 

for  sale  at  a  limit  which  will  cover  cost  and  interest.  Or  I 
can  charge  your  account  with  the  balance  he  owes  me,  handing 
over  his  stock  to  whomever  you  may  designate.  Your  ac- 
count is  $18,922.94  to  cr.,  his  is  $25,881.85  to  dr. 

All  I  want  is  to  be  sure  of  not  being  called  upon  for  your 
account  in  my  absence.  Or  if  you  are  likely  to  need  the 
money  soon,  I  will  pay  up  your  account  before  I  go  and  borrow 
enough  money  (if  I  can)  on  Col.  Butler's  stock  to  cover  his 
debt. 

I  will  write  to  my  friend  in  Montreal  to  send  me  your  bonds, 
which  I  will  place  in  Mr.  Carney's  hands  for  safe  keeping. 

With  sincerest  good  wishes  for  your  health  and  continued 
good  fortune.  y^^^^  ^^^^  ^^^j^^  Richard  Fay,  Jr. 

From  General  Butler  to  Simon  Cameron 

In  the  Field,  Oct.  I9th,  1864 

My  dear  Sir  :  Will  you  not  come  down  and  see  me  wherever 
I  may  be  as  soon  as  the  election  is  over.  I  have  something 
to  say  to  you  which  I  think  may  be  for  yours,  mine,  and  the 
country's  benefit,  and  who  else  do  we  care  ior?  I  congratulate 
the  "chairman"  on  the  success  of  the  election.  Let  me  know 
by  telegraph  when  you  intend  to  come. 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  iOth,  1864,  9.50  p.m. 

Lieut.  Genl.  Grant,  City  Point 

Your  telegram  concerning  the  official  despatch  of  Gen'L 
Lee  regarding  the  prisoners  at  work  in  the  rebel  trenches  is 
received.  Orders  have  been  issued  relieving  tonight  the 
prisoners  at  Dutch  Gap.  A  copy  of  the  orders  will  be  sent 
you  in  the  morning.  g^^^  p  Bjjti.^^,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  Charles  Sumner  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  iOth  Oct.,  '64 

My  dear  General:  A  young  friend  of  mine,  hearing  that 
you  are  about  to  have  a  large  command  of  colored  troops,  is 
anxious  to  be  with  them  as  Adjt.  Gen'L  or  Judge  Advocate. 
It  is  Wm.  E.  Furness,  1st  Lieut,  and  A-D  to  Gen'L  Gordon. 

Mr.  Furness  has  already  seen  service  in  S.  C.  with  colored 


272        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

troops.     He  was  an  excellent  scholar  at  Cambridge,  and  is 
preparing  for  the  bar.     I  vouch  for  him  in  every  respect. 

I  add  that  he  is  the  son  of  my  friend,  Mr.  James  T.  Furness 
of  Philadelphia,  and  the  nephew  of  Dr.  F.  and  he  is  a  worthy 
son  and  nephew.  I  hope  that  you  can  do  something  for  him. 
It  is  rarely  I  intrude  a  personal  request,  but  my  interest  in 
this  case  is  such  that  I  do  not  hesitate  to  express  my  strong 
personal  desire  that  my  friend  shall  be  appointed. 

Very  faithfully  yours,  Charles  Sumner 

(Endorsed  on  back) 
Headquarters,  Dept.  Va.  &  N.C.,  December  12,  1864 

Respectfully  referred  to  Brig.  Gen'l.  Gordon  to  report 
regarding  the  capabilities  and  character  of  the  young  man. 
Paper  to  be  returned. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  Dec.  13,  1864 

Respectfully  returned.  Lieut.  Furness  has  just  been  pro- 
moted by  Major  General  Butler  to  be  a  Capt.  in  a  Colored 
Regt.  He  has  joined  his  command.  I  have  found  Capt. 
Furness  an  oflBcer  of  high  tone,  great  energy,  and  studious 
habits.  By  diligence  he  has  fitted  himself  to  perform  with 
satisfaction  all  duties  upon  my  staff.  I  have  no  doubt  he  is 
eminently  qualified  to  fill  the  position  indicated  by  Mr.  Sumner. 
Respectfully,  Geo.  H.  Gordon,  Brig.  Gen'l. 

From  J.  B.  Kinsman  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Negro  Affairs,  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  General 
Superintendent's  Office,  Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  Oct.  iOth,  1864 

General:  Secretary  Fessenden  and  his  party  spent  several 
hours  here  on  their  return,  and  while  here  expressed  himself 
as  being  greatly  opposed  to  the  Treasury  having  anything  to 
do  with  the  Negro  Affairs,  and  said  the  War  Department 
could  do  it  much  cheaper,  and  that  when  Congress  met  he 
should  get  the  law  changed  back  again. 

I  have  not  been  to  the  Eastern  Shore  as  I  intended,  and 
shall  not  go  before  next  week,  as  the  parties  are  away  and 
will  then  be  back,  as  I  understand. 

The  windows  to  the  school  house  will  be  ready  as  soon  as 
the  building  is  ready  to  receive  them.     Mrs.  Butler  arrived 

Very  truly,  J.  B.  Kinsman 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        273 

From  General  Grant 

Confidential.     Head  Quarters,  Armies  of  the  United  States, 

City  Point,  Va.,  Oct.  iOth,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Army  of  the  James 

General:  On  Thursday  morning,  the  27th  inst.,  Gen. 
Meade  will  move  from  our  left  with  the  design  of  seizing  and 
holding  the  south  side  railroad.  To  facilitate  this  movement, 
or  rather  to  prevent  reinforcements  going  from  the  north  side 
of  James  River  to  Petersburg,  I  wish  you  to  demonstrate 
against  the  enemy  in  your  front  substantially  as  we  talked  the 
matter  over  last  evening,  and  as  you  proposed.  I  do  not 
want  any  attack  made  by  you  against  intrenched  and  de- 
fended positions.  But  feel  out  to  the  right  beyond  the  front 
line  intrenched  by  the  enemy,  and,  if  you  can,  turn  it.  Have 
your  men  go  with  three  days'  rations  in  their  haversacks, 
sixty  rounds  of  ammunition  on  their  persons,  and  as  near 
without  wagons  and  ambulances  as  it  is  possible  to  go. 

It  probably  will  be  well  to  move  all  transportation,  not 
absolutely  necessary,  with  the  army  to  the  south  side  of  the 
James.  This  need  not  take  place  before  your  movement 
of  Thursday,  but  should  commence  in  the  morning  with 
your  movement. 

Let  it  be  distinctly  understood  by  corps  commanders  that  there 
is  to  be  no  attack  made  against  defended  intrenched  positions. 
They  should  also  have  their  commands  fully  instructed  as  to 
the  possibility  of  the  enemy  moving  out  from  their  right  on  the 
James  to  attack  in  flank  or  rear.  This  demonstration  on  the 
part  of  the  enemy  is  not  likely  to  occur,  but  should  be  guarded 
against,  and  should  be  taken  advantage  of  if  attempted. 

Your  cavalry,  I  believe,  is  not  now  well  commanded:  if  it 
was  and  the  opportunity  occurred,  I  would  favor  sending 
that  to  the  Central  road  to  destroy  as  much  track  as  possible, 
and  return  to  the  James  River  in  rear  of  your  Army.  As  it  is, 
I  will  leave  this  to  your  judgment  whether  the  trip  can  be 
made.  You  being  present  with  your  army  can  form  a  judg- 
ment after  the  first  few  hours  of  your  movement  as  to  the 
expediency  of  attempting  this.  I  shall  myself  be  with  the 
forces  on  our  extreme  left.  Such  despatches  as  you  may  want 
to  send  to  me  through  the  day,  or  days  we  may  be  out,  will 
reach  me,  by  courier,  from  the  HdQrs.  of  the  9th  Army  Corps. 
I  am,  Gen.  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  obt.  svt.,  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 


274        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  20,  1864,  3.30  p.m. 

I  THINK  we  can  afford  a  salute  of  one  hundred  guns  at 
sunset  this  evening  over  Sheridan's  victory  of  yesterday. 

IT.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  iOth,  1864,  4.10  p.m. 

Captain  G.  V.  Fox,  Asst.  Secretary  Navy,  Washington,  D.C. 

I  DESIRE  very  much  six  (6)  twelve  (12)  pounder  boat  how- 
itzers for  a  special  service,  with  their  equipments  complete 
as  well  for  land  as  water. 

Please  send  them  to  me,  and  I  will  forward  any  sort  of 
requisition  or  receipt  that  the  Navy  Department  shall  think 

^^'  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  20,  '64 

Dearest:  We  are  at  home  once  again.  At  home  —  what 
a  funny  term  to  give  to  Fortress  Monroe!  But  we  are  here, 
where  we  can  wash,  dress,  and  rest.  I  do  feel  tired,  and  lone- 
some too.  I  shall  not  give  much  time  to  that  feeling  —  the 
children  must  be  bathed  and  put  to  bed,  and  many  other 
little  things  must  be  done  that  will  take  the  time  till  ten 
o'clock.  I  write  this  now  for  fear  I  may  grow  weary  when 
other  things  are  completed  and  neglect  what  is  of  dearest 
moment,  a  word  or  two  of  loving  remembrance  from  day  to 
day.  Even  if  you  have  not  much  time  to  notice  it,  there  will 
come  a  pleasant  thought  of  home  and  children  that  may  make 
your  sleep  the  sweeter.  You,  too,  will  feel  lonesome  tonight 
unless  some  new  object  of  interest  has  started.  You  did  not 
order  the  pines  to  be  woven  in  over  your  tent.  That  opening 
where  the  air  sweeps  in  over  your  shoulders  must  not  be 
neglected.  It  is  wrong  to  expose  your  health  in  that  way. 
Col.  Dodge  told  me  coming  down  that  he  sent  you  a  written 
application  in  behalf  of  the  man  I  urged  you  not  to  shoot. 
He  says  his  appearance  is  much  in  his  favor.  I  hope  you  will 
think  it  best  to  revoke  his  sentence.  To  give  life  to  a  creature 
trembling  on  the  brink  of  eternity  is  a  joy  few  have  the  chance 
to  feel.  I  had  much  talk  with  Gen.  Birney.  He  has  lived 
abroad   several   years.     Was   a   professor   in   a   French   Uni- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        275 

versity,  and  is  master  of  thirteen  modern  languages.  He 
explained  to  me  the  way  in  which  they  are  most  thoroughly 
and  easily  learned.  I  found  him  a  very  pleasant  gentleman. 
Goodnight  love,  I  hope  you  will  sleep  well  in  your  tent  tonight 
(no  one  to  crowd  you,  no  one  to  pet,  no  one  to  tease  you). 

Yours,  dearest,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Oct.  21st,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife:  I  got  your  note  tonight.  I  was  very 
lonely  indeed  after  you  went  away.  I  was  glad  to  hear  you 
were  a  little  lonely  too,  if  that  is  not  selfish.  I  heard  of  your 
all  getting  along  well  down  to  Newport  News,  so  that  I  knew 
you  got  home  well.  Everything  here  remains  as  it  was  pre- 
cisely. Sheridan  has  won  a  victory  of  considerable  impor- 
tance, and  we  are  rejoicing  over  it.  I  send  you  a  letter  from 
Shaffer  which  I  think  will  convince  you  he  means  well;  also 
please  find  enclosed  the  story  from  the  London  Herald.  Of 
all  of  which  I  never  heard  before.  It  serves  to  illustrate  the 
truth  of  history. 

I  am  to  have  some  good  coffee  in  the  morning  and  the 
waflfles.  Don't  you  wish  you  had  some  waflfles.'^  I  thank 
you  for  the  coffee  but  the  waffles  are  my  own.  Bird  pie, 
fried  oysters,  Welch  rarebits  are  some  of  the  horrors  of  war 
for  today.  I  shall  get  so  soon  as  not  to  be  able  to  stand  your 
poor  living  at  the  fort.  That  is  the  reason  why  I  shall  not 
come  down.  Whenever  you  want  to  live  well,  you  will  have 
to  come  up  to  HeadQ'rs.  Well,  well,  if  you  will  not  come 
up  I  must  come  down.  What  would  you  give  now  for  a 
moonlight  ride  down  to  Varina,  and  a  snug  bed  on  the  boat. 
But  you  can't  have  them.  y^^^^^  ^^^^^^^^  ^^^^ 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  ilst,  1864 

Dearest:  Did  you  miss  us  much.?  Or,  seeing  so  much  of  us 
lately,  do  these  letters  weary  you?  Do  you  know  you  did  not 
say  goodbye  to  me  when  you  left  the  boat.?  We  might  have 
stayed  to  see  Grant,  and  that  had  been  well,  as  I  have  never 
called,  as  most  persons  do  to  show  their  respect  and  he  would 
like  well  enough  to  see  me,  I  know,  —  the  children  too.  It 
would  have  gratified  him.     I  will  not  miss  the  next  time. 

We  arrived  here  at  three  o'clock  today.     I  have  hunted 


276        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

out  the  mosquitoes  in  our  sleeping  room  and  slain  them. 
Pulled  down  the  bars  and  made  the  room  very  neat.  We  are 
to  have  nice  mince  pies,  the  meat  is  now  being  chopped. 
Would  you  like  one?  By  Sunday  I  think  you  get  it.  We 
had  a  long  drive  this  afternoon,  through  Slab  town,  out  at 
Buckrow  and  far  up  the  beach.  Old  parson  Cheever  hailed 
us  at  the  gate  and  took  the  drive  with  us.  We  shall  use  the 
time  as  best  we  can,  but  do  what  we  will  it  must  sometimes 
be  lonesome  and  monotonous.  Col.  Roberts  came  in  this 
evening.  He  is  a  little  lengthy  and  tedious.  He  says  that 
Stanton  invited  him  to  go  to  Newport  News,  when  he  was 
here.  And  they  rode  eight  or  ten  miles  round  the  country. 
When  they  were  through,  Stanton  remarked  to  the  Surgeon 
General  that  he  might  now  go  on  and  build  the  hospital  as 
soon  as  he  pleased,  meaning  at  Newport  News.  The  Surgeon 
replied  that  he  thought  in  six  months  the  Secretary  would 
be  satisfied  nothing  could  be  better.  So  it  is  at  Newport 
News  or  Sewell's  Point  the  hospital  is  likely  to  be.  Dr. 
McCormick  went  up  the  day  we  came  down.  I  write,  you 
see,  of  the  items  of  the  day  as  they  come  along.  Not  much 
of  the  inner  life,  only  that  I  am,  dearest,  with  love  and  sym- 
pathy in  all  I  do,  ^r  r? 
^       "^                                                                  Yours  ever,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  October  iind,  1864 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec'y  of  War 

The  negro  recruiting  service  is  now  substantially  over  in 
this  Department,  so  that  I  think  it  is  not  necessary  to  detain 
an  officer  of  as  high  rank  as  Brig.  Gen.  Wild  in  that  service. 
Have  I  permission  to  make  such  changes  as  to  the  recruiting 
officers  as  I  think  the  good  of  the  service  demands?  I  make 
this  application  because  the  appointment  of  Gen.  Wild  came 
from  the  War  Dept.,  and  I  don't  know  that  I  have  a  right  to 
interfere  with  it.  I  further  desire  leave  to  discontinue  the 
one  at  Newbern.     Under  the  circumstances  it  is  not  desirable. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.     Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  ilnd,  1864,  6.50  p.m. 

Bon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War,  Washington,  D.C. 

Col.  Moore  of  the  118th  New  York  was  slightly  wounded 
in  March  last.     Through  the  intervention  of  the  Governor 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        277 

he  got  an  order  to  report  to  Major  General  Dix  for  light  duty. 
His  present  business  is  stumping  the  State  of  New  York  for 
McClellan.  There  is  but  one  field  officer  in  his  regiment. 
I  think  his  present  employment  is  as  arduous  as  employment 
in  the  field  would  be,  and  he  is  much  needed  here.  Please  have 
him  ordered  here  at  once,  with  directions  to  Gen'l.  Dix  in  case 
he  refuses  to  come,  as  I  think  he  will,  that  he  be  sent  here. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Senator  William  E.  Chandler 

Private.     Union  Republican  State  Committee,  Concord,  N.  H.,  October  llnd,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Army  of  the  James 

My  dear  General:  I  write  you  a  private  note  relative 
to  our  political  situation  in  New  Hampshire.  Our  opponents 
are  making  a  desperate  effort  to  carry  the  state.  Pierce, 
George,  and  Burke  are  fraternally  laboring  to  defeat  us,  and 
our  majority  will  be  very  small  if  we  save  the  state. 

Our  regimental  field  and  staff  officers  and  privates  can 
vote  in  the  field  if  with  their  regiment  and  company  on  election 
day.  We  therefore  lose  the  votes  of  all  men  in  hospital  away 
from  their  regiment,  and  all  staff  officers,  and  all  men  in  the 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps;  unless  they  are  furloughed  to  come 
home. 

Mr.  Rollins  has  just  handed  me  a  letter  to  him  from  Capt. 
A.  S.  Gear,  A.  Q.  M.,  Head  Quarters,  10th  Army  Corps, 
stating  his  inability  and  that  of  many  others  to  vote  without 
being  furloughed. 

May  we  ask  of  you  to  grant  Capt.  Gear  a  furlough,  and  allow 
him  to  furnish  you  the  names  of  such  New  Hampshire  men  as 
may  be  under  your  command  who  cannot  vote  in  the  field, 
with  a  view  to  their  being  furloughed  if  the  exigencies  of  the 
service  will  admit.'* 

Messrs.  Clarke  and  Rollins  are  absent  on  the  stump  or  they 
would  themselves  make  this  request.  Connecticut  is  safe  for 
Lincoln,  and  New  Hampshire  is  to  be  the  battle-ground  in 
New  England. 

John  H.  George  states  boldly,  in  his  speeches  on  the  stump, 
that  you  told  Wm.  L.  Foster  and  wife  that  if  Lincoln  was 
re-elected  the  war  would  last  twenty  years.  The  story,  although 
injuring  us  some,  having  been  published  in  the  papers,  is 
perhaps  of  too  little  consequence  to  call  you  aside  from  the 
pressing  duties   of  the  military   campaign.     It   would,   how- 


278   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ever,  gratify  your  many  friends  here  if  you  would  make  the 
lie  the  occasion  for  a  letter. 

George  has  carried  Foster  back  again  to  the  Copperheads, 
and  he  is  on  the  stump  for  McClellan.  Judge  Perkins  and 
the  whole  family  are  mortified  at  his  inconsistent  course. 
He  is  in  a  bad  way. 

Excuse  me  for  troubling  you.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  respectfully  yours,  William  E.  Chandler 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Sunday  evening.    Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  1M,  '64 

Dearest:  Only  a  few  words  tonight.  It  is  late.  Is  it 
not  provoking  —  company  all  the  evening.  Now,  I  am 
tired  and  the  room  is  chilly.  Blanche  has  not  been  up  today. 
I  gave  her  a  sweat  last  night.  Tomorrow  will  find  her  well  I 
hope.  There  are  several  things  I  wished  to  write  of,  but  now 
I  cannot  sum  them  up.  I  must  wait  for  another  day. 
Webster  and  family  came  today.  Harriet  was  not  with 
them.  Has  Johnson's  resignation  been  accepted.'^  Soon  as  it 
is,  Shepley  says,  Webster  can  have  the  house.  Does  it  depend 
on  you?  Harriet  was  sadly  disappointed  but  still  hopes  to 
come  with  Fisher.  He  has  found  the  lost  trunk.  Are  you 
cold  in  your  tent  tonight  .^^ 

I  am  in  my  room.     You  did  not  get  the  mince  pie.     All 

the  boxes  are  up  with  you.     Send  them  down  if  you  wish  for 

dainties.     I  find  enough  to  do.     But  this  seems  a  strange  life 

we  live.     I  think  you  like  it.     There  was  no  letter  today. 

Is  there  some  new  thing  to  do.^^     Whatever  it  is,  let  not  the 

new  wear  out  the  old.  ^r  it    ^  j     7     a        „ 

Yours  as  ever.  Most  truly,  darah 

From  Assistant  Adjutant  General  Bowers 
to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  i5th,  1864 

The  tenth  (10)  U.  S.  Colored  cannot  be  spared  from  City 
Point  at  present.     By  command  Lt.  Gen.  Grant. 

T.  S.  Bowers,  A.  A.  G. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

October  i5th,  1864 

My  dearest  little  Wife:  I  am  determined  that  nothing 
shall  prevent  my  writing  you  today  so  that  I  write  this  morn- 
ing.    Each  day  something  runs  in  just  at  the  time  I  am  about 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        279 

to  write,  and  interrupts  me.  And  be  it  known  that  the  mail 
leaves  at  seven  o'clock  from  here,  which  is  pretty  early,  and 
so  you  see  laziness  deprives  you  of  a  letter.  Not  much  of  a 
deprivation,  however,  as  you  will  see  when  you  shall  read 
this.  Although  there  is  something  new,  yet  there  is  no  news. 
And  so  you  are  a  little  lonely  —  well,  I  suppose  so.  But 
I  am  a  little  cold,  although  I  have  that  place  tightly  stopped 
with  bushes.     I  am  cold  at  night  and  nobody  to  nestle  beside. 

Johnson's  acceptance  has  gone  forward.  Tell  Fisher  as 
soon  as  he  comes  to  come  up. 

Very  delightful  lies,  those  in  the  London  Standard  and 
Herald  about  my  fisticuffs  with  Parton  and  the  attempt  at 
assassination.  Tell  Webster  to  see  if  the  Boston  Courier 
publishes  either  of  the  stories.  If  so,  I  will  bring  them  to  a 
legal  test.     They  are  of  the  right  kind  to  indict. 

I  send  one  of  Fanny  Fern's  papers  enclosed. 

Yours  as  ever,  Benj. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  iSth,  1864,  11.40  a.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War,  Washington,  D.C. 

Tracing  my  communication  on  the  subject  of  brevets,  I 
find  it  left  General  Grant's  oflSce,  directed  to  the  War  Dept. 
some  ten  (10)  days  ago.  In  that  communication  and  in 
others  I  have  had  the  honor  to  recommend  the  following  list 
of  officers  for  promotion  to  Brig.  Gen'ls.  by  brevet,  excepting 
1st  Lt.  Peter  S.  Michie,  whom  I  desire,  for  reasons  set  forth 
and  for  most  meritorious  services,  should  have  two  (2)  brevets 
in  the  Army,  making  him  Major,  as  he  is  assigned  Chief 
Engineer  of  this  Army.  The  reasons  for  these  promotions 
will  be  found  set  forth  in  my  written  communication  in  Gen'l. 
Order  No. of  this  Department. 

Col.  Francis  A.  Ashburn  24th  Mass.  Vols. 

Col.  Alvin  C.  Voris  67th  Ohio  Vols. 

Col.  N.  Martin  Curtis  142d  N.  Y.  Vols. 

Col.  Alonzo  G.  Draper  36th  U.  S.  C.  7 

Col.  Samuel  A.  Duncan  4th  U.  S.  C.  7 

Col.  Joseph  Abbott  7th  N.  H.  Vols. 

Major  B.  C.  Ludlow  4th  Mo.  Car. 

1st  Lt.  Peter  S.  Michie  U.  S.  Engineers. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 


280        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Captain  J.  Mclntire 

Office  of  the  Provost  Marshal  General,  Armies  operating  against 

Richmond,  Va.,  City  Point,  Va.,  Oct.  25,  1864 

Major  General  Butler,  Com'dg.  Dept.  of  Va.  &  North  Carolina 
General:    The  following  report  just  received  from  Head- 
Quarters  Army  of  the  Potomac  is  respectfully  transmitted  for 
your  information: 

"Six  deserters  received  yesterday,  representing  Archer's  and  Cook's  Brigades  of 
Heth's  Division,  Finnegan's  Brigade  of  Mahone's  Division,  and  Ransom's  Brigade  of 
Johnsons  Division.  No  changes  discovered  in  the  enemy's  position  excepting  a 
further  extension  of  works  on  the  right. 

"McGowan's  Brigade  is  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  enemy's  infantry  Une  of  battle, 
and  its  right  is  at  a  point  exactly  five  miles  southwest  of  Petersburg  (from  the  center 
of  the  city),  and  one  mile  east  of  the  Boydton  Plank  Road.  On  the  right  of  McGowan 
are  working-parties  from  the  different  brigades  in  Heth's  Division,  continuing  the 
line  in  a  southwesterly  direction  to  the  bridge  where  the  Boydton  Plank  Road  crosses 
Hatcher's  Run,  exactly  seven  and  a  half  miles  due  southwest  of  Petersburg. 

"The  dismounted  cavalry  of  the  enemy  are  also  employed  in  constructing  works 
on  this  line  which  evidently  rests  on  the  Burger's  Mill  Pond  or  Burger's  Dam  at 
Hatcher's  Run  Bridge.  This  pond  is  described  by  residents  from  the  vicinity  to  be 
nearly  a  mile  long,  and  half  a  mile  wide.     It  extends  northwesterly  above  Burger's 

"  Very  respectfully.  Your  obedient  servant,  Jas.  C.  Babcock  " 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant,  J.  McIntire,  Capt. 
From  Smiths'  Lawyers 

Court  of  Common  Pleas  for  the  City  and  County  of  New  York,  Oct.  25,  1864 
Summons  —  for  relief  (Com.  not  Ser.) . 

Samuel  Smith  &  Andrew  Smith,  plffs.,  against 

Benjamin  F.  Butler,  deft. 
To  the  defendant 

You  ARE  HEREBY  SUMMONED  and  required  to  answer  the 
complaint  in  this  action,  which  was  filed  in  the  office  of  the 
Clerk  of  the  County  of  Common  Pleas  for  the  City  and  County 
of  New  York  at  the  City  Hall  in  said  City  October  25,  1864, 
and  to  serve  a  copy  of  your  answer  to  the  said  complaint  on 
the  subscribers  at  their  office.  No.  16  Wall  Street,  New  York 
City,  within  twenty  days  after  the  service  of  this  summons 
on  you,  exclusive  of  the  day  of  such  service;  and  if  you  fail 
to  answer  the  said  complaint  within  the  time  aforesaid,  the 
plaintiffs  in  this  action  will  apply  to  the  Court  for  the  relief 
demanded  in  the  complaint. 

Stantley,  Langdell  &  Brown. 

Plaintiffs'  Attorneys,  16  Wall  St. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   281 

From  Lieutenant  Colonel  Badeau  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  26,  1864,  9  a.m. 

Gen.  Grant  directs  me  to  say  Mr.  Romero,  Minister  from 
Mexico,  &  Gen.  Doblado  will  visit  your  Hd.  Qrs.  this  morning. 

Adam  Badeau,  Lt.  Col.  &  Mil.  Secy. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  i6th,  1864,  2.40  p.m. 

Col.  Hoffman,  Com.  Genl.  of  Prisoners,  Washington,  D.C. 

My  agreement  with  Ould  is  that  we  shall  give  him  all  the 

invalid  prisoners  on  this  side,  and  he  is  to  fill  up  with  well 

men.     I  send  him  no  well  men  until  he  exchanges  the  negroes. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  idth,  1864,  2.40  p.m. 

Lieut.  Col.  MuLFORD,  Fort  Monroe,  Va. 

All  the  invalid  prisoners  on  this  side  are  at  Point  Lookout. 
Take  as  many  of  your  best  vessels  as  necessary  to  take  about 
three  thousand  (3000).  Inform  the  Confederate  Agent  of 
Exchange  at  Pulaski  that  there  are  as  many  more  ready  for 
delivery  on  the  Mississippi  as  soon  as  the  places  are  agreed 
upon.  Col.  Hoffman  informs  me  that  these  are  all  that  are 
here.  I  will  forward  your  orders  in  the  morning,  and  save 
you  the  trouble  of  reporting  here  again  unless  something  new 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  General  Butler 

CoNTiDENTiAL.     Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  James,  Oct.  iGth,  1864,  12.25  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  Grant,  Comd'g.  &c. 

I  take  leave  to  send  you  a  copy  of  my  orders  for  the  move- 
ment tomorrow.  If  you  will  do  me  the  favor  to  examine 
them  and  see  if  there  is  anything  you  object  to  therein,  and 
will  notify  me,  there  will  be  time  to  change.  If  you  can 
spare  him,  I  should  be  very  glad  to  have  Col.  Comstock  with 

orrow.  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


282        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Confidential.     Headquarters,  Deft.  Va.  &  N.C., 

Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Oct.  26,  1864 

Generals  Terry  and  Weitzel,  commanding  10th  and  18th  Army 
Corps,  and  Colonel  West,  commanding  Cavalry  Division 

It  is  proposed  that  this  Army  shall  make  a  demonstration 
upon  our  right  in  order,  if  possible,  to  turn  the  left  of  the 
enemy's  entrenched  and  defended  lines. 

It  is  believed  from  information  and  reconnoissanee  that 
his  exterior  defended  line  extends  only  a  short  distance  to  the 
east  of  the  Darby  town  Road,  certainly  not  farther  than 
the  Charles  City  Road.  Therefore  it  is  supposed  that  if  his 
troops  are  held  in  his  entrenched  line  by  a  demonstration  in 
his  front  another  column  marching  free  may  turn  his  line, 
and  at  least  force  him  to  retire  to  his  inner  line,  or  to  attack 
us  in  the  open  field,  which  is  desirable. 

The  essay  will  be  made  on  Thursday,  the  27th  inst.,  in 
manner  following:  Gen'l.  Terry  will  withdraw  such  troops 
as  he  can  spare,  leaving  sufficient  to  hold  his  line.  There  will 
be  sent  him  nearly  two  thousand  additional  troops  to  those 
on  his  field  return. 

It  is  presumed  that  General  Terry  will  thus  have  a  mobile 
column  of  eight  thousand  five  hundred  effective  infantry;  to 
that  will  be  added  two  four-gun  batteries  of  artillery.  With 
this  force  General  Terry  will  feel  along  the  enemy's  lines  to 
the  right  as  far  at  least  as  the  Charles  City  road,  pushing  the 
enemy's  skirmish  lines,  but  not  attacking  their  works,  except 
in  cases  hereafter  mentioned. 

This  movement  will  be  made  so  as  to  feel  the  enemy  as 
early  as  seven  o'clock  A.  M. 

While  this  movement  is  in  progress  concealing  the  march 
of  another  column,  General  Weitzel,  having  withdrawn  as 
many  men  as  can  be  spared  from  his  lines,  leaving  Fort  Burn- 
ham  well  garrisoned,  and  suflScient  force  together  with  the 
men  additional  to  his  field  return,  say  two  thousand  five 
hundred,  and  left  men  enough  to  hold  his  lines,  will  move 
with  the  remainder  of  his  corps,  say  seventy-five  hundred 
effective  infantry,  and  two  four-gun  batteries  of  artillery, 
along  Kingsland  Road  across  the  Newmarket  Road  by  the 
"Drill  Room"  to  the  Darby  town  or  Central  Road.  Thence 
up  that  road  to  the  neighborhood  of  the  Baptist  Church, 
then  by  some  of  the  several  large  roads  across  to  the  Charles 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        283 

City  road  at  a  point  near  White's  tavern;  then  by  a  road  near 
Mrs.  Carter's  house  to  the  WilHamsburg  road  in  a  direction 
to  bring  the  head  of  the  column  near  the  enemy's  outer  line 
of  works  at  Williamsburg  road. 

It  is  assumed  that  this  march  will  have  flanked  the  enemy's 
defended  intrenched  line. 

It  may  be  from  information  which  will  be  given  that  the 
enemy's  line  does  not  extend  beyond  the  Charles  City  road, 
and  that  it  may  be  well  to  shorten  the  march  and  attempt  to 
turn  the  line  at  that  point.  But  that  must  depend  upon 
the  state  of  things  existing  on  arrival  there.  This  march  of 
Weitzel's  column  will  bring  him  within  a  mile  of  the  rear  of 
General  Terry's  after  leaving  our  lines,  in  position  to  support 
him  if  necessary,  so  that  General  Terry  can  have  no  hesitation 
in  provoking  an  attack  from  the  enemy  at  any  time. 

In  case  General  Weitzel  succeeds  in  turning  the  enemy's 
line,  they  will  either  give  battle  or,  as  is  more  probable,  make 
for  their  second  line. 

When  General  Weitzel  is  at  the  outer  line,  either  at  Williams- 
burg or  Charles  City  road,  he  will  be  nearer  the  inner  line 
than  the  enemy  either  at  Newmarket  or  Darbytown  road, 
and  a  vigorous  push  may  then  secure  the  second  line  before 
the  enemy  can  reach  it.  There  will  be  found  artillery  with  a 
small  guard  in  the  redoubts  on  that  line,  and  if  we  wait  (?) 
long  enough  it  will  be  defended. 

Colonel  West  with  his  cavalry  will  cover  the  flanks  and 
head  of  Gen'l.  Weitzel's  column,  driving  in  the  cavalry  pickets 
and  scouts,  and  driving  before  him  Gary's  cavalry,  so  manag- 
ing his  force  as  to  conceal  Weitzel's  column,  and  give  the  idea 
that  his  march  is  but  a  cavalry  reconnoissance. 

Colonel  West  will  report  to  Gen'l.  Weitzel  after  the  columns 
join. 

In  case  the  enemy  leaves  his  exterior  line  for  his  interior 
line,  Gen'l.  Terry  will  push  him  so  as  to  delay  him,  if  he  en- 
deavors to  move  to  the  left  (our  right),  so  as  to  meet  the 
march  of  Weitzel;  then  Gen'l.  Terry  will  so  far  press  the 
enemy  as  to  require  his  presence  in  his  own  front. 

If  we  should  have  the  good  fortune  to  turn  the  second  line, 
then,  if  in  the  judgment  of  the  commander  there  is  a  reason- 
able prospect  of  possible  success,  an  attempt  may  be  made 
to  pass  between  or  assault  the  enemy's  line  of  redoubts  to 
enter  Richmond.  The  prize  is  large,  and  if  we  are  that  near, 
the  attempt  to  seize  it  will  justify  loss,  especially  if  successful. 


284   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

If  in  Richmond,  the  orders  given  Corps  Commanders 
about  the  28th  September  last  will  govern  everything  in  this 
movement,  which,  as  indeed  in  most  others,  depends  upon 
celerity  and  promptitude. 

Therefore  the  troops  will  be  in  light  marching  order  with 
three  days'  rations  in  their  haversacks,  sixty  rounds  of  am- 
munition in  their  boxes  and  on  their  persons,  and  blankets 
rolled  round  them.  Fifty  rounds  per  man  more  of  ammuni- 
tion will  be  in  wagons  to  accompany  the  column. 

All  other  trains  except  ambulance  trains,  which  will  be  as 
few  as  possible  will  be  sent  to  the  South  side  of  the  James, 
and  will  begin  to  move  in  that  direction  at  the  same  time 
their  column  moves  in  the  other.  The  10th  Corps  and  cavalry 
wagons  will  move  by  the  Deep  Bottom  bridge,  and  to  the  18th 
Corps  by  the  Varina  bridge. 

Five  days'  rations  and  fifty  rounds  of  extra  ammunition 
will  be  put  on  the  wagons,  lightly  loaded,  so  as  to  be  ready 
to  move  at  the  word. 

A  strong  and  vigilant  provost  guard  will  follow  each  column 
to  prevent  straggling.  Line  officers  must  be  cautioned  that 
straggling  depends  upon  them,  and  they  will  be  held  responsi- 
ble for  it. 

It  may  be  that  the  enemy  will  attack  our  lines,  supposing 
them  undefended.  That  he  can  only  do  by  abandoning  his 
own.  In  that  not  very  probable,  but  still  possible  case, 
Gen'l.  Terry  passing  beyond  the  enemy's  line  will  attack  his 
flank  and  rear  with  all  vigor,  being  certain  of  support. 

The  enemy  has  on  this  side  of  the  James  about  seven  thou- 
sand good  troops  and  about  as  many  more  conscripts  and 
reserves.  There  need  be,  therefore,  no  nervousness  about  an 
attack  from  him.  Let  him  come  either  in  flank  or  in  rear,  — 
we  want  him  anywhere  but  in  his  works.  Nor  need  there  be 
any  about  his  receiving  reinforcements  from  the  south  side. 
Measures  have  been  taken  to  keep  him  fully  employed  there, 
and  if  he  comes  here  the  army  of  the  Potomac  will  come  with 
him. 

Let  these  facts  be  impressed  first  upon  Division  and  Brigade 
Commanders,  before  the  movement  commences,  and  then 
after  the  march  begins  upon  the  Regimental  Commanders,  and 
thence  through  the  line.  Let  it  be  understood  that  this  is  to 
be  a  movement  to  try  to  meet  the  enemy  outside  of  his  works, 
and  the  sooner  he  comes  out  the  better. 

The  Commanding  General  will  be  on  the  right  of  the  column 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   285 

of  Gen'l.  Terry  at  the  beginning  of  the  movement,  and  will 
keep  Corps  Commanders  advised  where  his  Headquarters 
may  be,  and  will  give  such  further  directions  as  the  exigency 
may  call  for.  Corps  Commanders  will  keep  the  General 
advised  of  all  occurrences  by  prompt  report,  carefully  noting 
the  hour  of  report.  It  need  not  be  said  to  Generals  of  such 
experience  as  Generals  Terry  and  Weitzel  that  unfounded 
and  exaggerated  rumors  are  rife  on  the  day  of  action,  and 
therefore  that  the  General  expects  all  reports  sent  to  him  will 
have  been  thoroughly'  investigated,  as  he  will  place  implicit 
reliance  upon  everything  reported  him  as  fact  by  the  Corps 
Commanders  except  he  knows  to  the  contrary. 

The  Corps  Commanders  will  please  send  some  of  the  most 
intelligent  deserters  and  prisoners  by  the  speediest  means  to 
the  General,  so  that  he  may  be  early  possessed  of  true  stories, 
may  compare  their  statements  with  his  information,  and 
govern  himself  accordingly. 

Respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Coindg. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  {Graham  ?) 

Confidential.     Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  October  idth,  1864,  1.50  p.m. 

My  Dear  General:  Tomorrow  morning  I  make  a  move- 
ment to  the  right,  and  Meade  will  make  one  on  the  left.  I 
give  you  this  information  so  that  you  may  watch  your  lines 
closely.  Keep  me  informed  of  all  movements  of  the  enemy, 
by  courier  or  otherwise.  Have  your  boats  where  they  will 
do  service  in  case  the  enemy  try  you  on  the  left. 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  26,  1864,  2.10  p.m. 

Your  orders  are  received.  They  meet  the  case  in  hand 
exactly.     Col.  Comstock  has  been  ordered  to  report  to  you. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  Lieutenant  Fullerton 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  i6th,  1864 

The  "Greyhound"  awaits  you  at  Bermuda.  Proceed 
there  at  once,  and  report  to  Col.  Dodge,  the  Quarter  Master, 
who  will  give  you  the  boat.  Take  on  the  Hd.  Qrs.  mail  at 
Fort  Pocahontas  and  bring  it  back  with  you. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


286        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Dodge 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  i6th,  1864,  3.30  p.m. 

Lieut.  Fullerton  will  report  to  you.  When  he  does  so, 
send  him  on  the  "Greyhound"  to  Fort  Pocahontas  without 
delay.  Have  him  bring  back  the  mail  on  his  return.  The 
"Greyhound"  will  be  at  his  disposal  during  the  trip. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Covid'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Carr 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  iQth,  1864 

About  five  (5)  miles  from  your  Hd.  Qrs.  lives  a  man  by 
the  name  of  Babcock  who  is  needed  as  a  guide.  Near  him 
lives  a  man  named  Major  Marraby,  Major  not  being  his 
title.  They  are  wanted  both  as  guides,  and  to  be  here  at  the 
earliest  possible  hour.  I  send  my  staff  officer  after  them  on 
board  of  the  "Greyhound."  Send  quick-riding  men  after 
them  with  a  horse  for  them  to  ride.  Let  the  officer  who  goes 
for  Babcock  say  that  Gen'l.  Marston  wants  to  see  him. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  October  i6th,  1864,  3.40  p.m. 

Surgeon  Storrs,  Point  of  Rocks  Hospital 

Send  me  under  arrest  the  Captain  &  Commissary  who  sold 
the  liquor  to  the  man  who  committed  the  murder,  the  order 
on  which  it  was  bought,  and  the  book  containing  the  entry  of 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  3Iaj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 
From  the  Secretary  of  State  to  General  Butler 

Department  of  State,  Washington,  Octr.  26,  1864 

My  Dear  General:   This  note  will  be  handed  to  you  by 

Mr.  Ransom  Van  Valkenburg,  a  reliable  and  trustworthy  man, 

who  comes  to  the  Army  to  aid  in  collecting  the  soldiers'  vote 

of  the  State  of  New  York.     Pray  give  him  suitable  facilities. 

Yours  very  truly,  William  H.  Seward 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Oct.  26th,  1864 

My  dearest  Wife:  No  letter  last  night.  I  was  well  and 
properly  punished  for  my  neglect  in  not  writing  you.     I  was 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        287 

so  ashamed  of  it  that  I  wrote  you  yesterday.  You  will  see 
by  this  that  I  am  up  this  morning  before  seven  o'clock,  when 
the  mail  starts.  That  is  pretty  early  when  it  is  cold  as  it  is 
now.  One  day  is  so  like  another  here  as  to  all  things  except 
contraband  news  that  I  really  have  nothing  to  write,  save  to 
say  that  I  love  you  dearly  and  think  of  you  whenever  I  am 
lonely  and  need  comfort  and  cheering.  y  ■Rttatt 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Oct.  i6th.  1864,  11.30  p.m. 

My  dearest  Wife:  A  little  time  before  I  go  to  bed  shall 
be  devoted  to  you  —  you  who  think  me  forgetful.  I  wish 
I  could  forget  you  and  your  anxiety  for  a  couple  of  days. 

In  the  morning  we  make  a  movement  both  at  Petersburg 
and  Richmond.  Mine,  however,  is  but  a  demonstration. 
Meade  is  to  take  the  south  side  road  if  he  can. 

I  have  done  all  I  can  do,  and  am  about  to  go  to  bed  to  rise 
at  5  o'clock,  so  you  see  I  can  beat  you  at  getting  up. 

The  night  before  a  battle  —  how  many  thoughts  are  crowded 
into  it.  How  many  a  poor  fellow  is  never  to  see  another 
night.  The  chance  of  us  all,  but  we  will  do  our  duty,  and 
the  rest  is  with  the  Disposer  of  All. 

Weitzel  is  to  lead  the  assaulting  column  if  an  assault  is  made. 
Terry  moves  out  with  him.  I  hope  to  get  20,000  men  into  the 
fight  if  we  can  get  a  chance.  With  the  exception  of  these  prep- 
arations, one  day  is  so  like  another  that  I  know  not  what  to 
write.  I  am  glad  Blanche  is  better.  I  hope  you  will  not  be  so 
lonely  now  Mrs.  Webster  is  with  you.  Goodbye,  dearest,  you 
may  not  get  a  word  from  me  for  a  day  or  two,  or  you  may, 
but  don't  be  anxious.  y^^^^  ^^  ^^^^^  ^^^^ 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  i6th,  1864 

Dearest:  I  write  with  hesitancy.  These  daily  notes  are 
tedious  to  you,  I  fear.  If  I  drop  them  for  a  little,  they  may 
be  more  agreeable  afterward.  You  may  be  very  much  en- 
gaged, or  not  well,  and  really  glad  to  have  a  word  from  me. 
But  tonight  I  feel  so  uncertain  if  you, care  anything  about  it, 
that  I  am  doubtful,  ashamed  to  forward  them,  and  none 
returned.  I  will  leave  this  now  for  another  time,  and  let 
tomorrow  pass  without  one. 


288        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Wednesday  night.  Two  letters  from  you.  Both  at  once. 
Now  is  it  not  a  shame  that  I  should  be  so  foolish,  and  think 
you  are  too  busy  to  care  about  my  writing  so  often!  It  is 
not  that  you  have  no  pleasure  in  reading  my  letters,  but  that 
it  is  not  always  easy  for  you  to  write.  While  I  have  or  ought 
to  have  time  enough.  Only  that  now  and  then  some  mis- 
chievous thought  arises  that  you  are  weary  of  it  all.  Then  I 
put  down  the  pen  and  go  away  somewhere  else.  Well,  well, 
I  do  not  often  think  so.  You  may  wonder  at  the  strange 
humility  that  makes  oneself  of  so  little  worth.  It  is  not 
affected  but  very  sincere.  As  humble  as  I  am  proud,  and 
both  are  in  extreme.  I  can  tell  you  a  sad  story.  Kidder  is 
dead.  Died  alone,  wasted  to  a  shadow.  We  saw  him  today, 
laid  out  in  a  bare,  empty  room.  I  reproach  myself  that  I 
did  not  see  him  before  he  died.  Fisher  told  me  he  was  sick 
but  not  unto  death.  I  had  sent  for  beef,  to  make  beef  tea. 
We  were  to  take  it  over  tomorrow.  Farrington  came  this 
morning  and  said  he  died  last  night.  Died  alone.  There 
was  a  corporal  who  took  care  of  him,  and  two  or  three  colored 
people  about  the  house.  Poor,  lone  creature,  it  was  a  sad 
ending! 

"It  is  a  little  thing  to  speak  a  phrase  of  common  comfort, 
which  by  daily  use  has  lost  its  sense,  yet  on  the  ear  of  him 
who  thought  to  die  unmourned  it  will  fall  like  choicest  music, 
fill  the  glazing  eye  with  gentle  tears,  relax  the  knotted  hand, 
to  know  the  bond  of  fellowship  again,  and  shed  on  the  de- 
parting soul  a  sense  more  precious  than  the  benison  of  friends 
about  the  honored  death-bed  of  the  rich,  to  him  who  else 
were  lonely,  that  another  of  the  great  family  is  near,  and 
feels."  We  send  him  home  to  be  buried  in  the  old  graveyard. 
That  will  detain  Fisher  a  few  days  longer.  I  do  not  know 
what  he  wishes,  but  hope  his  plans  will  not  be  lost  by  being 
detained.  I  hear  a  tent  has  been  added  to  your  accommoda- 
tions. For  us,  I  shall  believe.  A  stone,  bed,  and  book,  are 
enough  for  me,  with  a  newspaper  to  put  my  feet  on.  These, 
and  a  pleasant  companion  (can  you  furnish  the  last?)  will 
make  the  time  run  smoothly,  and  I  most  affectionately 

Yours,  Sarah 

Yes,  dearest,  I  do  feel  lonely,  very,  sometimes,  even  with 
the  children,  but  I  do  not  mean  to  yield  to  it.     Goodnight. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   289 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Near  Darhytown  Road  i7th,  9.30  a.m. 

Terry  has  advanced  to  Darby  Road,  driving  in  the  enemy's 
pickets.  Weitzel's  column  was  in  Darby  Road  at  8  o'clock, 
where  it  joins  drill  near  road,  in  turn,  and  where  he  ought  to 
be.    All  going  on  well.  B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'/. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Quarters  ilth,  Dakbytown 

We  have  driven  in  the  pickets  of  the  enemy  by  Terry  as 
far  as  Charles  City  Road.  Weitzel  has  reached  at  one  forty 
(1.40)  P.M.  the  exterior  lines  on  the  Williamsburgh  road,  and 
finds  Field's  division  in  his  front.  He  is  going  to  the  right  as 
far  as  Yorktown  Railroad  to  see  where  the  enemy's  right  rests. 
Field's  right  rested  this  morning  near  the  Darby  town  road. 
He  has  extended  therefore  four  miles.  Shall  I  make  (attack?) 
on  this  outstretched  line.'^     Casualties  few  as  yet. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Graham 

Darbttown,  12.42  p.m.,  i7th 

Despatch  received.  File  out  and  find  what  the  enemy  are 
about.  It  is  important  to  know.  A  reconnoissance  in  force 
will  determine.     Be  careful,  —  all  well  here. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Near  New  Market  Road,  Oct.  27th,  6.15  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Graham,  Commanding  Bermuda  Lines 

At  12.42  today  I  sent  you  a  telegram  in  answer  to  one  sent 

me  by  you  that  the  enemy  appeared  to  be  leaving  your  front, 

to  make  a  reconnoissance  in  force,  and  see  you  have  neither 

acknowledged  the  despatch  or  told  me  what  you  have  done 

or  learned.     Please  answer.  -r,         t-<  t» 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Head  Qrs.  Near  New  Market  Road,  Oct.  i7th,  1864 

We  have  not  been  able  to  turn  the  enemy's  left  although 
Weitzel  has  demonstrated  to  the  left  of  the  Williamsburg 
Road.     I  have  there  (fore)  ordered  him  back  to  the  Charles 

VOL.   V — 19 


290   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

City  Road,  put  one  division  in  the  lines  between  Darbytown 
and  Charles  City,  and  massed  two  divisions  with  cavalry 
to  hold  to  White  Oak  Swamp.  Terry  holds  from  Darbytown 
to  our  intrenched  lines  on  the  New  Market  Roads.  Have 
you  any  orders.  ^^^^  -p  ^^^^^^ 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point;  (Va.),  October  Stlth,  1864,  9  p.m. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War,  Washington 

I  HAVE  just  returned  from  the  crossing  of  the  Boydton 
plank  road  with  Hatcher's  Creek.  Our  line  now  extends 
from  its  former  left  to  Armstrong's  Mill,  thence  by  the  south 
bank  of  Hatcher's  Creek  to  the  point  above  named.  No 
attack  was  made  during  the  day  further  than  to  drive  pickets 
and  the  cavalry  inside  of  the  main  works.  Our  casualties 
have  been  light,  probably  less  than  200  killed,  wounded,  and 
missing.  The  same  probably  is  true  with  the  enemy.  We 
captured,  however,  7  loaded  teams  on  the  way  from  Stony 
Creek  to  the  enemy,  about  a  dozen  beef-cattle,  a  traveling 
forge,  and  75  to  100  prisoners.  On  our  right  General  Butler 
extended  around  well  toward  the  Yorktown  road  without 
finding  a  point  unguarded.  I  shall  keep  our  troops  out  where 
they  are  until  toward  noon  to-morrow,  in  hope  of  inviting  an 
attack.  This  reconnoissance,  which  I  had  intended  for  more, 
points  out  to  me  what  is  to  be  done. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  22. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  Ilih,  (1864) 

Dearest  :  So  you  are  once  more  engaged  in  action,  meaning 
if  opportunity  offers,  I  think,  to  strike  a  blow  if  not  directly 
ordered.  Yes,  I  shall  feel  anxiety;  there  is  no  help  for  it. 
One  day  has  already  passed.  Another,  and  the  work  is  over. 
It  is  raining  heavily  tonight.  This  will  be  hard  for  you. 
If  you  are  beyond  your  encampment  there  will  be  no  shelter. 
It  is  not  very  cold.  There  will  be  some,  by  this,  who  will  not 
feel  if  it  is  hot  or  cold.  How  the  thoughts  change  even  in 
the  course  of  a  day.  This  morning  we  were  busy  and  talka- 
tive. At  one  we  rode  on  the  beach  and  gathered  mosses  for 
an  album.     As  we  drove  slowly  along  there  came  over  me  a 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   291 

feeling  of  content,  of  pleasure  stronger  than  I  have  felt  for 
years.  This  life  is  full  of  beauty  and  delight,  if  we  are  allowed 
to  see  it.  Very  often  the  sight  is  so  obscured  by  sorrow, 
trouble,  or  sickness,  that  only  a  dull  grey  surrounding  is 
visible,  through  which  we  strain  our  weary  sight  and  see  no 
sunshine.  Today,  it  was  sweet.  Peace,  content,  and  quiet. 
Yet  there  was  no  outward  sunshine.  It  has  been  a  soft,  hazy 
day.  Two  or  three  times  there  was  a  light  sprinkling  while 
we  rode.  But  there  was  sunshine  within,  and  that  made 
the  whole  world  bright.  I  cannot  tell  you  why  I  felt  this,  nor 
did  it  last  very  long.  But  while  it  lasted  I  remembered  it  as 
the  daily  feeling  of  years  gone  by.  I  hope  the  precursor  of 
happy  years  to  come. 

Tonight  comes  the  herald  of  battles  to  start  anxious  fore- 
bodings, but  they  will  not  linger  long.  You  are  half  through 
by  this  if  you  have  moved.  If  you  have  not,  you  are  com- 
fortably asleep  in  your  tent,  and  the  rain  patters  merrily  on 
the  canvas.  That  is  pleasant;  but  yet,  this  room  is  better 
still,  you  would  find  it  so  if  here. 

Yesterday  Capt.  Cilley  dined  here,  and  called  today.  On 
Saturday  Capt.  and  Mrs.  Smith  dine  with  us.  She  has  re- 
turned for  a  fortnight.  What  word  shall  I  get  from  you 
tomorrow?  Pleasant,  if  any,  I  think.  Where  are  you  sleeping 
tonight.'*  A  spiritualist  might  tell  me.  Some  day  I  will 
learn  the  art  if  there  is  anything  in  it.  I  ought  to  be  a  medium 
if  there  is  anything  in  it.  Goodnight,  I  have  repeated,  that 
shows  I  am  weary.     A  kiss  may  be  repeated  with 

Yours  most  truly,  Sarah 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  28,  1864,  8.40 

You  may  withdraw  your  troops  to  their  former  position. 
The  same  thing  is  being  done  on  the  left. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'L 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Alice's  Farm,  near  Darby  Road,  October  28,  1864,  9.15  a.m. 

Despatch  directing  withdrawal  of  troops  received.     Orders 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Major-General 


292   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Atlee's  Farm  near  Darby  Road,  Oct.  28th,  9.15  A.M. 

You  will  withdraw  to  your  former  position.  I  think  a 
shorter  and  better  way  is  to  withdraw  in  the  rear  of  Ames 
line  by  the  nearest  road.  This  movement  will  be  made 
quietly  but  promptly,  covering  your  rear  and  flanks. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Oct.  2Sth,  1864 

Gen.  Williams  of  California,  a  particular  friend  of  Gen. 
Halleck,  goes  up  this  morning  to  visit  you.  He  has  with 
him  his  son  &  three  ladies.  Will  you  please  send  conveyance 
to  take  them  from  Aikens'  Landing?  I  am  sorry  that  I  can 
not  accompany  them.  ^  g  ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^,^ 

From  General  Butler 

Oct.  28  [1864],  12.30  p.m. 

Maj.  Davis,  at  Gen.  Butler's  Head  Qrs.  near  Varina 

Send  my  ambulance  to  Aikens'  Landing  for  Gen.  Williams, 
his  son  and  three  ladies.  Say  I  will  be  there  in  course  of 
afternoon.     Show  them  the  lines  and  every  attention. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

Washn.,  D.  C,  Oct.  28,  1864,  8.10  p.m. 

To  Major  Gen.  Butler 

The  Surgeon  General  complains  that  his  two  hospital 
transports  the  "Atlantic"  &  "Baltic"  have  been  seized  by 
your  order.  This  proceeding  is  irregular,  &  you  will  please 
abstain  from  giving  such  orders.  If  there  be  a  necessity  for 
your  having  the  transports,  application  should  be  made  to 
the  proper  Bureau,  so  that  adequate  provisions  may  be  made. 
This  can  be  done  in  as  brief  time  as  an  irregular  seizure  without 

authority.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Sec'y  of  War 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   293 

From  General  Butler 

October  28,  1864 

Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

I  AM  aware  that  I  sometimes  do  things  irregularly  where 
the  exigency  requires  it,  but  in  the  matter  of  the  "Atlantic" 
and  "Baltic"  I  plead  not  guilty  in  intention.  I  made  applica- 
tion through  General  Grant,  some  time  since,  for  those  boats 
because  competent  sea-boats,  to  take  the  sick  prisoners  along 
the  coast  from  Savannah.  I  understood  I  was  to  have  them 
when  we  were  ready  to  go  down,  and  put  them  in  my  list  in 
making  up  the  necessary  transportation.  I  knew  they  were 
hospital  boats,  and  certainly  should  never  have  used  them 
save  for  a  hospital  purpose  such  as  this  is,  to  wit:  carry  sick 
soldiers  in  case  of  attack  or  other  emergency.  I  had  not 
intended  to  do,  and  did  not  suppose  I  had  done,  anything 
irregular  in  this  matter.  Shall  I  discharge  the  boats?  They 
are  the  best  adapted  to  that  service  in  point  of  safety.  I 
have  others  that  can  with  safety  run  to  Norfolk.  I  have 
none  that  can  be  relied  on  in  November,  on  the  coast,  in  all 
weathers.  g^^^j  p  Butler,  Major-General 

From  General  Butler 

Oct.  iSth,  1864 

Col.  Webster,  Chief  Qr.  Master 

Release  the  boats  of  course  as  ordered,  and  report  the 
facts  as  follows:  The  boats  were  taken  as  the  only  safe  boats 
in  the  service  fit  to  carry  sick  &  wounded  soldiers  of  the  United 
States  who  have  been  languishing  in  prisons  for  many  months. 
They  are  the  only  boats  fit  for  that  purpose  as  hospital  boats 
on  the  coast  in  November  storms.  The  soldiers  of  the  United 
States,  sick  and  wounded  in  the  comfortable  hospitals  of  Fort- 
ress Monroe,  Gen.  Butler  thought  could  wait  there  before  they 
were  transported  to  New  York,  and  the  surgeons  in  charge  go 
with  them  to  that  City  on  a  pleasure  trip,  better  than  could  our 
soldiers  sick,  emaciated,  and  wounded  stay  in  a  filthy  southern 
prison  and  die  for  want  of  this  transportation,  which  is  not  in 
fact  employed  more  than  half  of  the  time.  If  our  prisoners  die 
in  foreign  prisons  for  want  of  this  transportation,  their  friends 
and  countrymen  must  hold  the  surgeon-general  responsible, 
and  not  Gen.  Butler  for  the  inhumanity.  There  are  plenty  of 
boats  that  can  run  to  New  York  with  safety  in  these  waters. 

Report  these  facts  and  all  others  you  may  know,  and  the 
whole  matter  will  be  judged  of  by  the  Department. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen' I.  Comd'g. 


294   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

Washn.  D.  C,  Oct.  28,  1864,  8  p.m. 

To  Major  Gen.  Butlee 

Your  lists  of  brevets  recommended  by  you  reached  me 
this  morning.  I  have  ordered  them  to  be  immediately  trans- 
mitted. Gen.  Wild  has  been  relieved  from  recruiting  service 
&  ordered  to  report  to  you. 

The  recruiting  office  at  Newbern  has  also  been  discontinued, 
&  the  officer  ordered  to  report  to  you. 

Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Sec'y  of  War 

From  Clergymen  of  the  Episcopal  Church 

New  York,  Oct.  28th,  1864 

To  the  Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Dear  Sir:  We  the  undersigned,  clergymen  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  in  this  city,  beg  leave  respectfully  to  call  your  atten- 
tion to  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Henry  N.  Hudson,  Chaplain  of 
Col.  S.  Serrell's  Regt.  of  N.  Y.  Engineers.  We  have  been 
informed,  and  believe,  that  he  is  at  present  under  arrest, 
and  has  been  in  that  condition  since  the  19th  day  of  September 
last,  at  the  headquarters  of  Major  Gen'l.  B.  F.  Butler,  and  by 
order  of  that  officer;  that  he  has  been  treated  with  unusual 
severity,  and  placed  among  the  worst  criminals  of  the  army; 
and  that,  up  to  the  present  time,  he  has  not  been  allowed  a 
trial  on  the  charges  alleged  against  him,  according  to  the 
articles  of  war.  Remonstrating  against  this  treatment,  we 
respectfully  present  that  Mr.  Hudson  is  known  to  us  to  be  a 
man  of  exemplary  morals  and  of  irreproachable  life;  that  he 
is  a  clergyman  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  good  standing,  and 
regarded  by  his  brethren  with  respect  and  affection;  that  he 
is  a  man  remarkable  for  his  attainments  and  cultivation  in 
literature,  and  that  his  reputation  as  such  is  wide-spread 
throughout  the  country  and  especially  in  the  first  literary 
circles  in  this  city  and  elsewhere;  that  he  has  been  from  the 
first  an  ardent  patriot,  and  a  devotedly  loyal  citizen;  and 
that  he  is  marked  by  a  simplicity  of  character  which  might 
readily  involve  him  in  difficulties  from  his  want  of  knowledge 
of  technical  questions. 

We  are  under  the  impression  —  although  no  written  charges 
have  as  yet,  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge,  after  40  days  of 
close  confinement,  been  preferred  against  him  —  that  his 
offence  was  the  overstaying  his  leave  of  absence,  and  failing 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        295 

to  report  himself  at  the  proper  place  when  ordered  to  do  so. 
If  this  view  of  the  case  be  correct,  then  we  beg  leave  still 
further  to  represent,  and  to  urge  in  extenuation,  as  follows: 
that  this  was  the  result  of  misunderstanding;  that  Mr.  Hudson 
on  being  ordered  to  report  at  his  regimental  headquarters 
went  directly  to  Colonel  Serrell,  who  was  then  in  New  York,  to 
obtain  information  where  the  said  headquarters  were;  that 
he  could  get  no  clear  information  from  him,  and  supposed 
that  in  so  reporting  to  him  he  had  in  substance  obeyed  orders; 
that  he  was  then  induced  to  return  to  be  with  his  wife  who 
was  then  dangerously  ill,  and  had  been  so  since  the  death  of 
his  son,  whose  dying  bed  he  had  but  just  left;  that  he  was 
then  taken  severely  ill  himself,  and  therefore  tendered  his 
resignation,  assigning  as  a  reason  for  it  continued  and  ob- 
stinate ill  health,  and  that  the  said  resignation  was  received 
and  forwarded  by  his  Colonel;  that  he  was  subsequently 
ordered  peremptorily  to  report  to  Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  and  was 
then  and  there,  on  the  day  of  his  arrival  at  Gen'l.  Butler's 
headquarters,  arrested  and  imprisoned  as  described,  notwith- 
standing that  his  errors  were  those  of  ignorance,  inadvertence, 
and  perplexity,  aggravated  by  the  pressure  of  severe  domestic 
distress  and  affliction,  and  by  heavy  sickness  and  weakness  of 
body. 

We  would  also  represent,  that  Mr.  Hudson  is  a  man  already 
considerably  past  the  prime  of  life;  that  his  health  is  feeble; 
and  that  in  our  judgment  there  is  little  probability  that  he 
can  long  endure  the  rigors  and  privations  of  his  present  posi- 
tion. We  lay  these  facts  before  you  with  full  confidence  that 
they  will  meet  your  earliest  attention,  and  in  the  hope  that  a 
harmless  and  suffering  man  may  speedily  be  relieved  from  a 
punishment  which  is  in  our  judgment  unexampled  in  pro- 
portion to  the  extent  and  nature  of  the  offence. 

We  have  the  honor  to  remain 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servants, 

Morgan  Dix,  Rector  of  Trinity  Church 
Ed.  G.  Higbee,  Benj.  I.  Haight, 
Fred  H.  Ogilby,  J.  H.  Weston, 
John  F.  Young,  Francis  Vinton, 
Henry  A.  Neely,  Assistant  minis- 
ters of  Trinity  Church 

Jas.  H.  Price,  D.D.,  Rector  of  St. 
Stephen's  Ch.,  Neio  York 


296   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

John  M.  Forbes,  Associate  Minister  of 

St.  Luke's  Ch. 
A.  Cleveland  Cope,  Red.  Calvary  Ch. 
John  Cotton  Smith,  Red.  of  Church  of 

Ascension 
Thomas  House  Taylor,  D.D.,  Red. 

of  Grace  Church,  New  York 
Samuel  Cooke,  Red.  St.  Bartholomew's 

Church 
John  McVicker,  President  of  Standing 

Committee  of  Diocese  of  New  York 
William  E.  Eigenbrodt,  Professor  of 

Pastoral    Theology    in    the    General 

Theological  Seminary  in  New  York 

I  concur  in  the  foregoing  statement,  and  have  to  add  that 
the  foregoing  signatures  are  genuine  in  every  respect. 

Horatio  Potter,  Bishop  of  New  York 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  iSth,  1864 

Dearest:  Where  are  you  now?  The  weather  has  been 
bad  for  you.  There  is  a  rumour  that  the  eighteenth  Corps 
have  moved  to  Fair  Oaks.  We  have  no  word  of  any  victories 
from  the  Potomac  Army  or  yours,  only,  that  all  have  gone 
forward. 

What  news  shall  we  get  tomorrow. f^  I  did  hope  a  line 
would  come  tonight,  though  I  had  no  reason  to  expect  it. 
You  are  too  busy,  and  too  far  away. 

I  sent  a  longer  letter  yesterday,  but  you  will  have  too 
much  to  think  of  to  pay  much  heed  to  it.  I  did  not  think  to 
write  tonight  but  I  am  restless  and  must  do  something.  To- 
morrow we  have  company,  it  is  tedious,  but  will  take  up  the 
day  in  part. 

Will  you  be  satisfied  with  this  week's  work  when  it  is  over? 
I  think  so.  If  you  act  to  the  extent  of  your  means  that  must 
content  you.  Oh,  how  stupidly  I  write,  my  thoughts  are 
barred  with  ribs  of  steel.  My  daily  life  and  notes  like  this 
give  no  expression  of  what  I  am,  or  what  I  feel.  Nor  does  it 
matter,  it  is  enough  that  I  am  truly  and  fondly  your 

Sarah 

Send  a  line  when  it  is  possible. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        297 

From  Citizens 

New  York,  October  29,  1864 

To  the  Honorable  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:  The  undersigned  beg  leave  respectfully  to  represent, 
that  the  Rev.  H.  N.  Hudson,  Chaplain  of  the  First  N.  Y.  Vols. 
Engineers,  was  on  the  19th  day  of  September  last,  arrested  by 
order  of  Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler,  and  placed  in  close  confinement  in 
the  Provost  Guard  Prison,  near  Point  of  Rocks,  Va.  where  as 
late  as  the  21st  October,  inst.  he  still  remained. 

That  it  is  now  nearly  forty  days  since  such  arrest,  but  no 
written  charges  had  at  the  above  date  been  served  upon  him 
as  required  by  law. 

That  the  alleged  cause  of  his  arrest  was  the  over-staying  a 
leave  of  absence  to  visit  his  family  near  Boston,  granted  to 
him  about  May  28th  by  Genl.  Gillmore,  then  his  Corps 
Commander,  and  not  obeying  an  order  to  return  made  by 
Gen'l.  Butler. 

That  we  are  satisfied  his  offence  in  this  particular  was 
excusable,  and  not  owing  to  any  intentional  neglect  of  duty 
or  disrespect  of  authority. 

This  leave  of  absence  was  granted  by  reason  of  the  illness 
of  his  oldest  son,  who  died  before  his  arrival.  Leaving  his 
wife  prostrated  by  the  affliction,  Mr.  Hudson,  on  receipt  of 
Gen'l.  Butler's  order,  reported  to  his  Colonel,  then  in  New 
York  on  some  special  service,  and  asked  his  directions.  The 
Colonel  stated  that  the  regiment  was  much  divided  and 
scattered,  and  gave  no  directions;  while  hesitating  as  to  his 
duty,  Mr.  Hudson  learned  that  his  wife  was  seriously  ill; 
he  returned  to  her  and  was  himself  soon  afterward  prostrated 
by  illness.  He  had  previously  been  directed  by  Gen'l.  Gill- 
more  to  await  instructions  from  him  in  New  York.  In  this 
apparent  confusion  of  duties,  he  undoubtedly  failed  in  strict 
military  obedience.  He  lingered  on,  hoping  to  recover  his 
strength,  but  on  the  1st  September  tendered  his  resignation, 
on  the  ground  of  "continued  and  obstinate  ill-health."  The 
response  to  this  was  a  peremptory  order  from  Gen'l.  Butler 
on  the  13th  September,  on  receipt  of  which  he  made  all  haste 
to  reach  head-quarters,  where  he  arrived  on  the  19th  Septem- 
ber, and  was  at  once  arrested.  We  further  represent  that 
Mr.  Hudson  is  a  clergyman  in  good  standing,  and  has  the 
friendship  and  respect  of  his  clerical  brethren;  that  he  is  a 
scholar  of  fine  attainments,  well  and  favorably  known  in  the 


298   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

best  literary  circles,  especially  in  this  city  and  Boston;  that 
he  is  a  loyal  and  faithful  supporter  of  the  Government,  and 
has,  as  we  believe,  labored  zealously  for  the  welfare  of  his 
regiment,  by  whom  he  is  highly  esteemed;  and  that  he  has 
many  friends  who  are  grieved  that  the  utmost  rigor  of  military 
discipline  should  be  visited  on  a  faithful  and  sincere  public 
servant, 

Mr.  Hudson  is  over  fifty  years  of  age,  has  been  nearly 
three  years  in  the  service,  and  his  health  is  now  very  much 
broken.  Nevertheless,  though  as  an  officer  under  arrest 
entitled  by  law  and  usage  to  be  confined  in  his  own  tent,  he 
has  been  closely  imprisoned  with  rebels  and  with  the  lowest 
criminals  of  our  army.  He  has  suffered  extremely,  and 
cannot,  we  fear,  endure  the  approaching  inclement  season. 
Why  then,  as  no  charges  have  been  served  on  him,  is  he  not 
entitled  to  be  discharged.'^  He  has  written  a  respectful  memo- 
rial and  explanation  to  Gen'l.  Butler,  and  surely  the  discipline 
of  the  army  cannot  require  his  further  punishment. 

An  extract  which  appeared  in  the  N.  Y.  Evening  Post,  May 
24th,  from  a  letter  written  by  Mr.  Hudson  to  the  editor,  is 
perhaps  Gen'l.  Butler's  real  grievance.  Mr.  Hudson,  in  his 
memorial,  explains  this  matter  fully,  and  his  assertion  of 
his  own  innocence  of  intention,  and  his  assurances  that  Gen'l. 
Gillmore  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  matter,  we  believe  to 
be  entitled  to  full  credit.  We  cannot  therefore  but  consider 
it  a  great  hardship  if  Mr.  Hudson  should  be  made  the  victim 
of  any  differences  between  Generals  Butler  and  Gillmore. 

We  appeal  then  to  you.  Sir,  in  confidence  that  you  will 
exercise  your  authority  to  set  Mr.  Hudson  free. 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Wm.  C.  Bryant,  Henry  J.  Raymond,  Parke  Godwin, 

Thomas  McGrath,  Wm.  Curtis  Noyes,  A.  A. 

Low,  S.  B.  Chittenden,   W.  E.   Dodge,  Peter 

Cooper,  T.  B.  Coddington 

From  General  Weitzel 

Private.     October  iQth,  1864 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Comdg.  Army  of  the  James 

My  dear  General:  I  do  not  wish  for  a  moment  that  you 
would  think  that  I  would  not  do  anything  with  pleasure  and 
to  the  best  of  my  ability  that  you  desire  me  to  do,  and  in 
order  that  you  may  understand  me  fully  and  correctly,  I  have 
concluded  to  write  this. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   299 

When  you  first  had  me  appointed  a  Brig.  General  I  was 
gratified,  because  I  thought  I  could  command  a  brigade,  and 
because  my  mother  being  poor  and  dependent  upon  me,  it 
gave  me  enough  pay  to  support  myself  and  her  too. 

After  you  left.  Gen.  Banks  always  placed  me  in  the  most 
responsible  and  trying  positions,  and  often,  especially  at 
Port  Hudson,  gave  me  a  much  larger  command  than  officers 
who  ranked  me.  Gen.  Franklin  did  likewise.  And  you  have 
certainly  shoved  me  forward. 

Now,  this  is  all  very  flattering  and  satisfactory  to  me  and 
my  friends. 

But  I  often,  very  often  (I  tell  you  frankly)  mistrust  my 
own  abilities.  I  think  you  are  over-rating  me.  This  very 
feeling  made  me  uneasy  and  nervous  on  one  occasion,  day 
before  yesterday,  and  I  thought  I  would  frankly  tell  you  so. 
This  is  my  great  objection  to  being  pushed  forward  so  much. 
I  want  first  to  feel  satisfied  that  I  am  capable  for  the  position. 

I  will  take  any  one  you  think  I  am  fit  for,  in  spite  of  private 
feelings  or  the  opinion  of  friends  and  relatives,  that  you  think 
for  the  good  of  the  country  I  ought  to  take.  But  I  don't  wish 
to  be  shoved  ahead  too  fast. 

In  every  position  I  may  be  placed  in,  I  will  be  so  free  as 
to  tell  you  when  I  think  you  are  too  sanguine  and  over-confi- 
dent and  bold,  as  I  honestly  think  you  are  apt  sometimes  to  be. 

Truly  yours,  G.  Weitzel,  Brig.  Gen. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Half  past  seven  in  the  morning.  Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  29,  1864 

Dearest:  I  had  determined  not  to  write  today.  But 
there  are  a  few  minutes  —  the  sun  is  shining  full  into  the 
windows  —  the  morning  is  so  bright  and  inviting  that  I  feel 
kindly  too,  and  excuse  your  forgetfulness. 

Blanche  is  better  —  will  ride  out  today.  The  children  were 
up  before  daylight.  I  have  ordered  breakfast  ten  minutes 
before  eight,  and  have  only  time  to  say.  Good  morning,  my 
dear,  you  are  a  little  forgetful.  y^^^^^  g^^^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Oct.  i9th,  1864,  2.50  p.m. 

John  H.  Hackett,  Esq.,  Corporation  Attorney,  New  York  City 
At  what  time  immediately  after  election  could  I  have  a  hear- 
ing  in  the  will  case?  ^   p  g^^^^^^  j^^.  ^^^,^   ^^^^,^ 


300       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 
Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Va.,  October  30th,  1864 

Henry  J.  Raymond,  Chairman  of  the  National 
Executive  Committee,  New  York 

Sir:  I  have  delayed  answering  the  note  of  your  committee, 
kindly  inviting  me  to  address  the  citizens  of  New  York  during 
the  political  canvass,  in  the  hope  that  I  might  find  time  when 
my  duties  in  the  field  would  permit  me  so  to  do.  I  find  it 
impossible,  however,  to  visit  New  York  without  a  sacrifice 
of  public  duties  which  seem  to  me  imperative.  This  is  a 
source  of  regret  if  it  is  possible  that  anything  I  might  say 
would  influence  a  single  voter  in  the  discharge  of  the  high 
duty  which  devolves  upon  him.  The  contest  for  the  life  of 
the  Nation  is  transferred  from  battle-field  to  the  political 
canvass,  and  a  victory  at  the  polls  by  those  who  love  the 
Union  and  are  willing  its  perpetuity  should  be  maintained  by 
the  bullet  if  need  be,  achieved  by  the  Ballot,  will  go  very  far 
towards  all  contest  in  the  field.  The  struggle  of  the  Rebellion 
is  prolonged  by  the  hope  of  being  able  to  maintain  it  against 
a  divided  country,  and  would  cease  to-day  were  it  thoroughly 
made  known,  as  I  doubt  not  it  will  be  by  the  result  of  the 
election,  that  the  country  is  harmonious  and  the  Government 
not  to  be  embarrassed  by  party  action.  A  vote,  therefore, 
for  the  Union  is  equal  to  a  recruit  to  the  army,  and  the  true 
way  for  the  loyal  North  to  avoid  a  farther  draft  on  their  men 
and  means  to  put  down  the  rebellion  is  to  show  a  vigorous 
and  united  determination  to  supply  the  Government  with 
both,  if  it  becomes  necessary  to  use  them.  It  is  an  axiom 
of  political  economy  that  thorough  preparation  for  war  by  a 
nation  in  time  of  peace  will  avert  war,  and  it  would  seem  to 
be  not  less  axiomatic  that  full  and  thorough  preparation  to 
carry  on  war  and  the  appliance  of  the  whole  power  which  the 
Nation  possesses  will  end  the  war. 

Not  meaning  to  impugn  the  patriotism  or  loyalty  of  many  of 
those  of  my  fellow-citizens  who  will  support  the  Chicago  plat- 
form in  the  coming  election,  I  only  utter  the  fullest  conviction 
of  my  judgment  in  declaring  that  the  action  of  those  who  thus 
use  their  power  as  electors  is  more  detrimental  to  the  country 
and  more  beneficial  to  the  rebellion  than  if  they  placed  them- 
selves actively  in  arms  side  by  side  with  the  rebels  in  the  field, 
and  left  a  united  country  to  sustain  the  Government  and  us. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        301 

With  these  opinions,  founded  upon  a  very  near  view  of  the 
contest  in  the  field;  with  means  of  information  scarcely 
enjoyed  by  any  other,  the  great  interest  with  which  in  com- 
mon with  every  well- judging  soldier  in  the  field  I  watch  the 
contest  at  home,  cannot  be  surpassed,  yet  without  solicitude, 
for  I  am  unable  to  conceive  that  any  very  considerable  number 
of  men  are  willing  to  abandon  their  country  and  their  man- 
hood at  the  call  of  party  faction,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully.  Your  obedient  Servant 


From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Va.,  October  30th,  1864 

Hon.  William  Clafflin,  Chairman  of  the  Republican 
State  Convention,  Boston,  Mass. 

Dear  Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  complimentary  invitation  to  address  the  people  of  Massa- 
chusetts at  Faneuil  Hall  upon  the  issues  of  the  present  canvass ; 
and  should  be  well  pleased,  if  my  duties  in  the  field  would 
permit  a  visit  to  my  home,  to  confer  with  my  fellow-citizens 
upon  the  great  questions  which  are  to  be  settled  at  the  coming 
election.  Specially  am  I  desirous  so  to  do  because  I  am  fully 
convinced  that  the  election  determines  the  place  of  my  country 
among  the  nations  for  all  coming  time,  and  were  it  possible, 
as  your  Committee  is  kindly  disposed  to  believe,  that  any- 
thing I  might  do  or  say  in  Massachusetts  could  influence  that 
result,  it  would  be  my  duty,  laying  aside  all  else,  to  repair 
at  once  to  the  field,  where  in  my  judgment,  the  whole  contest 
will  be  decided,  on  the  8th  of  November. 

But  in  such  a  case,  if  I  had  such  power,  I  would  not  go  to 
Massachusetts,  for  "they  that  are  whole  need  no  physician, 
but  they  that  are  sick";  and  I  cannot  believe  for  a  moment 
that  there  can  be  any  considerable  portion  of  the  citizens  of 
Massachusetts  so  misled  in  their  judgment,  so  blinded  by 
their  prejudices,  so  unreasoning  in  their  party  ties,  and  so 
unpatriotic  in  the  effect  of  their  misjudged  action,  as  to  sus- 
tain by  their  votes  the  principles  enunciated  in  the  Chicago 
Platform.  Specially  as  this  canvass  differs  from  every  other 
in  this,  that  the  life  or  death  of  the  nation  as  a  power  on 
earth  depends  on  the  actions  of  the  hour. 

A  vote  to  forget  our  manhood,  to  abandon  the  doctrines  of 
our  fathers,  to  give  up  the  hope  of  republican  liberty  forever. 


302   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  check  at  once  and  forever  the  American  Nation  in  its 
great  missionary  march  of  civihzation,  progress,  and  Christian 
freedom;  to  abandon  the  hopes  of  milHons  yet  to  be,  can 
never  be  given  by  Massachusetts,  or  the  country. 

It  is  the  profoundest  conviction  of  my  judgment  that  such 
is  the  effect  of  the  vote  demanded  by  those  who  seek  to  es- 
tablish the  principles  of  the  Chicago  Resolutions.  We  are 
asked  to  yield  all  our  most  cherished  convictions,  to  give  up 
our  principles,  to  stupify  our  reason,  to  abandon  the  graves  of 
our  brothers  and  sons  on  every  battlefield,  to  proclaim  their 
lives  a  failure  and  their  deaths  as  nought. 

And  for  what.''  To  open  negotiations  with  those  who  refuse 
to  negotiate,  and  to  try  the  not  doubtful  experiment  of  meeting 
with  diplomacy  those  armed  to  the  teeth  for  a  fight.  To 
make  friends  with  those  who  have  declared  themselves  enemies, 
and  to  extend  the  hand  of  fellowship  and  take  the  hands  of 
those  who  are  reeking  with  our  brothers'  blood. 

This,  I  will  never  consent  to  do.  When  by  repentance 
and  works  meet  for  repentance  the  rebels  acknowledge  the 
wrong  they  have  done  country  and  mankind,  and  submit  to 
the  laws  of  the  country;  when  they  have  assumed  their  con- 
stitutional obligations  and  fulfilled  their  duties  under  the 
constitution,  then  will  be  the  time  for  them  and  their  friends 
to  ask  for  their  constitutional  rights.  When  they  come 
bringing  the  olive  branch  of  peace,  let  them  be  received  in 
peace.  When  they  come  with  the  rifle  and  bayonet,  let  them 
be  received  in  war. 

Thus,  I  have  ever  read  the  glorious  legend  emblazoned  in 
the  shield  of  Massachusetts,  "By  the  sword  she  seeks  peace 
with  liberty." 

It  has  been  said  by  the  opponents  of  the  Government  that 
the  Army  vote  would  decide  this  contest.  I  earnestly  and 
reverently  pray  God  that  it  may,  for  if  expressed  without  the 
intervention  of  fraud  and  deceit,  it  will  end  the  contest  by 
about  the  same  majority  over  the  opponents  of  the  Govern- 
ment that  will  be  found  of  the  true  men  in  the  ranks  of  the 
army  over  the  skulking  in  the  day  of  battle. 

In  any  matter  connected  with  the  state  issues  at  home,  if 
there  are  any,  there  must  be  still  less  use  of  my  being  with 
you. 

No  one  can  doubt  of  the  re-election  of  the  present  executive 
Government  of  Massachusetts,  for  I  believe  no  one  has  ever 
questioned  the  ability,  patriotism,  and  zealous  energy  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        303 

present  Chief  Magistrate.  Although  differing  with  him  in 
some  matters  of  policy  and  expediency,  I  have  never,  nor  have 
the  people  of  the  Commonwealth  ever,  questioned  either  his 
fitness  for  his  position  or  the  ability  and  integrity  with  which 
he  has  sustained  it. 

7  have  the  honor  to  he,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  Assistant  Adjutant  General  Bowers 

City  Point,  Oct.  30,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler 

Gen.  Grant  is  not  at  Hd.  Qrs.  at  present.  I  do  not  know 
where  he  is  gone,  but  suppose  he  went  down  the  river  a  short 
distance   with   Gen'l  Halleck.     I   will  telegraph  you  on  his 

^^^^^^^-  T.  S.  Bowers,  A.  A.  G. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  Oct.  30th,  2.45  p.m. 

Maj.  Gen.  Terry,  Comd'g  19th  Army  Corps 

I  AM  about  to  leave  for  Fortress  Monroe.  The  command  of 
the  forces  will  therefore  devolve  immediately  upon  you.  Please 
keep  me  advised  by  telegraph  of  any  movement,  and  in  six 
hours  I  will  be  here. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

Forward  to  Gen.  Weitzel  for  his  information. 
From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Fort  Moneoe,  Oct.  3\st,  1864 

When  your  despatch  was  rec'd  I  was  absent.  I  would  like 
to  see  you  this  evening.     Your  coming  down  will  save  me  going 

"P-  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  Colonel  John  E.  Mulford 

Copy  sent  to  front.    Fort  Monroe,  Oct.  30th,  1864 

To  Major  General  Butler,  in  field 

"Atlantic  and  Baltic"  arrived  here  this  morning  with  twelve 
hundred  (1200)  sick  and  wounded  paroled  prisoners  on  board. 
I  am  informed  by  Col.  Webster,  chief  Quartermaster,  that 
these  vessels  are  not  to  be  used  in  this  expedition  to  Savannah. 
There  is  not  a  vessel  in  the  fleet  suitable  to  transfer  these  very 


304   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

sick  men  to,  without  these  two  ships.  I  shall  not  have  proper 
transportation  for  more  than  800  of  our  own  sick  unless  other 
vessels  are  fitted  up  as  hospital  ships,  which  will  involve  much 
time  and  expense.  Knowing  full  well  the  class  and  condition 
of  prisoners  I  am  to  receive  at  Savannah,  I  am  unwilling  to 
undertake  their  transportation  with  less  good  hospital  accom- 
modations than  will  accommodate  2000  men.  There  is  no 
possible  service  to  perform  where  they  can  be  so  useful  as  on 
this  trip.  If  they  cannot  be  used,  will  you  please  order  your 
medical  director  to  fit  out  some  of  the  transports  now  here  for 
this  service?     Please  direct  me  what  to  do. 

John  E.  Mulford,  Lt.  Col.,  etc. 

From  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Oct.  S\st,  1864 

To  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War, 
Washington,  D.  C. 
I  HAVE  1200  sick  men  on  board  the  hosp.  strs.  "Atlantic" 
&  "Baltic"  ready  to  sail.  I  have  no  fit  steamer  to  which 
to  transfer  them.  I  deem  it  for  the  interest  of  the  service 
&  humanity  that  the  use  I  design  should  be  made  of  these 
steamers.  I  am  awaiting  an  answer  to  my  telegram  whether 
they  shall  be  unloaded,  &  have  come  to  Ft.  Monroe  for  the 
purpose  of  attending  to  it.  The  case  will  be  even  worse  when 
we  receive  our  own  sick  &  wounded  from  Georgia. 

Benj.  F.  B.,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Hitchcock 

Freeport,  Oct.  31,  '64 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  a  newspaper  notice  signed 
by  True  W.  Bennett,  claiming  to  be  Lt.  Col.  and  acting  agent 
of  Exchange,  dated  Exchange  Office  Hilton  Head,  in  which  it 
is  said  money,  preferably  confederate  bills,  gold  next,  &  U.  S. 
bills  least  so,  may  be  sent  our  prisoners.  Also  many  articles 
that  are  not  allowed  by  the  confederates  to  be  given  to  the 
prisoners.  I  was  not  aware  that  there  was  an  exchange  office 
at  Hilton  Head  or  a  real  agent  of  exchange  there,  and  therefore 
there  can  be  no  acting  one.  But  a  few  days  since  I  was  assured 
by  the  Secretary  of  War  that  the  whole  question  of  exchange 
was  in  my  hands.  And  these  interferences  embarrass  me  very 
much.     I  make  one  set  of  necessary  regulations  and  some 


LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        305 

acting  agent  makes  another.  I  make  one  negotiation  and  he 
makes  another.  Cannot  all  this  be  prevented.'^  "Too  many 
cooks  spoil  the  broth  "  is  as  true  in  other  matters  as  in  the  science 
of  gastronomy.  Will  you  have  orders  sent  to  Maj.  Gen. 
Foster  not  to  interfere.  I  am  just  negotiating  to  have  an  equal 
supply  of  clothing  &  supplies  forwarded  to  the  prisoners. 
I  understand  there  have  gone  down  large  supplies  of  clothing 
before  the  negotiations  are  completed.  I  send  herewith  copies 
of  my  instructions  to  Maj.  Mulford  upon  this  subject;  they 
have  met  the  approval  of  Gen.  Grant  as  embodying  the  sub- 
stance of  the  correspondence  between  himself  and  Gen.  Lee, 
and  I  hope  will  meet  the  approval  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 
Respectfully  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler, 

Maj.  Gen.  &  Comr.  of  Exchange 

From  Assistant  Secretary  Dana  to  General  Butler 

Cipher.  Washington,  Oct.  31,  1864 
Hugh  Crocker,  an  agent  of  Governor  Seymour,  is  now  with 
the  third  (3d)  Brigade,  third  (3d)  Division  of  the  tenth  (10th) 
Corps,  and  John  F.  McQuaid,  another  such  agent  and  lately  an 
Aide-de-Camp  to  Fitz  John  Porter,  is  with  the  second  (2d) 
Brigade  of  the  same  Division.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that 
they  are  engaged  in  such  frauds  as  have  recently  been  dis- 
covered here  and  in  Baltimore.     Please  have  them  looked  after. 

C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Sec'y.  of  War 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Fkeeport,  Oct.  31,  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  have  been  doing  all  I  could  for  the 
election  this  last  week.  I  cannot  endure  the  labour  that  I 
would  like  to  perform.  I  cannot  refrain  from  letting  you  know 
the  feeling  of  the  people.  At  every  meeting  the  crowd  insists 
on  my  telling  something  about  you.  I  have  arranged  several 
things  done  in  N.  O.  that  I  think  will  best  illustrate  what  you 
have  done  there.  Last  evening  Mr.  Tremain  of  Albany  spent 
the  evening  with  me,  and  he  says  he  can  get  up  a  howl  for  you 
at  any  time.  He  has  been  stumping  in  the  West.  He  is  the 
representative  of  the  War  Democracy  of  N.  York  and  the 
radical  young  men  of  the  party.  He  says  that  N.  Y.  will 
insist  on  a  radical  change  in  affairs  after  election  and  that  the 
class  he  represents  are  determined  to  be  represented  in  the 
next  administration  by  you.     We  will  carry  Ills,  by  a  handsome 

VOL.  V — 20 


306        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

maj.  I  promised  Tremain  that  after  the  smoke  of  election 
was  well  cleared  away  that  I  would  go  to  New  York  with  a 
number  of  our  live  men  and  arrange  for  a  general  attack  front 
and  rear  on  Lincoln  for  a  change. 

I  was  much  pained  to  see  the  account  of  Birney's  death. 
I  know  he  was  a  good  soldier,  and  I  now  think  you  will  do  well 
to  let  Terry  have  the  10th  corps.  He  is  a  good  soldier,  and 
if  he  lacks  in  anything  it  is  in  taking  the  responsibility,  but 
as  you  will  be  close  on  the  heels  of  any  move  you  make  you 
can  help  in  that  direction.  I  am  sure  he  will  be  earnest  and 
faithful.  I  see  by  the  papers  that  Gen'l  Gordon  has  been 
ordered  to  report  to  Grant.  Turner  says  he  is  a  bad  man, 
and  hopes  you  will  keep  clear  of  him.  I  wish  you  would  tell 
Kensel  or  some  of  the  young  men  to  write  me  all  about  affairs 
at  the  front,  for  I  have  lost  none  of  my  interest. 

Your  friend,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  Assistant  Adjutant  General  Breck 

Washington,  Oct.  ^\st,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler 

Grant  furloughs  of  the  usual  length  to  all  Vermont  soldiers 
in  hospitals  in  your  Dept.,  to  enable  them  to  vote  on  the 
(8th)  eighth  of  November.     Acknowledge  receipt. 

Sam'l  Breck,  A.  A.  G. 

From  General  Grant 

Cipher.     City  Point,  Va.,  November  1,  1864,  3.30  p.m. 

Major-General  Butler,  Fort  Monroe 

I  AM  just  in  receipt  of  despatch  from  Secretary  of  War, 
asking  me  to  send  more  troops  to  the  City  of  New  York,  and  if 
possible  to  let  you  go  there  until  after  election.  I  wish  you 
would  start  for  Washington  immediately,  and  be  guided  by 
orders  from  there  in  the  matter. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.     Washington,  D.  C,  Nov.  ind,  1864 

Lt.  Genl.  U.  S.  Grant,  City  Point 

I  AM  here  in  obedience  to  your  order.  Am  ordered  to  report 
in  New  York  to  Gen.  Dix.  From  the  state  of  things  as  I 
can  learn  them,  we  should  have  at  least  five  thousand  (5000) 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        307 

good  troops,  and  at  least  two   (2)   batteries  of   Napoleons. 

There  is  necessity  for  haste  in  getting  them.     They  can  easily 

be  spared  from  the  10th  &  18th  Corps.     A  show  of  force  may 

prevent  trouble.     I  have  directed  the  Qr.  Master    at    Fort 

Monroe  to  have  ready  all  transportation  there,  making  use 

of  that  provided  for  Col.  Mulford  except  the  "Atlantic"  & 

"Baltic." 

I  would  desire  that  the  particular  brigades  or  regiments  to 

be  sent  should  be  left  to  the  selection  of  Generals  Weitzel  & 

Terry.     They  will  have  ample  enough  to  hold  their  lines  after 

reliable  troops  are  sent  to  me.     Shall  leave  tonight  for  New 

York,  Fifth  Avenue  Hotel.       t.         t^  t>  nr   -  n    >i 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  Washington  City,  November  id,  1864 

General:  You  will  please  proceed  immediately  to  New 
York,  and  report  to  Major  General  Dix  for  temporary  duty 
in  the  Department  of  the  East,  and  for  assignment  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  troops  in  the  Harbor  and  City  of  New  York  that 
may  be  forwarded  by  General  Grant's  orders. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War 

E.  D.  TowNSEND,  Asst.  Adjutant  General 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Office  U.  S.  Military  Telegraph, 
War  Department,  Washington,  D.  C,  Nov.  2d,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Terry,  Head  Qrs.  10th  Army  Corps 
in  the  field  near  Richmond 
You  will  be  ordered  to  send  troops  to  me  at  New  York. 
Select  those  which  are  reliable.     Confer  with  Weitzel.     It  may 
be  necessary  to  make  composite  brigades.     Great  activity  in  get- 
ting them  off  will  be  required.     They  are  supposed  to  be  going 

1  mi  g  on.  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Terry 

Cipher.    City  Point,  Va.,  Nov.  2,  1964,  5  p.m. 

Send  a  good  large  brigade  of  infantry,  with  two  batteries  of 
Napoleon  guns,  to  report  to  General  Butler  at  New  York  at 
once.  If  you  have  Western  troops,  they  will  be  preferable. 
Answer  what  troops  you  send. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 


308   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Terry  to  General  Grant 

Headquarters  Army  of  the  James,  November  2,  1864,  7  p.m. 

I  HAVE  four  Western  regiments.  In  two  of  these  there  is 
much  dissatisfaction,  because,  as  the  men  think,  their  time 
has  expired.  I  do  not  think  they  are  as  much  to  be  trusted 
just  now  as  some  others.  To  make  a  brigade  large,  I  must 
add  regiments  to  it.     Please  indicate  the  number  you  wish  sent. 

A.  H.  Terry,  Major-General 

From  General  Terry  to  Colonel  Dodge 

November  i,  1864 

Make  your  estimates  for  3,000  infantry.  Keep  this  matter 
as  private  as  possible,  and  make  haste.  The  artillery  will 
move  right  down  to  Jones'  Landing  and  embark  there. 

Alfred  H.  Terry,  Brevet  Major-General 

From  General  Butler 

Office  of  U.  S.  Military  Telegraph,  War  Departm,ent, 

Washington,  D.  C,  Nov.  ind,  1864 

Col.  Webster,  Chief  Qr.  Master,  Fortress  Monroe 

The  "Atlantic"  and  "Baltic"  will  proceed  at  once  with  the 
loads  to  Fort  Pulaski.  Mulford  will  go  with  them,  leaving 
the  "New  York"  and  the  rest  of  his  fleet  to  be  used  as  trans- 
ports for  troops  to  Wilmington,  and  to  be  sent  after  him  or 
go  back  with  him,  as  he  may  arrange. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  Captain  Martin 

Nov.  id,  1864 

You  will  at  once  proceed  with  the  "Greyhound"  and  bring 
the  sorrel  &  roan  horses  and  head  Qr.  guard,  Watson's  com- 
pany, to  New  York.  They  can  turn  out  in  good  weather  1-2 
dozen  of  the  best  orderlies  and  their  horses  and  report  to  me 
there.     Haggerty,  Manning  (?),  Davenport  will  come  with  you. 

Bring  my  trunk  and  black  suit.  Ask  Mrs.  Butler  for  it. 
You  can  come  round  with  her  if  you  choose. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        309 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Office  U.  S.  Military  Telegraph,  War  Department, 

Washington,  D.  C,  Nov.  2,  Wed.,  1864 

My  dear  Sarah:  I  leave  tonight  for  New  York.^  Martin 
will  get  ready  to  go  with  you  directly.  I  have  sent  the  "Grey- 
hound" for  my  head  Q'r  guard  and  horses,  but  you  had  better 
not  go  round  in  her.  All  well.  I  don't  think  there  is  to  be 
much  of  a  shower  after  all.  I  am  wTiting  in  the  War  Office 
to  send  down  by  the  "Greyhound"  —  and  haven't  time  to 
say  more  than  goodbye,  dearest  wife.  -n  p    tj 

From  Thomas  M.  Clark  to  General  Butler 

Providence,  R.  I.,  Nov.  Ind,  1864 

My  dear  General:  It  is  reported  in  New  York,  and  is 
causing  much  excitement  there,  that  the  Reverend  H.  N. 
Hudson  has  been  for  some  weeks  confined  under  circumstances 
of  peculiar  aggravation,  for  having  failed  to  report  himself 
in  due  time  at  Head  Quarters.  I  do  not  believe  one  tittle  of 
what  is  said  respecting  his  condition,  but  I  do  most  earnestly 
beg  of  you  the  personal  favor,  if  he  is  still  in  confinement, 

°  '  Very  truly  yours,  Thomas  M.  Clark 

From  George  Haiipt  to  General  Butler 

Treasury,  3  Nov.  1864 

Dear  General:  I  cannot  refrain  from  saying  that  the 
cloud  which  for  some  time  has  been  hanging  over  me  in  relation 
to  election  frauds  is  this  morning  dispelled  by  a  knowledge  of 
the  fact  that  you  have  gone  to  New  York. 

Truly  Yours,  George  Haupt 

From  General  Terry 

Cipher.     City  Point,  Nov.  3,  1864,  9.20  a.m. 

For  Major  Gen'l  B.  F.  Butler,  N.  York 

Every  effort  has  been  made  to  carry  out  your  orders  —  the 
best  troops  have  been  selected  and  are  waiting  at  the  landing 
ready  to  embark. 

Col.  Dodge  has,  I  think,  done  everything  in  his  power  to 

1  Mrs.  Butler  and  her  daughter  joined  General  Butler  at  his  headquarters  at  the 
Hoflfman  House  in  New  York,  where  they  remained  until  after  the  New  York  election. 


310   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

get  transportation,  as  yet  without  success.      There  is  none 
here,  but  he  hopes  to  get  it  from  Fort  Monroe. 

Alfred  Terry,  Brev.  Maj.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Confidential.     United  States  Military  Telegraph,  Nov.  3rd,  1864 

Have  arrived.     No  troops   here  yet.     Will   you   inform   me 

when  I  can  expect  them  and  what  troops  .f*     I  believe  all  will  be 

quiet,  certainly  if  there  is  a  force.     Did  you  receive  telegram 

from  me  yesterday  .f*  t»  T^   t>  n/r   •   n 

■^  "^  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Confidential.    November  3rd,  1864,  3  o'clock 

To  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Have  reported  to  Gen.  Dix.  He  proposes  to  put  me  in  a 
District  composed  of  the  Northern  Districts  of  New  York, 
and  Vermont.  I  think  I  shall  be  of  more  use  on  the  James. 
To  carry  out  your  ideas  the  district  should  be  the  State  of  New 
York.  Gen.  Dix  will  have  all  New  England  and  New  Jersey 
left.     Please  settle  it.     No  troops  arrived. 

Gen.  Dix  has  issued  an  order  that  no  military  officer  is  to 
act  on  the  8th  unless  called  upon  by  the  civil  authorities. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

Washington,  Nov.  3d,  1864 

For  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  5th  Ave.  Hotel 

Give  teleg.  to  Gen'l  Dix,  and  think  the  matter  will  be  settled 
now  without  trouble. 

A  teleg.  from  Gen'l.  Grant  in  relation  to  the  troops  will  be 
forwarded  you. 

If  there  be  any  departure  from  the  command  assigned  in 
my  orders  let  me  know  immediately. 

E.  M.  Stanton,  Secy,  of  War 

From  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  Dana 

Washington,  Nov.  3, 1864 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler,  5th  Avenue  Hotel 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant  reports  from  City  Point  that  there  has 
been  some  delay  in  forwarding  troops  from  lack  of  transpor- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        311 

tation  —  they  are  now  to  be  sent  by  Monroe  in  river  boats  to 
meet  the  ocean  steamers  there. 

The  force  have  been  selected  by  Terry  &  Weitzel,  who  have 
taken  the  best  men  in  their  Corps.  Several  N.  Y.  regiments 
are  included,  it  being  impracticable  otherwise  to  fulfill  the  order. 

C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Sec.  of  War 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Nov.  3d 

For  Gen  I.  Butler,  5th  Ave.  Hotel 

Troops  were  ordered  from  here  promptly,  (3100)  thirty-one 
hundred  infantry  sent  from  the  10th  &  18th  Corps  selected  by 
their  Corps  Commanders  for  their  reliability,  and  (2)  two 
batteries  as  you  requested  —  the  brigade  of  regulars  had  been 
previously  ordered  from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Want 
of  ocean  transports  has  delayed  the  shipment  of  these  troops 
but  the  advance  of  them  must  reach  you  tomorrow.  All 
quiet  in  front.  ^    g    ^^^^ 

From  General  Dix 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  East,  New  York  Citt,  November  4,  1864 

Major  Gen  I.  B.  F.  Butler,  U.  S.  Vols. 
General  Orders  No.  86 

Major  General  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  having  been  as- 
signed to  duty  in  this  Department,  will  take  command  of  the 
troops  which  are  arriving  here  to  meet  existing  emergencies, 
and  which  will  be  put  on  service  in  the  State  of  New  York 
subject  to  his  orders. 

By  command  of  Major  General  Dix 

Chas.  Temple  Dix,  Major  &  A.  D.  C.  Acfg  Asst.  General 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.     New  York  City,  Nov.  4,  1864 

Col.  B.  C.  Webster,  Chief  Qr.  Master,  Fort  Monroe 

Do  you  need  more  transportation  to  New  York.^*  Answer 
immediately.  T5  F  R 


312   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Quartermaster  Webster 

Ft.  Monroe,  I^ov.  4,  '64 

For  Geri'l.  Butler,  5th  Ave.  Hotel 

I  HAVE  taken  that  not  actually  loaded  by  Mulford,  and  have 
plenty  for  all  purposes  that  I  have  knowledge  of. 

Webster,  Col.   &  Qr.  Master 

From  J.  G.  Wilson  to  General  Butler 

109  &  111  Warren  St.,  Nov.  4,  1864 

Dear  Sir:  I  have  just  this  moment  heard  a  man  say  that 
a  party,  whose  name  he  knows,  declared  that  you  would  be 
assassinated  and  that  he  would  assist.  The  first  party  I  am 
acquainted  with,  and  think  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  finding 
the  second. 

The  first  party  refused  to  give  the  name  of  the  second,  but 
I  am  satisfied  he  will  not  refuse  if  called  on  by  an  officer. 

J.  G.  Wilson 

From  J.  G.  England  to  General  Butler 

Tribune  Office,  Nov.  4,  1864 

I  KNOW  Mr.  Wilson.  He  is  a  respectable  merchant  in  Warren 
St.,  and  I  believe  eminently  trustworthy.  He  undoubtedly 
believes  that  thereof  he  writes.  Perhaps  it  would  be  well  to 
trace  the  affair.  At  all  events  no  harm  can  result  from  an 
investigation. 

Very  respectfully,  J.  G.  England,  City  Ed.  N.Y.  Tribune 

From  Henry  W.  Bellows  to  General  Butler 

Private.    New  York,  Nov.  4, 1864 

General:  Many  of  our  most  respected  citizens  have  called 
on  me  to  intercede  with  you  in  behalf  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hudson, 
now  under  arrest  by  your  orders  &  said  to  be  in  close  confine- 
ment. I  am  too  much  of  a  believer  in  the  necessities  of  military 
discipline,  and  know  too  well  the  vigor  of  your  methods,  to 
presume  to  ask  any  relaxation  of  military  law  in  his  case. 
I  know  nothing  of  the  circumstances  &  have  no  judgment  about 
the  case.  I  merely  offer  you  from  friendly  motives  the  sug- 
gestions that  he,  Mr.  Hudson,  is  a  well-known  clergyman  of 
high  literary  reputation,  and  very  numerous  friends.  His 
present  position  is  occupying  the  attention  &  exciting  the  sym- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   313 

pathies  of  very  many  influential  persons  —  have  made  powerful 
representations  to  the  War  Department  in  Mr,  Hudson's  favor. 
It  is  commonly  said  here  that  Mr.  Hudson  is  treated  with 
peculiar  vigor,  &  in  a  manner  contrary  to  military  usages  in 
similar  cases.  It  is  only  the  respectability  of  the  complaints 
that  induces  me  to  ask  all  the  consideration  which  your  urgent 
responsibilities  will  allow,  to  this  case.  Mr.  Hudson  is  a  man 
of  too  much  worth  &  too  much  importance  to  make  it  possible 
for  his  alleged  trials  not  to  occasion  a  large  share  of  clerical 
&  social  sympathy  and  excitement.  But  I  do  not,  &  could  not 
conscientiously  ask  any  consideration  for  him,  or  any  other 
offender,  against  discipline  —  the  vast  importance  of  which  I 
fully  appreciate  —  except  that  which  justice,  wisdom,  & 
regulations  allow  and  require.  With  great  respect,  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  y^^^^  ^^^^^^  Henry  W.  Bellows 

From  A  Loyal  Man  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  Nov  4,  1864 

Sir  :  Anonymous  letters  are  not  usually  worth  consideration, 
but  I  beg  you  to  at  least  read  what  I  am  about  to  say,  to 
which  as  an  honest  man  I  would  sign  my  name  if  I  did  not 
fear  my  life  would  be  thereby  endangered. 

I  am  necessarily  associated  in  business  with  a  man  who  has 
avowed  himself  to  me  as  a  member  of  the  "Minute  men," 
of  which  R.  F.  Stevens,  105  E  49th  St.,  is  commander.  This 
man  tells  me  in  confidence  that  these  men  are  all  armed,  &  that 
a  project  is  matured  for  the  seizure  of  the  Navy  Yard,  Arsenal, 
&c.  next  week  or  week  after. 

Now,  as  I  was  at  the  Navy  Yard  yesterday,  and  saw  no 
defensive  preparations,  &  at  the  arsenal  today,  where  there  is 
not  even  a  corporal's  guard,  I  deem  it  my  duty  to  state  these 
facts  to  you  as  I  learn  them.     By  all  means  watch  Stevens. 

A  loyal  man 

From  Major  Bolles  to  General  Butler 

5th  Ave  Hotel,  Friday  a.m.  (Nod.  4,  1864) 

General:  I  called  by  order  of  Maj.  Gen.  Dix  to  inquire 
of  you  whether  the  troops  that  are  coming  are  supplied  with 
tents  &  camp  equipage.  And  to  say  that  Gen'l.  Dix  will 
be  glad  to  see  you  either  at  his  Hd.  Qrs.  between  2  &  3  o'clock 


314   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

P.M.  today,  or  here  at  the  hotel  soon  after  3,  as  he  goes  home, 
whichever  may  be  most  convenient  to  you.     I  am, 

Very  Respectfully,   Your  Obt.   Svt., 

John  A.  Bolles,  Maj.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  S.  Draper 

Custom  House,  New  York,  Collector's  Office,  Nov.  4,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  5th  Ave. 

My  dear  Sir:  Will  you  give  us  a  few  words  at  the  Mer- 
chants Meeting  today  at  3  o'clock  in  front  of  the  Custom 

House?     Your  friends  Sisk  it.         ^r         rr     i     c^    t\ 

''  Yours  Iruly,  S.  Draper 

From  Geo.  B.  Loring  to  General  Butler 

Salem,  Nov.  ith,  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  enclose  with  this  a  letter  which  I 
have  been  compelled  to  write  in  order  to  prevent  all  misunder- 
standing with  regard  to  my  public  position.  I  have  declared 
myself  in  favor  of  the  administration,  as  the  only  position  which 
can  be  taken  at  this  time  by  those  who  expect  and  mean  to 
have  a  powerful  nation  here  and  a  good  country.  I  hope  you 
will  approve  my  course.  The  democratic  party  still  clings 
to  its  prejudices,  and  from  having  been  the  party  of  the  Union, 
is  now  the  tool  of  disorganizers,  and  of  the  remnants  of  the  old 
line  whig  party  who  hope  for  place  through  its  agency.  I 
have  held  on  as  long  as  I  could,  until  I  have  become  shocked 
at  the  course  which  the  old  party  has  laid  down.  Wishing 
you  God  speed  in  the  work  before  you,  I  am. 

Truly  your  friend  and  servant,  Geo.  B.  Loring 

From  Capt.  Stimson 

Asst.  Qrm's  Office,  New  York,  Nov.  5,  1864 

Maj.  Gen'l.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g  Troops,  &c.  New  York 

Gen'l.  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
letter  of  this  inst.  I  have  ascertained  that  I  can  meet  the 
Supt.  of  Railway  at  nine  o'clock  tomorrow,  and  I  shall  make 
every  possible  effort  to  have  the  troops  move  at  an  early  hour 
tomorrow.     I  am.  General,  Most  Respectfully, 

Your  obt.  Servt.  D.  Stimson,  Capt.  &  Q.  M. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   315 

From  General  Dix  to  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  East,  New  York  City,  5  Nov. — 1864 

General:  The  8th  U.  S.  Infy.  has  arrived  &  the  other  Regts., 
one  expected  every  hour.  This  Regt.  of  the  14th  had  about 
480  men,  just  the  force  needed  at  Buffalo  immediately.  Please 
order  these  there  unless  you  think  some  other  Regts.  will  be 
preferable.     Gov.  Van  Vliet  has  transportation  ready. 

Maj.  Gen.  Peck  left  for  Buffalo  this  morning.  Please  direct 
the  regiments  to  report  to  him. 

Respectfully  Yours,  John  A.  Dix,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hdqrs.  City  of  New  York,  November  5th,  1864 

General  Orders  No.  1 

In  obedience  to  the  orders  of  the  President,  and  by  the 
assignment  of  Maj.  Gen.  Dix,  Comd'g.  Department  of  the  East, 
Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler  assumes  command  of  the  troops  arriving 
and  about  to  arrive,  detailed  for  duty  in  the  State  of  New 
York  to  meet  existing  emergencies. 

To  correct  misapprehension,  to  soothe  the  fears  of  the  weak 
and  timid,  to  allay  the  nervousness  of  the  ill-advised,  to 
silence  all  false  rumors  circulated  by  bad  men  for  wicked 
purposes,  and  to  contradict  once  and  for  all  false  statements 
adapted  to  injure  the  Government  in  the  respect  and  con- 
fidence of  the  people  —  the  Commanding  General  takes  occasion 
to  declare  that  troops  have  been  detailed  for  duty  in  this  dis- 
trict sufiicient  to  preserve  the  peace  of  the  United  States,  to 
protect  public  property,  to  prevent  and  punish  incursions  into 
our  borders,  and  to  insure  calm  and  quiet. 

If  it  were  not  within  the  information  of  the  Government 
that  raids  like  in  quality  and  object  to  that  made  at  St.  Albans 
were  in  contemplation,  there  could  have  been  no  necessity  for 
precautionary  preparations. 

The  Commanding  General  has  been  pained  to  see  publications 
by  some  not  too- well  informed  persons,  that  the  presence  of 
the  troops  of  the  United  States  might  by  possibility  have  an 
effect  upon  the  free  exercise  of  the  duty  of  voting  at  the  ensuing 
election.     Nothing  could  be  further  from  the  truth. 

The  soldiers  of  the  United  States  are  specially  to  see  to  it 
that  there  is  no  interference  with  the  election  of  any  body,  unless 
the  civil  authorities  are  overcome  with  force  by  bad  men. 

The  armies  of  the  United  States  are  "ministers  of  good  and 


316   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

not  of  evil."  They  are  safeguards  of  constitutional  liberty, 
which  is  freedom  to  do  right,  not  wrong.  They  can  be  a  terror  to 
evil  doers  only,  and  those  who  fear  them  are  accused  by  their 
own  consciences. 

Let  every  citizen  having  a  right  to  vote  do  so  according  to 
the  inspiration  of  his  own  judgment  freely.  He  will  be  pro- 
tected in  that  right  by  the  whole  power  of  the  government  if 
it  shall  become  necessary. 

At  the  polls  it  is  not  possible  exactly  to  separate  the  illegal 
from  the  legal  vote  —  "the  tares  from  the  wheat,"  but  it 
is  possible  to  detect  and  punish  the  fraudulent  voter  after  the 
election  is  over. 

Fraudulent  voting  in  preelection  of  United  States  officers 
is  an  offence  against  the  peace  and  dignity  of  the  United  States. 

Every  man  knows  whether  he  is  a  duly  qualified  voter,  and 
he  who  votes,  not  being  qualified,  does  a  grievous  wrong  against 
light  and  knowledge. 

Specially  is  fraudulent  voting  a  deadly  sin  and  heinous 
crime  deserving  condign  punishment  in  those  who  having 
rebelliously  seceded  from  and  repudiated  their  allegiance  to  this 
government  when  at  their  homes  in  the  South,  now  having 
fled  here  for  asylum,  abuse  the  hospitality  of  the  State  and 
clemency  of  the  government  by  interfering  in  the  election  of 
our  rulers.  It  will  not  be  well  for  them  to  do  so.  Such  men 
pile  rebellion  upon  treason,  breach  of  faith  upon  perjury,  and 
forfeit  the  amnesty  accorded  them. 

There  can  be  no  military  organization  in  any  State,  known  to 
the  laws,  save  the  militia  and  armies  of  the  United  States. 

The  President  is  the  Constitutional  Commander  in  Chief 
of  the  Militia  and  Army  of  the  United  States ;  therefore  where 
in  any  portion  of  the  United  States  an  officer  of  superior  rank 
is  detailed  to  command,  all  other  military  officers  in  that  district 
must.  .  .  .  {The  remainder  not  found). 

From  Assistant  Treasurer  Stewart  to  General  Butler 

United  States  Treasury,  New  York,  Nov.  5,  '64 

My  dear  General:  I  want  to  see  you  at  your  earliest 
convenience,  in  relation  to  a  matter  affecting  the  best  interests 
of  the  Government,  and  in  regard  to  which  I  can  better  confer 
with  you  here  than  elsewhere.  Please  let  me  know  by  bearer 
if  you  can  grant  me  an  interview.     With  great  respect. 

Yours,  &c.,  John  A.  Stewart,  Asst.  Treas.  U.  S. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    317 

From  '"Fair  Play''  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  Nov  5,  '64 

Sir:  It  is  reported  upon  good  authority  that  frauds  on  an 
extensive  scale  are  contemplated  by  sending  parties  to  vote  in 
Pennsylvania  (who  will  also  vote  in  New  York)  by  the  emigrant 
lines  of  steamers  to  Amboy  &  Camden,  &  that  steamers  are 
chartered  for  this  purpose  already.  This  can  be  ascertained, 
&  if  true,  the  necessities  of  the  Govt,  may  require  the  use  of 
these  boats  for  24  hours.  The  town  of  Reading  can  also  be 
looked  after  by  Govr.  Curtin. 

Your   obt.   servt.    Fair   Play 

P.  S.  If  the  scheme  above  stated  is  attempted,  armed  boats 
on  the  river  might  stop  the  steamers  &  prevent  the  rascals 
voting  in  either  state,  &  so  catch  them  in  their  own  trap. 

From  Henry  Read 

Boston,  Nov.  5,  '64 

Brother  Butler:  You  are  surely  in  danger  of  being 
assassinated  in  New  York;  your  friends  here  know  it,  &  feel 
it.  Keep  within,  &  let  your  orders  be  carried  into  execution 
while  you  remain  inside.  You  can  have  no  idea  of  the  interest 
felt  here  in  Boston  for  your  safety.  I  have  had  dozens  come  to 
me  and  urge  that  I  forewarn  you  to  be  careful.  I  know  your 
courage,  &  know  that  you  will  run  too  much  risk.  Be  warned 
by  what  I  say.     Others  may  write  you. 

Yours  Ever,  Henry  Read 

From  William  H.  Merriam  to  General  Butler 

Confidential.    Baltimoee,  Md.,  Nov.  5th,  '64 

My  dear  General  :  In  the  view  that  you  are  to  command 
at  New  York,  for  a  time  at  least,  I  earnestly  and  affectionately 
beg  to  say  that  I  do  not  want  to  lose  the  opportunity  of  being 
by  your  side  in  such  a  crisis  of  your  history.  I  therefore  frankly 
though  confidentially  state  that  I  most  of  all  wish  to  represent 
the  Herald  at  your  headquarters  in  New  York,  as  on  the  James. 
Should  you  do  me  the  honor,  General,  in  the  event  of  my  con- 
jecture being  right,  to  concur  in  my  sincere  wish,  a  private 
word  from  you  to  Mr.  Hudson  will  cause  him  to  direct  my 
return  to  you.  You  will  I  know.  General,  pardon  my  solicitude 
in  the  matter,  when  you  remember  that  I  desire  beyond  all 


318        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

other  things  to  be  attached  to  your  fortunes  so  long  as  I 
remain  with  the  Herald,  and  when  that  connection  ceases,  if 
ever,  then  will  begin  the  course  of  that  private  love,  admira- 
tion, and  esteem,  the  foundation  for  which  is  already  solidly 
laid.  May  I  ask  you  to  let  me  hear  from  you.  I  am  General, 
Sincerely  your  friend,  Wm.  H.  Merriam 

From  Colonel  Mulford 

Office  Assistant  Agent  for  Exchange  of  Prisoners, 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  Nov.  6, 1864 

Major-General  Butler,  Commissioner  for  Exchange  etc. 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  am  still 
here  awaiting  transportation  for  the  sick  prisoners  now  on  board 
steamers  "Atlantic"  and  "Baltic,"  and  more  particularly 
our  own  men  whom  I  am  to  receive  in  return.  It  would  be 
worse  than  barbarous.  General,  for  me  to  undertake,  in  the 
ships  now  at  my  disposal,  the  transportation  of  those  feeble 
and  dying  men,  now  anxiously  awaiting  my  arrival  at  Savannah, 
and  whose  sufferings  are  protracted  and  aggravated,  and  whose 
mortality  is  fearfully  increased  by  this  needless  delay.  My 
fleet  as  organized  by  yourself  was  indeed  a  noble  one,  for  a 
noble  purpose;  one  that  would  reflect  honor  upon  our  govern- 
ment and  carry  joy  and  gladness  to  many  thousand  anguished 
hearts.  Of  that  portion  still  left  me  no  fault  can  be  found, 
but  the  most  essential  part  of  this  expedition  is  withheld. 
I  am,  by  an  order  from  Washington  to  Colonel  Webster, 
chief  quartermaster  of  this  department,  deprived  the  use  of 
the  only  hospital  ships  in  the  fleet,  and  knowing  so  well  as  I 
do  for  what  a  wretched  freight  I  am  to  provide  on  my  re- 
turn trip,  I  feel  assured  you  will  approve  my  course  in  insist- 
ing upon  some  proper  provisions  being  made  for  the  sick  before 
I  sail. 

I  have  now  here  loaded  the  steamers  "Atlantic,"  "Baltic," 
"Northern  Light,"  "H.  Livingston,"  and  "New  York,"  in 
all  some  three  thousand  men;  have  lost  over  fifty  since  their 
arrival  at  this  place.  One  other  vessel,  the  "Crescent,"  is 
loaded  with  stores,  clothing,  etc. 

I  have  turned  over  to  the  quartermaster  five  of  the  large 
vessels  for  transportation  of  troops.  The  balance  of  the  fleet 
are  still  here.  Quartermaster-general  informed  Colonel  Web- 
ster he  had  ordered  vessels  from  New  York  to  relieve  the 
"Atlantic"  and  "Baltic."     They  have  not  arrived  yet,  nor  have 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   319 

we  farther  advice  of  them.    Please  direct  me  what  to  do,  and 
believe  me.  Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  John  E.  Mulford 
Lieutenant-Colonel  and  Assistant  Agent  of  Exchange 

From  General  Butler 

New  York,  Nov.  8,  '64    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Colonel  J.  E.  Mulford,  Assistant  Agent  of  Exchange, 
Fortress  Monroe,  Va. 
Start  immediately  with  the  "Atlantic"  and  "Baltic."     It 
is  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War.    Do  not  yield  the  point 
to  anything  but  armed  force,  and  let  General  Shepley  have 
suflBcient  force  to  meet  even  that. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Major-General  Commanding 

From  Generals  Butterjield,  Gardner  and  Webb 

New  York  City,  Nov.  6th,  1864 
MEMORANDA 

In  accordance  with  the  request  of  Maj.  Gen'l  Butler,  the  un- 
dersigned have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  for  the  con- 
sideration of  the  Gen'l.  Commanding,  with  the  recommendation 
that  the  carrying  out  of  the  details  be  left  to  the  Comdg. 
Officer  of  the  Troops  &  Transportation. 

1.  The  police  &  the  militia  forces  being  loyal,  none  of  the 
U.  S.  troops  to  be  landed  upon  the  island  of  New  York  until 
the  failure  of  the  police  shall  have  been  reported  officially 
&  troops  shall  be  called  for. 

2.  No  TJ.  S.  troops  to  be  left  on  transports  unsuitable  for 
disembarkation  at  a  ferry  slip;  but  these  troops  to  be  placed 
upon  the  best  ferry  boats,  with  orders  to  lie  off  certain  piers 
on  the  East  &  North  rivers. 

3.  The  batteries  to  be  placed  upon  ferry  boats,  to  be  limited 
to  four  guns  each  (and  these  to  be  smooth  bore),  and  to  be 
supported  by  200  men  each  detailed  from  the  U.  S.  troops, 
to  be  commanded  if  possible  by  a  field  officer,  with  orders  to 
remain  with  their  respective  batteries  at  all  hazards. 

4.  Communications  with  Gen'l.  Head  Quarters.  The  Amer. 
Tel.  Co.  to  be  directed  to  place  at  the  disposal  of  the  Gen'l. 
Commanding  one  wire  from  the  main  office,  145  Broadway, 
to  the  General  Head  Qrs. 

Four  (4)  regst.  tug-boats  (for  despatch  boats)  to  be  stationed 


320    LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

at  certain  piers  on  the  East  &  North  rivers  most  convenient 
to  Head  Quarters.  Each  of  these  boats  to  be  under  the 
command  of  a  commissioned  officer. 

The  telegraph  offices  to  be  communicated  with  through 
com.  officers  detailed  for  the  purpose,  to  be  properly  organized. 

5.  The  shops  where  arms  are  to  be  obtained  to  be  taken 
under  the  surveillance  of  the  U.  S.  in  case  if  not  to  be  guarded 
by  the  militia. 

6.  The  Regt.  armories  to  be  guarded  by  the,  Police  Com. 
The  foregoing  memoranda  relate  to  the  disposition  of  the 

U.  S.  troops  under  the  command  of  Major  Gen'l.  Butler,  in 
case  it  should  be  necessary  to  suppress  a  riot. 

Danl.  Butterfield,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

G.  A.  Gardner,  Brig.  Gen.  N.  Y.  V. 

Alex.  S.  Webb,  Brig.  Gen'l.  Vols. 

From  C.  E.  Frost 

Buffalo,  Nov.  (6),  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  New  York 

Sir:  The  Govt,  have  acted  wisely  in  sending  Maj.  Haddock 
here,  it  replaces  Col.  Rogers  as  Provost  Marshal,  a  man  who 
was  selected  to  command  one  of  Gov.  Seymour's  revolutionary 
regiments,  upon  whom  he  makes  dependence  to  keep  him  in 
office,  if  his  schemes  of  perjury  and  forgery  work  now.  With 
a  firm,  brave  man  here,  Rogers,  and  such  as  he  is,  will  do  no 
harm.  Our  Buffalo  Copperheads  are  the  meanest  of  their 
kind,  cowardly  and  pusillanimous,  from  the  Mayor  down. 

Will  you  not  take  steps  to  have  all  the  New  York  regiments 
in  the  field  canvassed,  and  thereby  comparing  the  results  of 
that  canvass  with  the  soldiers'  vote,  it  will  show  how  many 
of  the  votes  are  fraudulent.  The  thing  can  be  done.  If  Sey- 
mour is  selected  by  fraud,  then  it  will  become  a  duty  to  grab 
him  up  and  punish  him,  and  inaugurate  the  rightful  candidate. 
We  all  know  you  are  just  the  man  to  take  in  hand  just  such 
a  case,  and  look  up  to  you  to  save  us  in  this  crisis.  This  is  no 
time  for  weak  treatment,  the  Caesarean  treatment  only  will 
meet  such  cases.  It  never  will  do  to  sit  there  and  see  liberty 
put  to  death  by  villains,  a  firm,  strong  hand  will  hold  the  helm 
in  time  of  tempest,  and  yours  is  the  hand. 

Yours  trustfully,  C.  E.  Frost 

P.S.  To  you.  Sir,  more  than  to  any  other  man  in  America  the 
eyes  of  the  people  this  day  are  turned,  knowing  that  you  have 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   321 

the  firmness  and  the  wisdom  to  serve  the  country.  If  anything 
should  advise  calling  for  bold,  brave  action,  as  if  its  existence 
should  be  impeded,  then  you  are  not  the  man  to  stand  idle 
and  permit  villains  to  plunder  the  republic,  from  any  false 
modesty  or  delicacy.  You  know  what  to  do  and  dare  do  it, 
if  any  living  man,  knows  and  does.     F. 

From  Edgar  Conklin 

Pbivatb.    Cincinnati,  O.,  Nov.  6, 1864 

Major  Genl.  B.  F.  Butler,  N.  York  City 

Dear  Sir:  Permit  me  to  ask  of  you  to  hand  this  letter  to 
an  active  member  of  the  Union  League  of  New  York,  with  your 
endorsement  of  its  object,  urging  immediate  action  that  they 
act  each  simultaneous  with  Western  people,  in  urging  the 
Govt,  to  prepare  its  present  testimony  as  well  as  get  more 
to  try  &  convict  Gen.  Geo.  B.  McClellan  and  his  military 
associates  for  treason.  These  that  pushed  them  forward  in 
the  Govt,  for  promotions  to  the  head  of  the  Army,  cooperated 
in  that  position  with  Jeff  Davis.  I  know  in  reason  &  from 
facts,  that  with  proper  efforts  &  expenditures  &  money  that  it 
can  be  proved  that  Mac  was  a  member  of  the  Golden  Circle, 
and  that  that  body  prepared  his  way  for  promotion  to  destroy 
our  Army  &  Govt. 

It  can't  be  possible  that  a  loyal  people  that  has  suffered  as 
we  have  from  such  a  conspiracy  will  quietly  subside  and  allow 
our  Govt,  to  smother  up  the  facts  it  now  has,  and  neglect  get- 
ting ahead  &  know  what  it  may  get.  We  would  be  unworthy 
of  freedom  not  to  ferret  it  out  at  any  cost,  and  that  quickly 
&  effectually,  all  loyal  men  should,  with  their  friends  urging 
them  to  petition  the  Govt.,  probe  this  matter  to  the  bottom, 
&  then  get  at  the  prime  movers  of  the  conspiracy.  Here  was 
where  Davis  confided  so  much  for  final  success.  Let  our 
Govt,  atone  for  its  error  of  keeping  traitors  so  long  employed 
by  trying  them  for  treason.  Let  money  &  tact  be  expended. 
I  could  wish  you  had  it  in  charge.  Will  you  please  hand  this 
as  requested  to  the  other  party.     I  am, 

Very  resp'y.  your  friend,  Edgar  Conklin 

From  Captain  Manning 

Jersey  City,  N.  J.  (Nov.  6),  1864 

To  Maj.  Genl.  B.  F.  Butler,  5th  Ave.  Hotel 
We  are  here  with  men  &  baggage,  and  await  your  orders. 

Capt.  Manning 

VOL.   V — 21 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.     Confidential.     Nov.  6th,  1864! 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War,  Washington 

Gen.  Dix's  order  puts  me  in  command  of  the  troops  arriv- 
ing and  to  arrive,  and  no  territorial  command  whatever  under 
this.  I  am  entirely  powerless  for  good.  He  says  he  will  put 
me  in  command  of  the  state  as  a  district  when  the  matter  about 
John  A.  Green's  movement  is  decided.  Unless  something  is 
done  effectively  gold  will  be  at  300  on  the  day  of  election. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

Washington,  Nov.  7,  '64 

For  Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler,  N.  York 

The  order  of  Gen'l.  Dix  placing  you  in  command  of  the 
troops  seems  to  me  to  be  sufficient  for  the  emergency. 

Is  there  any  particular  advantage  to  be  derived  for  assigning 
your  command  to  any  geographical  district.'^  State  the 
details  of  the  command.  The  proper  field  of  your  operation 
can  better  be  determined  on  the  spot  by  the  Comd'g  Gen'l. 
and  I  have  no  doubt  that  Gen.  Dix  will  arrange  them  in  accord- 
ance with  your  wishes  and  the  best  interests  of  the  service. 

E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec'y.  of  War 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.,  City  of  New  York,  November  7th,  ISGl 

Admiral  Paulding,  Brooklyn  Navy  Yard 

Admiral:  The  bearer  of  this.  Captain  Babcock,  late  of  the 
United  States  Signal  Corps,  reports  to  you  this. 

He  will  be  during  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  and  until  further 
orders  at  High  Bridge,  to  communicate  with  the  gunboat  any 
disturbance.  He  is  an  officer  of  discretion,  and  upon  his  judg- 
ment I  think  the  officer  of  the  gunboat  may  safely  act.  If  you 
will  put  him  in  communication  with  the  officer  of  the  gunboat 
he  will  establish  such  signals  by  day  and  night  and  such  means 
of  getting  together  as  will  be  most  convenient  and  expeditious. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        323 

From  General  Dix  to  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  East,  New  York  City,  7  Nov.  1864 

General:  I  have  had  a  messenger  from  Newark,  N.  J.  who 
fears  there  may  be  need  of  aid  tomorrow.  A  knowledge  that 
there  is  adequate  preparation  will,  I  have  no  doubt,  suffice  to 
keep  anything  quiet.  If  you  will  direct  one  of  the  transports 
with  troops  to  be  off  Jersey  City  near  the  terminus  of  the  Rail- 
road, communication  will  be  opened  with  it. 

You  will,  no  doubt,  have  borne  in  mind  that  the  N.  Y. 
Regts.  should  all  be  there,  and  not  be  within  the  N.  Y.  juris- 
diction, as  the  votes  would,  in  the  latter  case,  be  forfeited.     I 

'  Very  Respectfully,  Your  obt.  Servt., 

John  A.  Dix,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Dix  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  East,  New  York  City,  7th  Nov.  1864 

General:  Major  General  Sanford  has  always  provided 
guards  for  the  arsenals  and  armories  in  the  city  belonging  to 
the  State,  and  it  is  not  desirable  to  interfere  with  his  arrange- 
ments. 

But  the  Company  at  the  Battery  can  be  of  the  greatest  serv- 
ice in  guarding  a  large  amount  of  ordnance  stores  in  the  city 
belonging  to  the  United  States.  I  will  direct  the  ordnance 
oflScer,  Captain  Crispan,  to  call  on  you.  If  he  can  have  the 
Company  at  his  disposal,  it  will  avoid  the  necessity  of  taking 
troops  for  the  purpose  from  some  other  point.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be.  Very  respectfully, 

Your  obt.  Servt.,  John  A.  Dix,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.,  City  of  New  York,  Nov.  1th,  1864 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Dix,  Comd'g.  Dept.  East 

General:  I  have  a  company  here  as  Hd.  Qrs.  guard.  They 
are  now  at  the  Battery  Barracks.  Do  you  think  I  had  better 
put  them  in  Arsenal.'^  General  Sanford  has  no  power  to  call 
out  the  militia  until  after  such  time  as  the  arsenal  would  prob- 
ably be  attacked.  -g  p  ^    j^^.  ^^^,^  ^^^^,^ 


324        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Colonel  Draper  to  General  Butler 

Custom  House,  New  York,  Collector's  Office,  Nov.  1,  1864 

Sir:  I  have  ordered  all  the  available  revenue  cutters  to  be 
placed  on  each  side  of  the  city  ready  for  any  requirements 
which  your  command  may  demand;  I  will  be  at  the  Custom 
House  in  case  anything  occurs  to  require  my  presence. 

Your  obt.  Servt.,  S.  Draper,  Col. 

From  Charles  O'Connor  to  Mr.  Hamilton 

6  La  Fayette  Place,  Monday,  Nov.  7,  '64 

My  dear  Sir:  Not  intending  to  vote  for  either  candidate, 
and  feeling  free  from  any  bias  that  might  mislead  the  judgment, 
I  feel  some  confidence  in  my  convictions  on  the  matters  referred 
to  by  your  favor  of  this  date. 

In  my  opinion  there  has  never  been  since  our  city  became 
large  and  populous  less  ground  to  apprehend  tumult  or  disorder 
at  an  election  than  there  is  in  reference  to  that  which  is  to  take 
place  to-morrow.  No  serious  irregularity  can  arise  unless  there 
should  be  a  display  of  military  force  in  some  form  quite  repug- 
nant to  existing  laws,  and  quite  inconsistent  with  the  main- 
tainance  of  free  institutions.  Under  these  circumstances, 
notwithstanding  the  high  compliment  implied  in  your  flattering 
invitation  of  my  supposed  influence,  I  feel  that  it  is  quite 
proper  in  me  and  respectful  of  yourself  that  I  should  waive 
the  proposed  interview  with  the  U.  S.  Commandant  of  this 
Military  District.     I  am,  My  Dear  Sir,  With  great  respect  and 

Your  friend  and  servant,  Ch.  O'Connor 
From  E.  W.  Dunham 

New  York,  Nov.  7.  1864 

To  Major  General  Benj.  F.  Butler,  U.  S.  A.,  New  York 

Sir:  We  rejoice  to  perceive  by  your  General  Order  No.  1 
that  you  are  in  command  here.  It  inspires  universal  con- 
fidence that  the  peace  will  be  kept,  which  has  been  so  openly 
threatened. 

The  privations,  even  unto  death,  to  which  our  soldier 
prisoners  in  Rebeldom,  from  exposure  and  starvation,  have  been 
subjected,  is  a  great  grief  to  every  loyal  man,  and  we  have  hoped 
though  in  vain,  for  some  relief  to  them. 

Retaliation  seems  the  only  remedy;  but  we  cannot  retaliate. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        325 

in  kind,  on  their  men.  Northern  men  cannot  consent  to  such 
retaliation.     Let  me  suggest  something  else. 

Conscript  their  men,  put  them  in  our  ranks,  and  make  them 
fight  our  battles.  This  may  not  be  in  accordance  with  usage 
among  civilized  nations;  but  this  is  not  a  war  with  a  civilized 
nation,  surely.  No  such  nation  would  treat  their  prisoners  as 
these  Confederate  Rebels  treat  theirs.  We  are  not  therefore 
bound  to  them  by  ordinary  rules. 

If  it  be  said,  we  cannot  trust  them,  I  answer,  if  placed  in  the 
companies  of  the  various  regiments  in  the  proportion  of  1  to 
8  or  10,  they  not  only  cannot  do  mischief,  but  as  men  assimi- 
late, they  may,  by  being  in  good  company,  become  loyal  men; 
but  there  can  be  no  hope  of  their  becoming  such  so  long  as 
they  are  herded  together  with  none  to  enlighten  them. 

If  they  attempt  evil  or  refuse  to  fight,  let  us  follow  the  example 
set  us  by  themselves  towards  Union  Conscript  in  their  armies. 
You  know  what  that  is  better  than  I  can  tell  you. 

If,  again,  it  be  said,  they  will  retaliate  by  putting  the  prisoners 
taken  from  us  into  their  ranks.  I  answer,  be  it  so  done  and 
welcome.  A  happy  exchange  it  would  be  for  our  poor  fellows 
to  go  from  the  Andersonville  Swamp  to  activity,  where  food  and 
clothing  would  be  a  necessity,  and  where  escape  would  at  least 
be  possible;  this  at  the  risk  of  life.  Any  change  from  the 
lingering  death  before  them  will  be  a  joyful  one  to  them. 

Your  active,  keen  judgment  will  see  at  a  glance  whether 
anything  of  the  kind  will  be  wise,  politic,  or  possible.  I  can 
only  say  I  think  it  would  be  a  justifiable  retaliation,  and  if  you 
think  well  enough  of  it  to  recommend  it  to  the  President,  it 
would  be  more  likely  to  be  carried  into  execution  than  if  going 
from  any  other  person. 

I  pray  you.  General,  to  pardon  the  liberty  I  have  taken  as 
a  stranger  in  addressing  you,  even  on  a  public  matter,  to  let 
this  be  confidential,  and  to  believe  that  I  am  with  great  admi- 
ration &  respect.  y^^^  obedient  S.  E.  W.  Dunham 


From  Thomas  Muldowney  to  General  Butler 

No.  7,  6th  St.,  New  York,  November  7,  1864 

I  SEE  by  today's  paper  that  you  are  in  command  of  this 
disloyal  city.  I  thank  God  you  come  to  the  assistance  of  all 
Loyal  Citizens  as  you  did  in  New  Orleans.  I  hope  you  will 
punish  the  enemys  of  my  adopted  country  as  you  did  Lewisine 


326       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Adams  and  others  of  the  vote  early  and  vote  often  mob.  I 
am  sorry  to  say  there  are  plenty  of  that  school  of  unprincipled 
men  here  as  in  New  Orleans  who  deserve  your  attention. 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  speaking  with  you  in  the  St.  Charles 
hotel  shortly  after  you  came  there.  You  are  a  terror  to  the 
Rebel  Sympathizers  but  A  Cade  Mela  Fatha  to  all  loyal  and 
law  and  order  loving  Citizens.  God  bless  you,  and  long  may 
you  and  that  brave  sailor  Commodore  Farragut  live  for  res- 
cuing me  and  others  from  the  rule  of  that  traitor  Davis,  is 
the  prayer  of  a  loyal  Irishman. 

Thomas  Muldowney 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.,  City  op  New  York,  November  1th,  1864 

Hon.  E.  M,  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:  I  beg  leave  to  report  that  the  troops  detailed  for  duty 
here  have  all  arrived,  and  dispositions  made  which  will  insure 
quiet. 

I  enclose  a  copy  of  my  order,  and  I  trust  it  will  meet  your 
approbation.  I  have  done  all  I  could  to  prevent  the  secession- 
ists from  voting,  and  think  have  had  some  effect. 

I  think  I  may  be  able  to  punish  some  of  the  rascals  for  their 
crimes  after  election. 

All  will  be  quiet  here.  The  State  authorities  are  sending 
from  the  Arsenal  in  New  York  arms  and  ammunition  to  Mr. 
John  A.  Green,  Brig.  Gen'l.  at  Buffalo,  and  I  am  powerless 
to  prevent  it. 

This  is  what  I  mean  by  wanting  "territorial  jurisdiction." 
I  am  in  command  of  troops  solely.  It  is  none  of  my  business 
to  prevent  arms  and  ammunition  being  sent  to  Buffalo. 

This  is  one  of  the  dozen  cases  wherein  I  cannot  act  without 
colliding  with  General  Dix  and  the  State  authorities  both. 

I  have  not  landed  any  of  my  men  save  those  I  have  sent  to 
Buffalo  —  which  are  two  (2)  regiments  of  regulars  and  one 
hundred  (100)  men  at  Watervliet  for  Albany.  Now,  these 
regiments  report  to  General  Peck  —  but  Peck  does  not  report 
to  me.  He  has  some  regulars  besides  those  arriving  and  to 
arrive. 

That  is  another  instance  of  what  is  meant  by  wanting 
"territorial  jurisdiction." 

I  have  my  three  (3)  batteries  on  ferry  boats,  all  harnessed 
up  ready  to  land  at  a  moment's  notice  at  any  slip  either  on 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   327 

North  or  East  River.  Gunboats  covering  Wall  street  and  the 
worst  streets  in  the  city,  and  a  brigade  of  infantry  ready  to 
land  on  the  Battery,  and  the  other  troops  placed  where  they 
can  be  landed  at  once  in  spite  of  barricades  or  opposition. 
A  revenue  cutter  is  guarding  the  cable  over  the  North  river, 
and  a  gunboat  covers  High  Bridge  on  Harlem  river,  which  is 
the  Croton  Aqueduct. 

I  have  given  you  these  details  so  that  you  may  understand 
the  nature  of  my  preparations,  and  perhaps  the  details  may  be 
interesting  and  of  use  at  some  other  time. 

I  propose,  unless  ordered  to  the  contrary  by  you,  to  land  all 
my  troops  on  the  morning  of  election  in  the  city.  I  apprehend 
that  if  at  all  there  will  be  trouble  then.  I  have  information 
of  several  organizations  that  are  being  got  ready  under  Generals 
Porter,  Duryea,  and  Hubert  Ward,  disaffected  officers,  and 
others  who  are  intending  if  the  elections  are  close  to  try  the 
question  of  inaugurating  McClellan,  and  will  attempt  it  if 
at  all  by  trying  how  much  of  an  emute  can  be  raised  in  New 
York  City  for  that  purpose.  They  propose  to  raise  the  price 
of  gold  so  as  to  affect  the  necessaries  of  life,  and  raise  discontent 
and  disturbance  during  the  winter,  declare  then  that  they  are 
cheated  in  the  election  by  military  interference  and  fraudulent 
ballots,  and  then  inaugurate  McClellan. 

Now,  that  there  is  more  or  less  truth  in  this  information  I 
have  no  doubt.  One  thing  is  certain,  that  the  gold  business  is 
in  the  hands  of  a  half  dozen  firms  who  are  all  foreigners  or 
secessionists,  and  whose  names  and  descriptions  I  will  give  you. 

You  are  probably  aware  that  the  Government  has  sold  ten 
(10)  or  twelve  millions  (12,000,000  of  gold)  within  the  past 
twenty  (20)  days.  The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  will  tell  you 
how  much,  it  is  none  of  my  business  to  know  —  but  one  firm, 
H.  J.  Lyons  &  Co.,  have  bought  and  actually  received  in  coin 
by  confession  to  me  more  than  ten  millions  (10,000,000) 
within  the  past  fortnight,  and  his  firm  is  now  carrying  some 
three  millions  (3,000,000)  of  gold.  I  felt  bound  to  look  up  the 
case  of  Gentlemen  H.  J.  Lyons  and  Co.  I  sent  for  Lyons, 
although  I  suppose  I  had  no  right  to  do  so,  wanting  territorial 
jurisdiction,  set  him  down  before  me  and  examined  him.  His 
story  is,  as  I  made  him  correct  it  by  appealing  to  my  own 
investigations,  as  follows:  His  firm  consists  of  himself,  his 
brother,  and  the  President  of  the  Jeffersonville  Railroad, 
Indiana.  He  is  from  Louisville,  left  there  when  Governor 
Morehead  was  arrested,  went  to  Nashville,  left    there    just 


328   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

before  the  city  was  taken  by  the  Union  troops.  Went  to  New 
Orleans,  left  there  just  before  the  city  was  taken,  went  to 
Liverpool,  left  there,  went  to  Montreal,  and  went  into  business; 
stayed  in  Montreal  until  last  December,  came  here  with  his 
brother  younger  than  himself,  and  set  up  the  brokers'  business. 
He  claims  to  have  had  a  capital  in  greenbacks  of  eighty  thou- 
sand (80,000)  dollars,  thirty  thousand  (30,000)  put  in  by  him- 
self, ten  thousand  (10,000)  by  his  brother,  and  forty  thousand 
(40,000)  by  the  other  partner.  This  in  greenbacks  equal  now 
at  two  forty-five  (2-45)  to  about  thirty  thousand  (30,000) 
dollars  in  gold.  On  this  capital  he  was  enabled  to  buy  and 
pay  for,  not  as  balances  but  actually  in  currency,  almost  twelve 
million  (12,000,000)  of  dollars  in  gold  within  the  last  fortnight, 
and  now  is  carrying  about  three  millions  (3,000,000).  This 
shows  that  there  is  something  behind  him. 

He  confessed  that  he  left  Louisville  afraid  of  being  arrested 
for  his  political  offences.  During  the  cross  examination  he 
confessed  he  was  agent  for  the  Peoples'  Bank  of  Kentucky,  a 
secession  concern  which  is  doubtless  an  agent  for  Jeff  Davis. 
Having  no  territorial  jurisdiction,  all  I  could  do  was  to  set 
before  him  the  enormity  of  his  crime,  the  danger  he  stood  of 
having  forfeited  his  life  by  rebellion  to  the  Government,  and 
to  say  to  him  that  I  should  be  sorry  if  gold  went  up  any  today 
because  as  he  was  so  large  an  operator  I  should  have  cause  to 
believe  that  he  was  operating  for  some  political  purpose,  but 
that  this  was  a  free  country  and  I  had  no  right  to  control 
him.  Does  the  Secretary  of  War  suppose  that  if  I  had  an 
actual  and  not  an  emasculated  command  in  the  City  of  New 
York,  such  a  rascal  would  have  left  my  office  without  my 
knowing  where  to  find  him.^^  He  said,  indeed,  when  he  went 
out,  that  he  thought  he  should  not  buy  gold  any  more,  and  sell 
today  all  he  has.  It  has  got  noised  around  a  little  that  we  are 
looking  after  the  gold  speculators,  and  gold  has  not  risen  any 
today  up  to  five  (5)  o'clock,  the  time  which  I  am  now  writing, 
although  Mr.  Belmont's  bet  is  that  it  would  be  at  three  hun- 
dred (300)  before  election,  and  the  Treasury  is  not  selling. 

Now  what  I  desire  is  to  spend  about  a  week  in  which  I  will 
straighten  the  following  firms  which  are  all  the  men  that  are 
actually  buying  gold:  H.  J.  Lyons  and  Co.,  before  spoken  of, 
Vickers  &  Co.  of  Liverpool,  an  English  house,  H.  G.  Fant  of 
Washington,  H.  T.  Suit,  Washington  house,  Hallgarten  and 
Heryfield,  a  Baltimore  house  of  German  Jews.  And  also  to 
see  if  some  of  the  rebels  that  are  here  cannot  be  punished. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        329 

Substantially  none  of  them  registered  under  General  Dix's 
order. 

I  have  stated  all  the  reasons  why  I  desire  to  be  here.  It  is 
respectfully  submitted  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  if  I  am  desired 
to  do  anything  at  all,  to  telegraph  me  what  I  shall  do,  and  it 
shall  be  done  —  or  please  let  me  return  to  the  front.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  General 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

Washington,  Nov.  7,  1864 

For  Gen'l.  Butler,  New  York 

The  President  thinks  it  expedient  to  avoid  precipitating 
any  military  collision  between  the  IT.  S.  Forces  and  the  militia 
of  the  State  of  New  York,  and  as  Gen.  Dix  the  commanding 
oflBcer  of  the  Dept.  does  not  approve  of  the  order  proposed  by 
you  to  be  issued  in  reference  to  the  Militia  of  the  State  and 
Gen.  Green,  the  President  is  of  the  opinion  that  it  had  better 
not  be  issued. 

If  Green  under  any  color  or  pretence  should  undertake  to 
resist  the  military  authority  of  the  U.  S.  he  then  can  be  dealt 
with  as  circumstances  require  without  any  general  order  that 
may  become  the  subject  of  abstract  discussion. 

E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec'y  War 

From  Julia  Gardiner  Tyler  to  General  Butler 

Castleton  Hill,  Staten  Isi^and,  Nov.  7,  1864 

Dear  Sir:  In  our  short  interview  you  made  mention  of 
having  preserved  from  loss,  very  kindly,  with  the  design  of 
returning  to  me,  four  cases  which  were  gifts  to  my  husband, 
&  which,  with  everything  else  he  had,  he  had  given  to  me. 
Permit  me  to  say  they  could  be  sent  to  me  by  express.  My 
address  is  "Castleton  Hill  (North  Shore),  Staten  Island." 
I  assure  you,  I  am  not  insensible  to  your  thoughtfulness  & 
kind  consideration  in  regard  to  them. 

As  for  the  flag,  to  which  you  referred,  are  you  sure  it  was 
from  my  house  that  the  soldiers  brought  it.'^  Because,  as  I 
told  you,  I  have  no  knowledge  of  it,  having  neither  ever  made, 
caused  to  be  made,  or  purchased  one,  but  I  certainly  did  leave 
a  very  pretty  United  States  flag  that  I  had  been  in  the  habit 
of  using  at  the  bow  of  my  boat  in  going  up  &  down  the  river, 
&  which  I  highly  prized  for  all  its  dear  associations.    Not  the 


330   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

least  of  which  was  its  ha\ang  been  presented  me  by  a  Commo- 
dore in  the  U.  S.  Navy.  If  it  was  not  also  brought  to  you,  I 
fear  it  shared  the  fate  of  other  relies. 

Little  thinking  that  my  house  would  be  so  torn  to  pieces  by 
passing  army,  any  more  than  in  the  past,  I  made  no  further 
disposition  of  its  contents  on  leaving  to  make  my  home  here 
than  I  would  have  done  in  peaceful  times.  I  think  you  told 
me  the  Gen'l.  in  command  at  Fort  Pocahontas  had  preserved 
some  of  my  furniture,  or  did  you  say,  only,  that  he  made  an 
attempt  to  do  so.^^  If  the  former,  may  I  trouble  you  to  tell  me 
how  I  can  preserve  it?  You  can  well  understand  even  the 
remains  of  a  once  lovely  home  will  possess  a  certain  heart  value, 
though  of  little  intrinsic  worth. 

The  "pass"  which  I  sought  of  you  on  Saturday  —  or  rather 
in  the  desire,  I  meant  to  express,  to  know  whether  the  one  I 
held,  dated  in  August,  would  now  be  available,  but  which  I 
may  not,  in  the  embarrassment  of  the  moment,  have  made 
understood,  was  for  the  purpose  of  going  to  my  place  on  the 
James,  for  a  day,  to  bring  away  what  I  might  find  had  been 
saved,  &  I  preferred  taking  the  occasion  of  my  maid's  return 
to  her  home  if  possible.  She  leaves  in  a  few  days  —  by  your 
permission. 

Thanking  you  again  for  your  acts  of  kindness,  I  am 

Very  respectfully  Yours,  Julia  Gardiner  Tyler 

From  Simon  Cameron  to  General  Butler 

Hahbisbtjrg,  Nov.  7,  1864 

How  long,  my  dear  General,  will  you  remain  in  N.  York.^^ 
Will  you  stop  in  Philadelphia,  or  what  would  be  better,  can't 
you  come  this  way.f*  It  is  quite  as  near  from  N.  Y.  to  Wash- 
ington. 

I  go  to  Phil.  Thursday,  and  if  I  cannot  see  you  there,  or  here, 
I  will  go  to  you. 

It  is  my  private  opinion  that  Stanton  is  to  go  on  the  Bench, 
and  you  should  take  his  place.  ^ 

We  will  carry  the  state  handsomely,  as  I  telegraphed  you 

Wednesday  morning.  ,,        /•  •     j  c  r^ 
;_           *               Your  friend,  Simon  Cameron 

^  This  letter  is  incorrectly  copied  in  "Butler's  Book,"  Appendix,  p.  60,  No.  9l. 
The  above  is  correct  from  the  original. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   331 

From  General  Butler  to  Simon  Cameron 

Nov.  8tk,  1864 

My  dear  Sir  :  I  may  be  here  some  days  —  certainly  till 
after  Wednesday.  If  you  could  come  here  then,  and  come  to 
the  Hoffman  House  (my  Headquarters),  I  could  make  you  very 
comfortable,  and  would  be  glad  to  see  you.  All  is  quiet  here. 
The  only  thing  we  have  to  watch  after  election  will  be  the  gold 
operators,  who  intend  to  run  up  the  price  till  they  can  so  affect 
the  price  of  food  and  necessaries  as  to  raise  discontent  amongst 
the  laboring  classes.  y^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^^^    p    g^^^^^ 

From  Henry  O'Rielly  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  26  Pine  Street,  Nov.  8,  1864,  9  a.m. 

Among  the  first  duties  of  the  day,  I  most  gladly  discharge 
the  injunction  laid  upon  me  this  morning  by  my  wife  & 
daughters,  after  I  read  to  them  your  "General  Order  No.  1," 
by  expressing  the  satisfaction  we  all  feel  in  common  probably 
with  every  truly  loyal  man  and  woman  in  the  State,  that  you 
have  arrived  in  New  York  charged  with  the  duty  which  we  all 
know  in  advance  will  be  vigorously  discharged,  of  seeing  that 
the  National  Cause  suffers  no  detriment  in  this  locality  —  and 
that  the  causes  of  the  United  States  and  "the  good  old  flag"  are 
not  trampled  on  (as  was  last  year  temporarily  the  case  in  the 
July  riots  of  this  city)  by  Southern  Rebels  and  their  copper- 
head Northern  sympathizers.  With  hearty  gratitude  for  your 
devoted  services  in  the  good  cause  of  National  loyalty. 

Yours  Respectfully,  Henry  O'Rielly 

From  Captain  Bronson 

Nov.  8th,  1864,  11  a.m. 

Capt.  A.  F.  Puffer,  A.  A.  G.  Dept.  of  the  East 

Captain:  I  am  in  possession  of  information,  which  I  think 
is  reliable,  that  a  general  demonstration  will  be  made  by 
the  rowdies,  &c.,  sometime  after  three  o'clock  this  p.m.  I  place 
reliance  on  the  information  from  the  fact  that  I  have  been 
advised  confidentially  to  leave  the  city  at  three  and  get  to  my 
house  in  Mt.  Vernon  as  soon  as  possible.  Probably  you  may 
have  heard  of  the  same  thing,  and  so  this  may  not  amount  to 
anything,  but  for  fear  that  you  may  not  I  send  this  to  you. 

Very   respectfully    Your   obt.   Servt. 
H.  Bronson,  Capt.  &  A.  Q.  M. 

In  charge  of  transportation,  19  State  Street 


332   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Superintendent  John  A.  Kennedy 

New  York,  Nov.  8th,  1864- 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler  Commanding  City  of  New  York 

Sir:  By  one  of  my  detectives,  corroborated  by  a  member 
of  the  staff  of  Maj.  Gen'l.  Sanford,  I  learn  that  no  arms  or 
ammunition  have  been  sent  from  the  State  Arsenal  in  7th 
Avenue  into  the  interior  of  the  State  since  July  last;  when 
a  large  quantity  of  both  were  transferred  to  the  custody  of 
Gen'l.  John  C.  Green. 

I  also  learn  by  same  authority  that  there  are  now  in  the 
arsenal  four  12pdr  howitzers,  and  about  1800  stand  of  arms, 
with  but  a  small  quantity  of  ammunition. 

The  arms  enumerated  include  those  just  deposited  by  the 
77th  Regt.  National  Guard,  who  have  been  on  duty  at  Elmira 
for  100  days,  but  are  not  regarded  as  very  reliable. 

There  are  no  packages  of  any  kind  in  the  arsenal  to  denote 
an  intention  to  remove  anything  more. 

I  also  learn  that  the  7th  National  Guard  have  six  4lb  howitz- 
ers with  about  1000  stand  of  arms  at  their  armory,  Tompkins' 
Market. 

That  the  22nd  N.  G.  have  two  12lb  howitzers,  1000  Enfield 
rifles  (their  private  property),  and  10,000  ball  cartridges  at 
their  armory,  Palace  Garden,  14th  Street. 

Very  respectfully,  John  A.  Kennedy,  Supert. 

From  James  W.  White  to  General  Butler 

365  Fifth  Avenue,  Nov.  8,  1864 

My  dear  General:  In  accordance  with  our  arrangement 
of  last  evening  I  invited  Archbishop  McCloskey  to  meet  you 
at  my  home  at  seven  o'clock  on  Saturday  evening  (12th  inst). 
I  told  him  that  you  desired  to  have  the  pleasure  of  a  half  hour 
of  private  friendly  conversation  with  him,  and  that  I,  therefore, 
invited  both  you  and  him  to  come  at  seven  o'clock,  while  the 
other  guests  are  not  invited  until  eight  o'clock;  thus  giving 
you  an  hour  undisturbed  together. 

By  the  enclosed  note  you  will  see  that  the  Archbishop 
accepts  the  invitation.     Please  preserve  the  note  for  me. 

I  trust,  dear  General,  that  nothing  will  prevent  our  expected 
pleasure  of  meeting  you  that  evening.  The  Archbishop  has 
so  very  kindly  acceded  to  our  request  that  I  would  greatly 
regret  disappointing  him,  as  gentlemen  of  his  ecclesiastical 
dignity  are  usually  very  scrupulous  in  matters  of  etiquette. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        333 

I  am  inviting  a  large  number  of  our  other  friends  to  meet 
you  at  eight  o'clock. 

Please,  General,  to  extend  the  invitation  for  Saturday  even- 
ing which  I  have  had  the  pleasure  to  give  you,  to  such  members 
of  your  staff  as  you  may  think  proper.  They  will  be  all  wel- 
come to  us.     I  am,  General, 

Very  Truly  Yours,  James  W.  White 

From  August  De  Peyster  to  General  Butler 

Staten  Island,  8  Nov.  1864 

Dear  Sir:  You  must  excuse  this  liberty  of  mine.  Yester- 
day I  met  an  old  acquaintance  of  mine  in  the  city,  and  not 
being  sure  I  enquired  of  this  my  friend  if  you  were  in  the 
city.  "Yes,"  was  his  reply,  "and  if  the  damn  robber  attempts 
to  interfere  at  the  polls  tomorrow  I  will  shoot  him;  I  have  a 
pistol  in  my  pocket  for  that  purpose."  The  person  who  said 
all  of  this  is  William  Todd.  He  is,  I  think,  a  New  Yorker 
born,  and  may  at  once  be  found  in  case  you  wish  to  see  the 
gentleman.  You  may  name  me  in  the  matter  if  necessary. 
I  am,  very  respectfully, 

Aug.  de  Peyster,  Gov.  S.  S.  Harbor 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  Washington  City,  Nov.  9,  1864 

General:  Your  communication  of  day  before  yesterday 
has  been  submitted  to  the  President,  who  has  directed  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  be  conferred  with  on  that  part 
which  relates  to  the  gold  conspirators.  Your  views  have 
been  explained  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  when 
his  opinion  is  received  instructions  will  be  sent  you  by  tele- 

^    ^  '       Your  obdt.  Servt.,  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War 

From  Charles  Sumner  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  9th  Nov.  '64, 
My  dear  General:   I  introduce  to  you  the  Committee  of 
the  Young  Men's  Repubhcan  Union  —  friends  of  mine,  ready 
to  be  friends  of  yours.     They  are  in  earnest  &  know  how  to 
work.     I  hope  you  will  not  disappoint  them. 

Very  faithfully  Yours,  Charles  Sumner 


334        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Frank  W.  Ballard 

100  Broadway,  New  York,  Nov.  9th,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Hoffman  House,  New  York 

My  dear  Sir:  I  am  directed  by  the  Board  of  Control  of 
the  N.  Y.  Young  Men's  Repiibhcan  Union  to  invite  you  to 
address  the  Union  Citizens  of  New  York  at  a  "Jubilee"  to 
be  held  at  Cooper  Institute  on  Friday  evening  11th  inst.  at 
8  o'clock. 

The  signal  triumph  of  the  Union  Cause  in  the  late  election, 
and  the  stinging  rebuke  administered  to  rebellion  and  its 
Northern  sympathizers,  has  suggested  the  propriety  of  holding 
one  more  mass  meeting  of  loyal  citizens,  where  we  may  mingle 
our  rejoicings  over  the  fallen  foe  and  express  our  gratitude  to 
the  Giver  of  this  latest  and  greatest  victory. 

It  is  expected  that  a  sufficient  number  of  speakers  will  be 
present  to  make  it  unnecessary  that  any  one  of  them  should 
be  unfairly  burdened  with  the  responsibility  of  "occupying 
the  time."     Awaiting  an  early  reply.     I  am,  Dear  Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant,  Frank  W.  Ballard, 

Cor.  Sec'y.  N.  Y.  Y.  M.  R.  U. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  CiTT  OF  New  York,  Hoffman  House,  Nov.  lOth,  1864 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Frank  W.  Ballard,  Cor.  Sec'y.  N.  Y.  Y.  M.  R.  U.,  100  B'way. 
Dear  Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  reply  to  your  very  compli- 
mentary invitation  to  address  your  Association  at  a  "Jubilee" 
to  be  held  at  the  Cooper  Institute  on  Friday  evening,  and 
would  be  most  happy  to  accept  the  invitation  did  I  not  think 
that  while  in  military  command  in  this  city  it  would  not 
accord  with  the  proprieties  of  my  position  to  make  any  public 

Very  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 
From  M.  Dudley  Field  to  General  Butler 

86  Gramercy  Park,  Wednesday  evening,  Nov.  9 

My  dear  General:  Allow  me  to  remind  you  of  your  en- 
gagement to  dine  with  me  to-morrow  at  6  o'clock.  Gov. 
Gardiner  has  engaged  to  meet  you. 

I  congratulate  you  on  the  result  &  quiet  of  the  election. 

Very  Truly,  M.  Dudley  Field 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        335 

From  George  F.  Dunning 

U.  S.  Assay  Office,  New  York,  Nov.  9,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  New  York 

General:  With  the  assurance  of  my  personal  respect, 
permit  me  to  give  you  my  thanks  for  your  recent  miracle  of 
peace  to  these  troubled  waters.  Though  bloodless,  it  will 
not  be  regarded  as  the  least  of  your  victories. 

Permit  me  also  to  suggest  a  motto  expressive  of  your  style 
of  dealing  with  traitors:   "Take  time  by  the  forelock." 

Very  respectfully,  Geo.  F.  Dunning,  (Supt.) 

From  L.  P.  Nash 

TTnn    C    A    Daata  Trinity  Building, 'New  Yob.k,  Nov.  8, '64i 

Sir:  Permit  me  to  suggest  in  the  case  of  Chaplain  Hudson, 
on  whose  behalf  I  forwarded  a  memorial  some  days  since,  that 
the  6th  instant  was  the  48th  day  since  his  arrest.  By  the  act 
of  July  17,  '62,  Para.  11,  after  the  expiration  of  this  period, 
in  all  cases  "the  arrest  shall  cease"  though  the  liability  to  be 
tried  remains. 

Hudson's  further  confinement  is  therefore  unlawful,  & 
subjects  those  engaged  to  prosecution.  I  don't  mention  this 
as  a  lawyer  simply.  I  have  to-day  cast  my  vote  for  the 
administration,  but  I  am  entirely  satisfied  that  thousands  of 
votes  have  been  lost  from  a  feeling  that  the  authorities  are 
regardless  of  law,  that  while  engaged  in  enforcing  its  authority, 
lawlessness  is  winked  at.  You  will  please  not  misinterpret 
this  suggestion.  I  sincerely  desire  to  be  able  to  justify  all  the 
procedure  of  the  Government.  I  appreciate  the  difficulty  it 
has  to  contend  with,  but  this  case  of  Hudson's  presents  itself 
to  me  in  the  way  of  my  duty  and  as  well  as  a  citizen  as  his 
professional  &  personal  friend. 

I  appeal  to  you  to  give  him  the  benefit  of  the  Act  of  Congress. 
Very  Respectfully  Yours,  L.  P.  Nash 

Endorsement  of  War  Department 

Nov.  9,  1864 

Respectfully  referred  to  Maj.  General  Butler, 

C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Sec'y.  of  War 

November  10,  1864     [Not  in  chronological  order]] 

Respectfully  referred  to  Mr.  Nash  the  writer,  who  will 
see  that  when  the  Agents  of  Government  are  supposed  to  do 


336        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

wrong  it  is  better  to  apply  to  them  for  the  facts  and  for  redress. 
I  fear  Mr.  Nash  has  not  examined  all  the  law  upon  the  subject 
of  militarj^  arrests;  if  he  has  not  he  will  be  disposed  to  take 
the  word  of  an  ''older  not  better''  lawyer  than  Mr.  Nash  that 
nothing  illegal  has  been  done  to  Chaplain  Hudson. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  L.  P.  Nash 

11  W,  19th  St.,  N.  York,  Nov.  8.  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  LL.  D. 

General:  It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  receive  the  copy 
order  you  propose  issuing  in  Chaplain  Hudson's  case,  &  I 
trust  for  his  sake  that  his  imprisonment  may  have  answered 
all  the  purposes  of  army  discipline. 

With  many  thanks  for  your  courtesy  to    me    personally, 

^  ^^'  Respy.  Yours,  L.  P.  Nash 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  Nov.  10,  1864, 10.30  p.m. 

Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Enough  now  seems  to  be  known  to  say  who  is  to  hold  the 
reins  of  government  for  the  next  four  years.  Congratulate 
the  President  for  me  for  the  double  victory.  The  election 
having  passed  off  quietly,  no  bloodshed  or  riot  throughout  the 
land,  is  a  victory  worth  more  to  the  country  than  a  battle 
won.     Rebeldom  and  Europe  will  so  construe  it. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

Washington,  Nov.  10,  1864,  2  p.m. 

Lieutenant-General  Grant 

Orders  have  been  made  requesting  the  immediate  return 
of  all  troops  to  the  field,  and  the  utmost  diligence  of  the  de- 
partment will  be  directed  to  that  object.  General  Dix  reports 
that  all  of  Butler's  troops  except  five  hundred  regulars  can 
return.  A  copy  of  his  despatch  is  given.  Before  ordering 
Butler  back,  I  will  wait  a  day  until  the  New  York  election  be 
more  definitely  ascertained. 

E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        337 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

The  triumph  and  election  of  the  President,  and  the  indica- 
tions of  a  quiet  acquiescence  in  the  result,  renders  unnecessary 
to  detain  here  the  troops  under  the  command  of  General 
Butler,  with  the  exception  of  about  five  hundred  regulars  now 
in  the  interior  of  New  York,  under  General  Peck.  These  I 
should  like  to  detain  about  a  week.  As  no  exigency  exists  in 
this  department  requiring  the  rest  to  be  kept  longer  away 
from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  I  deem  it  my  duty  to  advise 
you  promptly  that  the  necessary  orders  may  be  given  for 
their  return.  j^^  ^  jy^^  Major-General 

From  Loyal  Citizens  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  November  10th,  1864 

General:  The  loyal  citizens  of  New  York  wish  an  oppor- 
tunity to  express  their  grateful  sense  of  the  influence  which 
they  believe  your  presence  here  has  exerted  in  preserving  the 
peace  of  the  city  during  the  recent  election. 

There  are  many  points  in  your  public  life  which  might  well 
elicit  such  an  expression  of  opinion  and  gratitude.  For  this, 
however,  there  will  be  ample  opportunity  when  the  great  con- 
flict is  over,  and  the  final  victory  won. 

On  behalf  of  many  of  our  fellow-citizens,  we  respectfully 
tender  you  a  reception  at  the  Fifth  Avenue  Hotel  on  Monday 
Evening,  the  14th  instant,  at  eight  o'clock,  where  we  also  ask 
the  pleasure  of  Mrs.  and  Miss  Butler's  presence. 

We  can  then  express  our  thanks,  while  we  exchange  heart- 
felt congratulations  that  our  country  has  still  a  name  and  a 
place  among  nations. 

We  beg  you  to  ask  the  attendance  of  such  of  your  friends 
and  officers  as  shall  be  agreeable  to  them  and  to  you. 

We  are.  Very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servants, 
George  Opdyke,  Moses  Taylor,  Jno.  A.  C.  Gray,  Rob't. 
H.  McCurdy,  John  A.  Stewart,  Marshall  O.  Roberts, 
James  Low,  William  T.  Blodgett,  Amos  R.  Eno,  J. 
Williams,  M.  W.  Cooper,  Theodore  Tilton,  S.  Draper, 
M.  H.  Grinnell,  Geo.  W.  Hatch,  Morris  Ketchum, 
Prosper  M.  Wetmore,  Henry  M.  Taben,  H.  B.  Clafflin, 
B.  H.  Hutton,  Levi  P.  Morton,  Henry  W.  Bellows, 
James  Wadsworth,  Henry  Clews,  Charles  Gould,  A.  B. 

VOL.    V — 22 


338        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Chittenden,  C.  H.  Marshall,  Henry  A.  Smythe,  Ned  N. 
Clarke,  Wm.  Curtis  Noyes,  Richard  Schell,  Geo.  W. 
Blunt,  Henry  Ward  Beecher. 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Freeport,  Nov.  11,  '64 

Dear  Gen'l.  :  I  have  just  received  a  letter  from  Col. 
Osborne,  39th  111.,  asking  me  to  write  and  have  you  ask  the 
Secretary  of  War  for  300  of  111.  conscripts  to  be  sent  to  the 
39th. 

I  find  that  there  is  a  general  feeling  here  of  hope  that  you 
will  get  Osborne  appointed  as  Brig.  Gen'l.  I  told  Col.  Main 
that  I  thought  you  had  recommended  Osborne.  The  smoke 
of  election  is  hardly  over.  I  will  visit  you  as  soon  as  I  can 
get  some  business  matters  answered. 

Your  Friend,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  General  Butler 

My  dear  Shaffer:  You  have  more  influence  with  Uncle 
Abraham  than  I  have.  If  you  wish  the  appointment  of  Col. 
Osborne,  it  is  a  little  Illinois  arrangement  with  which  I  shall 
not  interfere.  Hoping  to  see  you  here  soon,  where  you  will 
find  Turner  in  better  health  than  ever,  I  remain. 

Yours  Truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  Simon  Cameron  to  General  Butler 

Phil.,  Nov.  11,  '64 

Dear  General:   I  will  be  in  New  York  Saturday  noon  at 

the  Astor.     Will  you  please  call  there,  or  drop  me  a  note  and 

say  where  I  shall  call  on  you?  o  ^ 

'^  '^  Simon  Cameron 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Hoffman  House,  New  York,  Nov.  llth,  4.05 

Col.  TowNSEND,  A.  Gen'l,  Washington 

Telegram  received.  The  troops  shall  be  embarked  as 
soon  as  transportation  can  be  had.  Have  sent  for  the  regulars 
who  are  on  the  borders.  Your  telegram  gives  me  no  orders. 
I  have  some  private  business  which  will  detain  me  till  Mon- 
day.    Will  the  Secretary  allow  my  stay.f^ 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        339 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  Nov.  11,  1864 

Your  teleg.  of  this  date  to  Gen'l.  Townsend  has  just  been 
brought  to  my  house. 

Gen'l.  Grant  is  urgent  for  the  return  of  your  troops  quickly. 

The  order  contemplated  your  return  with  them  and  if  not 
specified  on  the  official  telegraph  was  omitted  by  the  inad- 
vertence of  the  Adj.  Gen'l. 

You  have  leave  to  remain  till  Monday  if  you  desire  to  do  so . 

E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War 

From  John  A.  Stewart  to  General  Butler 

Hoffman  House,  Saturday  morning 

Dear  General:  I  have  thought  it  not  amiss  to  advise  you 

that  the  enclosed  paper  was  yesterday  served  upon  me.     I 

don't  know  that  it  requires  any  action  on  my  part,  but  shall 

be  pleased  to  hear  from  you  relative  thereto.     Please  return 

me  the  attachment.        yp-       m     i    tr  t  a    c- 

Very  1  ruly  Yours,  John  A.  Stetvart 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

New  York,  Oct.  25,  1864    CNot  in  chronological  order] 

The  People  of  the  State  of  New  York 
To  the  Sheriff  of  the  City  and  County  of  New  York 

Greeting:  Whereas  an  Application  has  been  made  to 
the  officer  signing  this  Warrant,  by  Samuel  Smith  and  Andrew 
W.  Smith  PlaintiflFs,  for  an  attachment  again^  the  property 
of  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  Defendant,  in  an  action  for  damages 
for  the  taking  and  conversion  of  property,  and  upon  such 
application,  it  duly  appearing  by  affidavit  that  a  cause  of 
action  exists  in  said  action  in  favor  of  the  said  Plaintiffs 
against  said  Defendant  for  the  recovery  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty  thousand  dollars  damages,  and  the  said  affidavit  specify- 
ing the  amount  of  the  said  claim,  and  the  grounds  thereof, 
and  that  the  said  Defendant  is  not  a  resident  of  this  state, 
but  a  resident  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  and  the  said 
plaintiffs  having  also  given  the  undertaking  required  by  law. 

Now  You  ARE  Hereby  Commanded,  That  you  attach  and 
safely  keep  all  the  property  of  the  said  defendant  Benjamin 
F.  Butler  within  your  County,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be 
sufficient  to  satisfy  the  Plaintiffs'  said  demand  of  $150,000, 


340        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

together  with  costs  and  expenses,  and  that  you  proceed  hereon 
in  the  manner  required  you  by  law. 

Given  under  the  hand  of  Albert  Cardoza  one  of  the  Judges  of 
said  court  at  the  City  Hall,  New  York  City,  this  25th  day 
of  Oct.,  in  the  year  One  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty -four. 

Albert  Cardoza,  Judge  Com.  Pleas 

New  York,  Nov.  11,  1864 

Stanley  Langdell  &  Brown,  Plaintiffs'  Attorneys,  16  Wall  St. 
I  HEREBY  certify  the  within  to  be  a  true  copy  of  the  original 
Warrant  of  Attachment,  as  served  by  me  in  this  suit,  and 
that  the  attachment,  of  which  the  within  is  a  copy,  is  now 
in  my  hands,  and  that  in  it  I  am  commanded  to  attach  and 
safely  keep  all  the  estate,  real  and  personal,  of  the  said  Ben- 
jamin F.  Butler,  the  within-named  debtor,  within  my  County 
(except  such  articles  as  are  by  law  exempt  from  execution), 
with  all  the  books  of  account,  vouchers,  and  papers  relating 
thereto;  and  that  all  such  property  and  effects,  rights  and 
shares  of  stock,  with  interest  thereon,  and  dividends  therefrom, 
and  the  debts  and  credits  of  the  said  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  the 
within-named  debtor,  now  in  your  possession  or  under  your 
control,  are,  or  which  may  come  into  your  possession  or  under 
your  control,  will  be  liable  to  your  warrant  of  attachment, 
and  you  are  hereby  required  to  deliver  all  such  property,  etc. 
into  my  custody,  without  delay,  with  a  certificate  thereof, 
and  you  are  hereby  further  notified  that  I  attach  by  virtue  of 
the  said  attachment  all  deposits,  funds,  coin,  credits,  stocks, 
interests,  moneys,  dividends  or  other  property,  in  your  hands 
or  under  your  control  belonging  to  the  said  defendant  Ben- 
jamin F.  Butler,  or  in  which  he  may  have  any  interest,  and 
you  are  hereby  required  to  deliver  all  such  property  into  my 
custody,  without  delay,  without  a  certificate  thereof. 
Yours,  &c.,  James  Lynch 

Sheriff  of  City  and  County  of  New  York, 

Fredk.  L.  Vulte,  Dep.  Sheff. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  Virginia  &  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field  Va.,  November  26th,  1864     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:   Soon  after  the  capture  of  New  Orleans,  I  got  informa- 
tion that  Sam  Smith  &  Co.  had  received  from  the  Director  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        341 

the  United  States  Mint,  who  had  gone  over  to  the  rebels,  a 
large  amount  of  silver  coin,  which  through  the  aid  of  the  Canal 
Bank  had  been,  after  the  fleet  had  passed  the  forts,  converted 
into  gold,  w^hich  gold  Smith  &  Co.  had  in  their  possession. 
Learning  that  Smith  &  Co.  were  ardent  &  active  rebels,  I  sent 
for  them  and  inquired  if  they  had  then,  or  had  ever  received 
the  gold  such  as  I  have  described,  or  any  gold  within  the 
previous  sixty  (60)  days,  or  whether  they  had  any  such  in 
their  possession,  describing  it  as  two  (2)  kegs  of  gold  of  twenty 
five  thousand  (25,000)  dollars  each.  This  both  partners 
upon  their  oath  denied.  Their  books  were  then  produced  and 
no  such  gold  was  seen,  but  in  their  cash  book  on  the  day  named 
was  entered  sixty  (60)  odd  thousands  dollars  worth  of  lead. 
In  some  succeeding  days  the  lead  appeared  at  sixty  thousand 
(60,000)  dollars  worth  of  tin.  Upon  being  confronted  with 
their  books  and  the  evidence,  they  confessed  to  the  receipt  of 
the  two  (2)  kegs  of  gold  which  were  being  sought  for,  and  that 
that  and  other  specie  had  been  bricked  up  within  a  few  days 
previous  between  the  outer  walls  of  the  building  and  the 
inner  walls  of  their  safe.  I  at  once  took  possession  of  the 
money.  Soon  after,  at  request  of  Smith  &  Co.,  I  submitted 
the  question  of  the  seizure  to  a  commission  mutually  agreed 
upon,  composed  of  Brig.  General  Shepley,  Dr.  Mercer,  and 
Thomas  J.  Durant,  citizens  of  New  Orleans.  After  a  full 
hearing  of  the  evidence,  the  commissioner  reported  there  was 
reasonable  cause  to  believe  that  the  gold  was  exchanged  for 
the  silver  of  the  United  States  Mint,  and  that  it  was  my  duty 
to  retain  the  money  for  instructions  of  the  Government. 
This  was  done,  and  I  forwarded  the  report  for  the  action  of 
the  United  States  Government  at  Washington.  This  was 
done  by  a  report  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  which  I 
believe  is  still  on  file. 

The  Commissioner  also  reported  that  certain  gold  which 
appeared  to  be  the  private  property  of  Smith  &  Co.  or  of  their 
depositors  as  bankers,  amounting  to  about  thirteen  thousand 
(13,000)  dollars  should  be  returned  to  them,  which  was  done, 
leaving  in  my  hands  the  two  (2)  kegs  of  fifty  thousand  (50,000) 
dollars,  which  I  took  up  on  my  accounts,  and  were  accounted 
for  to  the  Department  as  will  be  seen  by  my  account  on  file. 
You  may  possibly  remember  that  when  the  accounts  of  my 
administration  at  New  Orleans  were  settled  I  called  these 
facts  to  your  attention,  and  in  order  to  secure  the  rights  of  all 
parties  put  a  memorandum  of  them  on  file  with  my  vouchers. 


342        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMm  F.  BUTLER 

Sam  Smith  &  Co.  have  lately  brought  a  suit  against  me  in 
the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  in  the  City  of  New  York  to  re- 
cover the  money  and  damages  for  taking  it.  As  the  money 
was  captured  by  me  from  a  public  enemy  in  a  city  first  captured 
from  the  enemy,  and  in  my  official  capacity  accounted  for  to 
the  Government,  I  think  it  but  just  that  the  Government 
should  assume  the  defense  of  the  suit. 

I  therefore  respectfully  ask  that  counsel  should  be  employed 
by  the  Government  to  conduct  the  suit  to  its  termination, 
if  in  your  opinion  or  that  of  the  solicitor  of  the  War  Depart- 
ment there  is,  as  I  believe,  good  cause  for  holding  the  money 
as  the  property  of  the  United  States  duly  captured  from  the 
public  enemy  in  war,  even  if  not  the  property  of  the  United 
States  as  the  proceeds  of  the  money  taken  by  the  rebels  from 
the  United  States  Mint,  or  if  in  your  opinion  or  that  of  the 
solicitor  there  is  no  sufficient  ground  for  retaining  the  same, 
and  that  the  Government  will  not  assume  the  defense  and 
consequences  of  the  suit,  then  that  the  sum  may  be  stricken 
from  my  accounts,  so  that  I  may  be  able  to  defend  myself  or 
adjust  the  matter  with  Smith  &  Co.  as  I  may  see  cause. 

I  earnestly  hope  however  that  the  United  States  will  defend 
the  case  and  retain  the  money,  which  I  believe  upon  every 
ground  of  public  law  and  proprietary  right  belongs  to  them. 

As  this  suit  has  been  made  the  ground  of  public  assault 
upon  my  integrity  as  an  officer  through  the  newspapers,  and 
as  my  silence  enforced  upon  the  subject  by  the  regulations  of 
the  service  may  lead  even  good  men  to  misconstructions  and 
doubt  of  the  propriety  of  my  action  in  the  premises,  I  respect- 
fully ask  leave  to  publish  this  official  note  to  the  War  Depart- 
ment in  my  justification,  which  as  you  are  aware  under  the 
regulations  without  permission  I  could  not  do.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be. 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  Dexter  A.  Hawkins  to  General  Butler 

Hoffman  House,  Nov.  11,  7  1-2  p.m. 

Dear  Gen'l.:  I  called  to  take  you  in  a  carriage  to  the 
Cooper  Institute  to  the  Grand  Jubilee  over  the  results  of  the 
election,  but  have  the  misfortune  to  find  you  engaged. 

There  will  be  1000  ladies  and  at  least  2000  gentlemen  pres- 
ent;  all,  especially  the  ladies,  desirous  of  seeing  you  even  if 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        343 

only  a  few  moments.  If  you  return  before  10  o'clock  we  should 
be  very  glad  to  have  you  come  &  say  a  few  words  at  least  to 
the  people. 

Direct  the  man  at  the  entrance  to  show  you  directly  to  the 
platform  door.  Possibly  you  may  recollect  of  meeting  me 
at  the  White  Mountains  a  year  ago,  when  we  presented  the 
ladies  to  you  at  Conway  &  the  Notch  House. 

Yours  Truly,  Dexter  A.  Hawkins, 
Vice  Prest.  Young  Mens  Republican  Union 

From  General  Dix  to  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Department  of  the  East,  New  Yoek  City,  12  Nov.  1864 

General:    I  received  last  night  a  telegraphic  despatch  of 

which  the  following  is  a  copy: 

Washington,  11th  Nov.  1864 
Maj.  Gen'l.  Dix 

The  Sec'y  of  War  directs  that  the  troops  taken  by  Gen'l.  Butler  be  returned  to  the 
field  as  promptly  as  possible.  Acknowledge  receipt,  and  report  when  these  troops 
have  embarked. 

E.  D.  TowNSEND,  A.  A.  G. 

Please  embark  the  troops  under  your  command  as  speedily 
as  possible,  and  advise  me  of  their  embarkation  that  I  may 
comply  with  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be.  General 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  obt.  servt.,  John  A.  Dix, 

Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Bt  Telegraph  from  City  Point,  Nov.  lith,  1864 

I  WANT  Gen.  Dix  to  keep  from  the  regulars  the  force  he 
deems  necessary  and  send  the  balance  here. 

If  any  of  the  regular  regiments  are  sent  I  want  those  that 
are  the  select.  jj  g  ^^^^^^  ^^^^  g^^,^  ^^^^,^_ 

From  General  Dix  to  General  Butler 

New  York  City,  12  Nov.  1864 

General:  I  have  just  received  your  communication  of 
this  morning  in  regard  to  the  embarkation  of  the  troops  under 
your  command. 

I  am  authorized  by  the  Secretary  of  War  to  retain  500 
regulars.     I  did  not  intend  to  retain  any.     Please  consider 


344        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  authority  extended  to  you  for  the  purpose  of  meeting  the 
exigency  at  Elmira.     I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully.  Your  oht.  Servt. 
John  A.  Dix,  Maj.  Geril.  Comd'g. 

From  George  Wilkes  to  General  Butler 

N.  Y.,  nth  Nov.  '64 

Dear  General:  Enclosed  please  find  copy  of  the  gold 
article  I  spoke  of. 

You  will  see  I  have  not  developed  any  particular  plan,  but 
an  essential  feature  of  it  is  that  the  Govt,  should  act  secretly, 
and  give  some  one  a  sort  of  letter  of  marque  to  strip  &  destroy 
the  gold  thieves.  Any  open  action  will  be  improved  by  them 
more  readily  than  by  any  persons  else,  and  no  system  of 
hearing  will  be  efiFectual  to  deter  which  does  not  strip  them  of 
their  plunder.     At  any  rate  such  is  the  opinion  of 

Very  respectfully  Yours,  &c.,  Geo.  Wilkes 

From  General  Butler 
Gen.  Order  No.  3 

In  taking  leave  of  the  command  which  the  exigencies  of  the 
service  has  thrown  upon  him  in  the  State  of  New  York,  the 
Major  General  Commanding  cannot  refrain  from  the  best  of 
justice  due  to  the  provisional  division  under  command  of  Brig. 
Gen'l.  Hawley  from  the  Army  of  the  James  and  the  regiments 
of  regulars  from  the  Anny  of  the  Potomac,  detailed  for  the 
special  duty,  to  accord  to  them  his  thanks  and  the  thanks  of 
the  country  for  their  promptness,  efficiency,  and  cheerful  good 
conduct  in  their  duties  made  arduous  by  the  discomfort  of  a 
sea  voyage  and  confinement  on  board  transports  in  the  most 
inclement  weather.  The  shock  of  battle  would  not  have  so 
much  tried  their  steadiness  and  soldierly  qualities. 

He  unites  his  congratulations  with  theirs  that  the  law- 
abiding  character  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  New  York,  and 
the  influence  of  all  good  men,  rendered  all  other  service  un- 
necessary. 

The  Quartermaster  &  Commissary  Staff  of  the  Department 
of  the  East  rendered  every  service  in  moving  and  caring  for 
the  comfort  of  the  troops. 

To  the  Gentlemen  of  his  Staff  the  Commanding  General 
gives  no  commendation  because  they  know  that  they  do  their 
duty  in  all  sections. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        345 

To  Maj.  Gen.  Dan'l.  Butterfield  and  Brig.  Gen.  Webb,  who 
were  detailed  in  the  city  upon  other  duty,  and  Brig.  Gen. 
Gordon,  absent  from  his  command  on  sick  leave,  who  vol- 
unteered their  valuable  assistance  in  devising,  organizing,  and 
perfecting  the  dispositions  of  the  troops,  by  which  the  utmost 
effectiveness  was  secured  without  any  exhibition  of  force  which 
could  alarm  the  timid  or  give  cause  of  cavil  to  the  disaffected, 
special  praise  would  be  due  were  it  not  that  each  did  what 
would  be  expected  from  their  ability  and  patriotism.  Each 
asking  not  what  is  assigned  for  me  to  do,  but  what  can  I  do 
for  Cause  of  the  Country. 

To  the  several  officers  hereinafter  named  respectively  the 
Commanding  General  acknowledges  his  obligations,  although 
not  in  actual  service,  for  their  prompt  action  in  reporting  for 
duty,  and  most  efficiently  supervising  the  several  districts 
assigned  them,  giving  valuable  aid  in  transmitting  all  in- 
formation necessary  to  secure  the  peace  of  the  community 
and  honor  of  the  Country  {Here  follow  names). 

The  Commanding  General  is  grateful  for  the  prompt  and 
efficient  cooperation  of  the  police  of  the  City  of  New  York, 
always  efficient  to  preserve  the  peace  save  against  over- 
whelming numbers. 

The  thanks  of  the  Government  are  due  to  the  American 
Telegraph  Company  for  putting  themselves  at  the  disposal 
of  the  military  authorities,  and  the  prompt  transmission  of 
intelligence. 

Thanks  are  given  to  Mr.  Norman  Wiard,  who  tendered  his 
steamer,  the  "Augusta,"  for  the  movement  of  the  troops. 

From  Yardley  Warner  to  General  Butler 

Gekmantown,  11  mo.  13,  1864 

The  report  of  our  managers  of  the  Freedman's  Aid  Society 
of  Phila.  brings  very  forcibly  to  my  mind  Gen'l.  Butler's 
plan  for  the  school  at  Fortress  Monroe.  It  is  just  what  I 
have  urged  on  our  managers,  but  seemed  too  large  an  under- 
taking in  their  infancy  to  handle.  Now  it  is  of  vital  moment 
to  start  it  right.  I  have  a  few  suggestions  to  make  which  I 
could  make  in  writing,  but  would  prefer  a  more  practical  way. 
I  have  been  an  educator  now  over  30  years,  and  in  responsible 
positions,  having  tested  the  efficacy  of  the  monitorial  or 
Lancasterian  method.  How  shall  I  communicate  with  thee.^^ 
I  could  spare  a  few  days  about  the  first  of  the  year,  and  would 


346        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

be  willing  to  spend  them  in  the  school,  or  in  conference  with 

its  conductors,  and  without  pay,  except  a  free  pass  to  and  fro. 

For  testimonials  I  refer  to  any  of  the  managers,  or  to  any 

prominent  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends  in  Penna.   or 

Ohio. 

Respectfully  Thy  Friend,  The  Freedmen  s  Friend,  &  a  Friend 

of  Law  &  Order  ^j  ,,t 

*'  Yardley  Warner 

From  the  Loyal  League  Committee 

Loyal  League  of  the  \Qth  Ward,  New  York,  November  14,  1864 

RESOLVED:  That  in  view  of  the  extraordinary  degree 
of  tranquility  and  good  order  that  characterized  the  late 
election  in  our  city  —  a  tranquility,  quietness,  and  good  order 
unprecedented  in  our  political  history.  In  view  of  the  fact 
that  an  election  for  President,  Governor,  and  State  Officers 
should  be  held  in  this  great  commercial  metropolis,  containing 
a  million  of  inhabitants,  with  large  disloyal  and  disturbing 
elements  —  elements  that  but  one  year  ago,  with  far  less  in- 
struments to  disturb  than  now,  broke  into  open  revolt  against 
the  Government  of  the  United  States,  and  filled  our  city  with 
riot,  murder,  and  arson,  and  even  people  with  fear  and  con- 
sternation. That  such  an  election  should  now  be  held,  in 
the  midst  of  a  gigantic  civil  war,  with  a  degree  of  calmness, 
quietness,  and  good  order  rarely  if  ever  witnessed  upon  any 
Sabbath  day  within  the  last  twenty  years. 

We,  the  members  of  the  Loyal  League  of  the  19th  Ward  of 
the  City  of  New  York,  reverently  grateful  to  Almighty  God 
that  he  hath  been  pleased,  in  answer  to  our  prayers,  in  this 
hour  of  our  country's  peril,  to  so  order  and  direct  the  affairs 
of  our  Government  as  to  ensure  unto  us  and  unto  the  people 
of  our  city  the  blessings  of  peace  and  serenity  of  order  and 
tranquility,  feel  it  our  duty  to  give  expression  in  some  appro- 
priate form  to  our  grateful  appreciation  of  the  services  of 
those  in  authority,  who  have  by  a  timely  and  faithful  exercise 
of  the  powers  committed  to  them  been  instrumental  in  pro- 
ducing these  beneficent  results. 

RESOLVED:  That  the  remarkable,  and  as  we  believe 
unprecedented  good  order,  soberness,  and  quiet  which  char- 
acterized our  last  General  Election  in  this  city,  during  the 
entire  day,  are  due  in  some  measure  to  the  Police  Depart- 
ment, for  the  more  efficient  enforcement  of  the  law  against 
the   selling  of   intoxicating   drinks   on   the   day   of   election. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        347 

Although  even  that  duty  was  but  partially  and  imperfectly 
performed. 

RESOLVED:  That  we  attribute  the  preservation  of  the 
peace  and  good  order  of  the  city  on  the  day  of  election  primarily 
if  not  exclusively  and  entirely  to  the  presence  of  General 
Butler  in  command  of  this  place.  And  our  gratitude  is  due 
to  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  his  sagacity  and 
promptness  in  sending  to  this  post  a  General  endowed  with 
great  executive  and  administrative  abilities,  energy,  and  force 
of  character,  unyielding  firmness,  and  intensive  sagacity, 
whose  presence  alone  gave  assurance  of  protection  to  the 
loyal  and  peaceable,  and  of  retributive  punishment  to  the 
disloyal  and  disorderly. 

It  is  true  that  nothing  has  occurred  to  call  for  the  visible 
interposition  of  the  military  power;  but  we  are  not  without 
abundant  evidence  that  the  knowledge  of  his  presence  with  a 
power  and  a  will  to  strike,  if  occasion  demanded,  has  saved 
us  from  strains  of  discord  and  violence,  if  not  of  disloyalty 
and  civil  war. 

RESOLVED:  That  a  committee  of  six  be  appointed  to 
call  upon  General  Butler  and  assure  him  of  our  grateful  appre- 
ciation of  his  services,  while  in  command  at  this  Post,  and  of 
our  profound  respect  for  him  as  an  Officer  and  a  Man, 

RESOLVED:  That  the  Secretary  be  requested  to  transmit 
a  copy  of  these  Resolutions  to  the  County  League,  through 
the  Delegates  from  this  Command,  with  a  request  that  the 
same  be  read  with  a  view  to  such  further  action  by  that  body 
as  they  may  deem  advisable. 

The  foregoing  resolutions  were  offered  by  Mr,  Bramhall  on 
behalf  of  the  Committee,  and  unanimously  adopted  by  the 
Council.  And  thereupon  the  following  Committee  were 
appointed  by  the  Council  to  wait  upon  General  Butler,  pur- 
suant to  the  4th  resolution,  viz :  The  President,  Vice  President, 
&  Secretary,  and  Messrs.  Bramhall,  Butler  &  Doyl. 

Addison  Brown,  President  of  L.  L.  No.  3,  New  York  City 

S.  D.  Varschaick  {?),  Vice  President 

James  B.  Richards,  Secretary 

From  "  True  Friend" 

New  York,  November  14,  1864 

To  Major  General  Benj.  F.  Butler 

General  Butler  :  I  hear  that  upon  an  average  you  receive 
one  anonymous  letter  a  day,     I  fear  that  most  of  them  abuse 


348        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

you,  but  such  is  not  my  intention.  When  a  man  has  done 
his  duty  I  know  that  the  approval  of  his  fellow  men  cannot 
be  otherwise  than  pleasant  to  him.  General,  I  desire  to  say 
that  I  sincerely  love  and  esteem  you  as  a  truly  loyal  soldier, 
and  as  a  man  of  the  most  unequalled  administrative  ability. 
I  would  give  much  to  say  this  to  you  personally,  and  to  shake 
you  by  the  hand,  but  I  presume  that  you  are  over-run  by  idle 
visitors. 

General  Butler,  God  Bless  You.  You  have  the  best  wishes 
of  every  truly  loyal  citizen  of  this  great  city,  and  as  for  the 
disloyal  ones,  you  are  more  than  a  match  for  them.  Would 
to  God  you  could  always  be  in  charge  of  this  Department  to 
keep  these  infernal  secessionists  down  to  their  proper  bearings. 

General  Butler,   May  God  Bless  You,  may  God  Protect 

You.     This  is  from  a  rT^         -ry 

True  friend 

From  ''Patriot 

New  York,  Nov.  14, 1864 

Major  Gen' I.  B.  F.  Butler,  Hoffman  House,  N.  Y. 

Dear  Sir:  Now  that  the  people  have  so  overwhelmingly 
spoken  in  behalf  of  the  Government,  has  not  the  time  arrived 
when  the  long-suffering  inhabitants  of  the  City  of  New  York 
may  hope  for  some  relief  from  the  presence  of  from  50  to  75000 
traitors  in  their  midst,  who  like  the  locusts  of  Egypt  are  over- 
flowing their  hotels,  boarding  houses,  &c.,  rendering  it  im- 
possible for  honest  &  loyal  citizens  to  find  a  resting  place  for 
their  heads  except  at  the  most  exorbitant  charges,  &  even 
then  being  insultingly  told  by  landlords  &  boarding  house 
keepers  that  they  are  quite  indifferent  to  their  patronage, 
that  "there  are  plenty  of  Southerners  to  be  had  at  their  own 
prices,"  &c.,  kc? 

Do  the  Secesh  ladies  of  Baltimore  wish  an  elegant  sword 
to  present  to  some  pet  guerilla  chief  (see  a  recent  account  of  a 
Rebel  mail  carrier)  they  have  only  to  order  it,  or  anything 
else  they  want,  through  their  friends  in  this  city. 

Does  Baltimore  become  too  hot  for  the  Rev.  Dr.  Fawks,  — 
a  born  Southerner  and  frankly  avowed  sympathizer  with 
the  Rebellion  from  the  very  first,  —  he  just  eludes  the  Provost 
Marshal's  grasp,  &  returns  to  our  midst  to  plot  treason  under 
our  very  noses,  is  boldly  announced  as  preacher  for  the  winter 
at  one  of  our  principal  churches  (Ch.  of  the  Annunciation), 
where  he  can  of  course  have  an  overflowing  house  —  &  enough 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        349 

to  fill  a  dozen  churches  —  from  the  multitude  of  Rebels 
quartered  upon  us,  &  continue  to  exert  as  he  has  from  the 
first,  a  most  baneful  &  powerful  influence  against  the  Govern- 
ment &  the  country. 

Through  his  advice,  the  Rev.  Mr.  White  of  Rye,  West- 
chester Co.  (a  Baltimorean),  refused  to  read  the  war  prayers 
prescribed  by  his  church,  for  which  disloyalty  he  was  obliged 
to  resign  his  Rectorship,  whereupon  he,  as  by  a  law  of  gravita- 
tion, takes  up  his  abode  in  N.  Y.  to  add  one  more  to  the 
traitorous  thousands  already  plotting  to  destroy  the  very 
Government  which  is  feeding  &  sheltering  them. 

But  not  to  multiply  instances,  which  might  be  done  in- 
definitely, this  special  one  being  mentioned  as  that  of  a  person 
whose  influence  all  along  has  been  most  pernicious  —  is  the 
Government  aware  that  the  Head  Quarters  of  Jefferson  Davis 
are  in  the  much-abused  &  long-suffering  City  of  New  York.^^ 
Its  loyal  inhabitants  are  perfectly  willing  to  take  the  Oath  of 
Allegiance  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  &  why 
should  not  those  who  are  not  willing  be  sent  to  their  own 
place,  &  the  city  be  relieved  from  a  presence  &  pressure  which 

has  become  well  nigh  intolerable.'^  t> 

^  Patriot 

From  Goldwin  Smith  to  General  Butler 

59  Fifth  Avenue,  Monday  Nov.  14,  [1864] 

My  dear  Sir:  I  have  received  a  note  from  Mr.  Fearing, 
asking  me  to  meet  you  at  dinner,  tomorrow.  I  do  not  know 
whether  to  infer  from  this  that  you  have  changed  your  plan, 
which  you  kindly  communicated  to  me,  of  going  to  Washing- 
ton tomorrow  morning. 

Yours  very  truthfully,  Goldwin  Smith 

From  Charles  Butler 

13  East  14  St.,  Monday  morning  14  Nov.  [1864] 

My  dear  Gen'l.  Butler:  You  are  already  apprized  by 
the  note  of  Professor  Goldwin  Smith  that  he  has  gladly  ac- 
cepted your  kind  invitation  to  accompany  you  tomorrow 
(Tuesday)  morning  South,  &  this  evening  I  shall  take  him  to 
the  reception  when  he  will  have  opportunity  of  seeing  you  & 

getting  your  invitation,      ^jr         n    ^-  ji     r^  r> 

"         °  "^  1  ours  CordiaUy,  Charles  Butler 


350       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant 

Cirr  Point,  Va.,  November  15,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Commanding  Army  of  the  James 

As  I  am  about  leaving  City  Point  to  be  absent  for  five  or 
six  days,  I  have  just  sent  instructions  to  General  Meade,  of 
which  the  inclosed  is  a  copy.  These  instructions  contain  all 
that  is  necessary  for  you  if  the  contingency  upon  which  they 
are  based  should  arise.  All  that  I  would  add  is  that  in  case 
it  should  be  necessary  for  you  to  withdraw  from  north  of  the 
James,  you  abandon  all  of  your  present  lines  except  at  Deep 
Bottom  and  Dutch  Gap.  Just  occupy  what  you  did  prior  to 
the  movement  which  secured  our  present  position.  Prepara- 
tory to  this,  remove  at  once  within  the  line  to  be  held  all 
heavy  guns  that  cannot  be  drawn  off  readily.  Open  the  rear 
of  all  inclosed  works,  so  that  when  we  want  to  retake  them 
they  will  not  be  directed  against  us.  General  Barnard,  chief 
engineer  in  the  field,  by  my  direction  informed  the  Chief 
Engineer  Army  of  the  James  of  the  work  to  be  done  in  this 

^      '  U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

City  Point,  Va.,  November  15,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  G.  G.  Meade,  Commanding  Army  of  the  Potomac 

The  movements  now  being  made  by  the  army  under  General 
Sherman  may  cause  General  Lee  to  detach  largely  from  the 
force  defending  Richmond,  to  meet  him.  Should  this  occur, 
it  will  become  our  duty  to  follow.  In  such  case  the  Army  of 
the  James  will  be  promptly  withdrawn  from  the  mouth  of 
the  James  River  and  put  in  the  trenches  about  Petersburg, 
thus  liberating  all  your  infantry  and  cavalry  and  a  sufficient 
amount  of  artillery.  To  prepare  for  such  emergency,  there- 
fore, I  would  direct  that  you  hold  yourself  in  readiness  to 
start  in  the  shortest  time,  with  twelve  days'  rations,  six  being 
carried  on  the  person,  and  forty  rounds  of  ammunition  in  the 
wagons.  Select  from  your  command  the  best  batteries  to 
accompany  you,  not  exceeding  one  gun  to  1,000  men.  It  is 
not  intended  that  these  preparations  shall  be  made  to  start 
at  a  moment's  notice,  but  that  the  articles  shall  be  where  they 
can  be  reached  and  loaded  and  all  preparations  made  for 
starting  by  the  time  your  troops  can  be  relieved  by  the  troops 
of  General  Butler,  after  such  movement  on  the  part  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   351 

enemy  is  discovered.  A  copy  of  this  will  be  forwarded  to 
General  Butler  with  instructions  to  carry  out  his  part 
promptly,  moving  night  as  well  as  day  if  the  contingency 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 
From  Colonel  White  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Provost  Marshal's  Office,  Eastern  Shore  of  Virginia, 

EASTViiiLE,  Va.,  Nov.  \5ih,  1864 

General:  A  number  of  the  most  influential  citizens  of 
this  shore  have  lately  called  to  see  me  upon  a  matter  of 
some  consequence  requiring  in  my  opinion  a  reference  to 
you.  They  wish  to  repudiate  any  connection  with  the  so 
called  Restored  Government  of  Virginia  —  for  the  following 
reasons : 

They  say  that  Governor  Pierpont  has  not  their  confidence, 
that  he  has  done  all  in  his  power  to  excite  dissension  between 
the  military  and  civil  authorities  of  Virginia,  that  he  repre- 
sents a  State  not  entitled  to  congressional  or  senatorial  repre- 
sentation, that  to  support  this  farcical  Government  the  people 
of  Accomac  and  Northampton  are  taxed  heavily  and  unjustly 
—  that  they  infinitely  prefer  in  the  present  condition  of  affairs 
to  be  under  Federal  rule,  and  that  as  a  matter  of  justice  to  the 
people  of  this  shore  who  have  all  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance 
and  are  as  a  body  thoroughly  loyal,  their  wishes  should  be 
acceded  to  in  this  matter. 

They  say  further,  that  by  a  public  vote  nine  tenths  of  the 
inhabitants  of  this  Shore  (population  over  12,000)  would 
repudiate  Pierpont,  ask  for  a  military  Governor,  and  remain 
until  the  close  of  the  war  under  Federal  rule  —  if  they  were 
assured  that  they  could  safely  do  so,  but  that  the  Agents  of 
Governor  Pierpont  have  threatened  in  any  such  event  to 
punish  them  in  the  event  of  your  removal,  and  to  obtain  the 
influence  of  the  Administration  against  them. 

They  finally  say,  that  if  I  can  assure  them  of  protection 
from  you,  or  in  the  event  of  your  removal  countenance  from 
the  President,  that  they  will  at  once,  by  an  overwhelming 
vote,  ask  that  these  two  counties  remain  subject  only  to 
Federal  or  Military  law. 

The  Gentlemen  who  have  called  on  me  are  of  the  first 
standing,  and  can  in  my  opinion  be  entirely  relied  on. 

I  have  avoided  committing  myself  in  any  way  until  I  could 
learn  your  wish   in  this  matter  —  any  such  resolution  passed 


352        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

by  the  people  here,  would  I  am  satisfied,  contain  a  very  thor- 
ough endorsement  of  you,  General  and  your  policy. 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain.  Very  respectfully,    Your  obdt. 

Servant,  Frank  White,  Lt.  Col  and  Provost  Marshal 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Private.    Preeport,  Nov.  16,  1864 

Dear  General:  The  election  is  over  and  the  Democracy 
is  scooped  out.  I  have  been  keeping  quiet  since  election,  as 
I  am  anxious  to  get  able  to  go  to  work  at  something. 

I  see  by  the  papers  that  Smith  has  commenced  proceedings 
against  you  for  that  money.  I  think  you  had  better  see 
Raymond  and  Greely  or  Bryant  and  explain  that  matter  to 
them,  as  the  report  goes  through  the  country  and  does  you 
great  injury.  The  fact  is  that  should  have  been  settled  long 
ago,  when  you  settled  with  the  War  Department  was  the 
time  to  have  arranged  it.  You  have  enemies  who  quietly 
use  these  reports.  And  you  must  post  up  such  men  and 
papers  as  the  above  so  that  they  can  be  prepared  to  explain 
matters,  for  they  control  to  a  great  extent  public  opinion. 
This  question  is  the  only  one  that  can  or  does  hurt  you. 

Gov.  Morton  I  have  heard  is  very  much  opposed  to  you. 
I  don't  know  him  personally,  but  he  told  a  gentleman  some 
weeks  ago  that  should  you  be  mentioned  in  connection  with 
a  cabinet  appointment,  he  would  oppose  you  with  all  his  might. 
He  says  he  believes  you  acted  dishonestly  in  N.  O.,  and  I 
have  no  doubt  he  believes  it.  I  know  while  you  were  there 
he  urged  your  removal.  I  would  suggest  that  you  ask  some 
friend  to  see  him  and  arrange  for  him  to  see  you,  or  arrange 
some  way  by  which  he  can  be  undeceived,  as  he  is  a  host  in 
the  west.  While  I  appreciate  your  independence  about  these 
things,  I  still  think  you  are  entirely  too  careless  about  these 
matters.  Now  I  don't  get  scared  at  everything  I  hear,  but 
this  continual  and  eternal  dropping  of  reports  without  con- 
tradiction makes  an  impression  on  the  public  mind. 

As  soon  as  I  get  my  affairs  arranged  and  get  a  little  stronger 
I  will  come  down  and  make  you  a  visit. 

Now  please  do  as  I  suggest  in  this  letter, 

Your  friend,  J.  W.  Shaffer 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        353 

From  Steven  Thomas 

Headquarters  M  Brig.  1st.  Div.  19th  A.C.,  near  Newtown,  Va.,  Nov.  18th.  1864 

Major  Gen  I.  B.  F.  Butler 

My  Dear  Gen'l.  :  Your  kind  and  congratulatory  letter  of 
the  29  ult.  arrived  by  last  mail.  I  thank  you  a  thousand 
times  for  your  good  wishes  and  kind  remembrance  of  myself 
and  the  Second  Brigade,  and  especially  of  the  8th  Vt.  and  12th 
Conn.  I  have  made  known  to  them  your  kind  wishes  for 
them,  for  which  they  were  much  rejoiced  to  think  that  you 
should  continue  your  regards  for  them  after  so  long  an  absence. 

Gen'l.,  I  have  watched  with  much  anxiety  your  course, 
which  has  had  my  unqualified  approval,  indeed  your  course 
was  the  only  true  course  by  which  the  rebellion  can  be  speedily 
put  down,  but  I  have  been  pained  to  see  that  some  who,  I 
think,  are  seeking  self  aggrandizement,  have  been  trying  to 
oppose  you  and  your  efforts.  I  am  sure  that  they  cannot 
prevent  the  people  of  this  great  nation  from  appreciating 
your  noble  efforts  to  perpetuate  the  Gov't.,  and  they  will 
surely  reward  you  in  the  future.  Not  that  I  think  you  are 
making  these  sacrifices  with  the  view  of  any  other  reward 
than  to  see  the  Union  restored  and  government  maintained, 
for  I  over  and  over  again  stated  that  as  my  firm  belief  in  many 
public  talks  that  I  gave  in  Vt.  last  winter  while  recruiting  for 
the  army,  and  it  gave  me  great  pleasure  to  see  that  the  people 
fully  agreed  with  me.  My  dear  General,  I  had  expected 
before  this  that  I  should  have  been  with  you  again,  but  I  see 
now  that  that  is  not  to  be  the  case,  but  be  assured  no  one  will 
ever  rejoice  more  at  your  success  or  prize  more  highly  your 
good  opinion  than  I  shall. 

I  have  only  done  my  duty,  and  that  I  was  determined  to 
do  when  I  entered  the  service,  which  I  shall  soon  leave  with 
the  gratification  of  never  having  been  complained  of  by  my 
superiors,  to  my  knowledge.     I  am 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  OhdH.  Servant,  Steven  Thomas 

From  G.  V.  Fox  to  General  Butler 

Confidential.    Navy  Department,  Washington  11th  Nov.  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  did  not  have  an  opportunity  to  say 
a  few  words  to  you  yesterday  upon  a  subject  that  lies  very 
near  to  my  heart.  The  President  has  not  yet  determined 
who'  shall  be  the  Chief  Justice;  on  the  contrary,  he  invites 
that  pressure  upon  himself,  which  now  seems  necessary  to 
vol.  V— 23 


354   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

obtain  the  great  office.  Furthermore,  I  know  that  a  strong 
presentation  of  Judge  Blair's  name  will  result  in  his  success. 
I  beg  of  you,  by  the  long  and  confidential  intercourse  which 
has  existed  between  us,  wherein  on  one  great  occasion,  when 
the  scales  balanced  between  McClellan's  hostility  and  my 
influence  in  your  favor,  I  won,  that  you  write  a  letter  in  the 
Judge's  behalf.  He,  as  you  are  aware,  stood  by  you  before 
the  President  in  our  early  troubles,  and  you  can  now  not  only 
repay  him  but  put  the  Blairs  under  obligations  to  you  that  will 
do  you  no  injury  in  the  future. 

If  you  agree  to  this  suggestion,  please  write  a  letter  to  the 
President  and  enclose  it  to  me,  that  I  may  have  the  pleasure 

Very  truly  yours,  G.  V.  Fox 
From  General  Jourdan 

Head  Quarters  1  Brig.  2  Div.  18th  Corps,  Fort  Buknham,  November  17,  1864 

General  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  18th  Corps 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  send  you  a  synopsis  of  in- 
formation hastily  gleaned  from  four  deserters  who  are  at  present 
en  route  for  your  Head  Qrs.  One  of  them  professes  to  be 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  affairs  in  and  around  Richmond; 
his  name  is  Samuel  Forsyth,  a  Richmond  hotel-keeper,  but 
more  recently  a  member  of  the  local  defences. 

The  arsenal  —  bat.  60  men,  city  bat.  350  men,  10  Va.  600 
men,  navy  bat.  350  men,  reserve  bat.  675  men,  armory  bat. 
125  men,  Johnson's  brigade  275  men.  Pioneer  Corps  475  men, 
McNenny's  post-office  bat.  600  men,  Sroggs  bat.  (Shoemaker's) 
200  men.  Colonel  Cannon,  formerly  of  the  old  regular  army 
who  has  charge  of  planting  torpedoes  in  the  James  river  at 
the  mouth  of  Dutch  Gap  Canal,  made  an  attempt  to  plant 
two  on  last  Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday  nights,  but  failed, 
they  were  not  planted  up  to  last  Tuesday  night;  they  are  to 
be  planted  as  soon  as  possible.  Lt.  Wagner  has  been  within 
our  lines  —  came  in  on  our  left  and  returned  on  our  right  at 
Fort  Gilmor  —  he  is  an  old  hand  as  a  spy.  Colonel  Hughs, 
Commanding  Johnson's  brigade  is  reported  to  have  been 
within  our  lines  —  about  the  first  week  in  October,  came  in 
on  the  front  of  the  3rd  Div.  Every  night  three  boats  con- 
taining 8  men  &  one  officer  from  the  gun  boats  proceed  with 
muffled  oars  to  the  neighborhood  of  the  Dutch  Gap.  $20,000 
has  been  offered  to  any  man  who  will  kill  Gen'l.  Butler.  A  few 
sharpshooters   have   been   detailed   for   that   purpose.     They 


LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN   F.  BUTLER       355 

are  armed  with  telescopic  rifles.  The  above  amount  has 
been  subscribed  by  the  former  Mayor  of  New  Orleans.  17 
mortars  are  in  my  front,  4  10-inch  on  my  left  &  front,  are 
building  a  very  large  fort  on  my  left  &  front  to  cover  the 
approaches  to  Chappin's  Bluffs.  One  of  our  deserters  told 
the  enemy  that  we  had  one  200  pdr.,  one  150  pdr.  Whitworth, 
and  10  small  guns  in  this  fort,  also  5  mortars.  No  troops 
have  left  for  the  south.  The  enemies'  engineers  have  ordered 
that  the  works  in  my  front  should  be  strengthened  to  resist 
our  heavy  guns.  Kershaw,  Hoke,  Field,  McLaws  are  on 
our  front  and  left.  I  also  heard  that  Field  had  gone  to  Peters- 
burg —  Kershaw  is  supposed  to  be  encamped  at  Bridgewater, 
There  is  a  force  of  the  enemy  at  Mechanicsville  —  torpedoes 
are  planted  along  their  line,  enclosed  in  tin  boxes  about  5  feet 
apart  in  double  line  on  my  front,  planted  checker  wise  extend- 
ing the  river  —  about  60  of  the  crew  of  the  gunboats  are 
Federal  deserters  —  Federal  deserters  are  formed  into  com- 
panies and  placed  on  provost  duty  in  the  interior.  They 
are  casting  15-inch  guns  as  rapidly  as  possible  in  Richmond 
for  the  defences  of  Wilmington.  Are  constructing  large  tor- 
pedoes connected  by  chains  for  service  in  the  James  river. 
They  are  about  the  size  of  a  soda  water  fountain.  They 
have  sent  22  large  torpedoes  to  Wilmington  to  be  exploded  by 
electricity. 

Miss  Van  Lieu  of  Richmond  sends  a  message  to  Gen'l. 
Butler  by  one  of  these  men  that  she  knows  that  the  enemy  are 
planting  torpedoes  on  all  roads  leading  to  the  city  and  fields 
in  front  of  their  line  of  defences. 

Yours  very  respectfully,  J.  Jourdan,  Bvt.  Brig.  Gen'l. 

Head  Quarters  18th,  Corps,  Nov.  ilth,  1864 

Respectfully  forwarded  for  the  information  of  the  Comd'g. 

G.  Weitzel,  Major  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  James,  Nov.  18th,  1864,  3  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Rawlins,  Chief  of  Staff 

General  Grant  told  me  yesterday  that  an  order  should  be 
issued  transferring  the  colored  troops  of  the  ninth  (9th)  Corps 
to  me. 

Please  therefore  order  over  two  (2)  regiments  to  report  to 
General  Graham  at  Point  of  Rocks,  and  I  will  order  two  (2) 


356       LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

regiments  of  the  Provisional  Brigade  to  report  to  Gen'L  Parkes 
as  soon  as  the  colored  regiments  arrive. 

I  ask  this  movement  in  this  form  in  view  of  the  threatened 
attack  on  Bermuda  Line.     Please  order  them  tonight. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'L  Comd'g. 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  835  Broadway,  Nov.  19th,  1884 

My  dear  General:  In  vain  I  tried,  during  your  last  day 
here,  to  report  to  you  that  your  commands  were  obeyed,  and 
that  I  had  done  all  in  my  power  to  hinder  from  doing  more 
harm  the  incomparable  liar  of  the  Evening  Standard. 

Behold  the  enclosed  note  of  Mr.  Carney.  I  have  delivered 
the  papers  to  your  investigator,  and  supplied  him  with  the 
name  and  address  of  a  person  in  London  who  will  be  likely 
to  know  the  man. 

Your  speech  at  the  Hotel  has  made  a  real  sensation.  It  takes 
from  the  democrats  all  their  thunder  and  transfers  it  to  the  side 
of  the  administration.  Mr.  Nicholas  T.  Trist  writes  to  me  of  it 
thus:  "Here  again  he  has  made  his  mark.  How  many  of  them 
since  Contraband,  calling  that  No.  1?  Oh!  for  50  Ben  Butlers! 
would  they  not  be  worth  50  millions  to  the  nation?" 

One  is  enough,  I  say.  There  was  never  yet  a  great  man  of 
whom  the  world  wanted  two. 

It  was  Mr.  Trist  that  conveyed  to  Gen.  Scott  the  news  that 
you  were  going  to  Annapolis.  He  promises  me  a  narrative 
of  that. 

Your  visit  here  was  a  vast  success.  I  only  hope  you  will 
not  have  to  pay  any  penalty  for  it  in  camp.     I  remain,  my 

'  Very  truly  yours,  James  Parton 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Lowell,  Nooember  I9th,  1864 

James  Parton,  Esq.,  No.  835  Broadway,  New  York 

Dear  Sir:  I  have  to  thank  you  for  your  favor  of  v  12th  in- 
stant, respecting  the  libel  on  Gen.  Butler,  and  yourself,  in  the 
London  Standard  of  Sept.  29th,  1864;  the  more  especially  as  it 
will  enable  me,  when  writing  to  the  friend  who  sent  me  the  paper 
from  London,  to  place  the  whole  matter  in  its  true  light. 
For  this  purpose  I  shall  freely  use  your  favor,  and  remain, 

Sir 

'  Very  respectfully,  yours,  Jas.  G.  Carney 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        357 

From  Edward  W.  Serrell  to  General  Butler 

No.  57  West  Washington  Place,  New  York,  Nov.  19,1864 

General:  Supposing  it  possible  that  it  may  be  of  interest 
to  you  and  the  pubHc  service  to  know  that  the  quite  con- 
siderable interest  here  who  are  unfriendly  to  your  further 
advancement  are  circulating  most  industriously  a  rumor  that 
you  do  not  want  to  be  Sec.  of  War,  that  your  ambition  lies 
in  some  other  direction,  &c.,  I  tell  you  that  such  is  the  case. 

Gen'l.  P.  M.  Wetmore  came  to  me  yesterday  to  ask  if  you 
would  accept  if  appointed;  saying  he  knew  it  would  receive 
the  support  of  every  newspaper  worth  having  in  New  York, 
and  that  it  was  rumored  you  did  not  wish  the  appointment. 

An  army  influence  here  (regulars)  is  industriously  circulating 
the  rumor  that  you  would  not  accept,  and  they  say  you  could 
have  the  appointment  if  it  was  known  at  Washington  you 
wanted  it;  but  it  is  said  to  be  the  opinion  there  that  you  would 
not  accept.  y^^^  ^^^  ^^^^^^ 

Edward  W.  Serrell 
From  Colonel  C.  B.  Danby 

Head  Quarters  3rd  Brigade,  1st  Div.   10th  A.C.  November  19th,  1864 

Major  Genl.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Army  of  the  James 

Sir:  On  the  25th  of  July  last  Brig.  Gen'l.  Foster,  then  in 
command  of  this  brigade  requested  me  if  possible  to  ascertain 
the  author  of  an  article  published  in  the  Buffalo  Courier,  of  a 
scurrilous  character,  reflecting  upon  the  conduct  of  the  affairs 
of  this  Dept.,  and  mentioning  disrespectfully  the  name  of  the 
commanding  General.  I  made  every  effort  at  the  time  but 
could  not  find  the  man.  Yesterday  I  ascertained  beyond  a 
doubt  that  the  author  is  Private  Mooney  Herr,  of  Com- 
pany G,  100th  New  York  Volunteers.  I  am.  General,  yery 
respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant,  Chas.  B.  Danby 

Col.  100th  N.  Y.  V.  Comd'g.  3rd  Brigade 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Ed.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Nov.  iOth,  1864,  4.20  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  Burlington,  N.  J. 

All  remains  quiet  here.  Kershaw's  Division  passed  Rich- 
mond Friday.  Deserters  report  that  two  (2)  Brigades  of  it 
are  encamped  at  ChaflBn's  Farm,  and  the  rest  of  it  at  Chester- 


358        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

field.  It  is  possible  there  may  be  an  attempt  to  break  through 
our  lines.  We  will  endeavor  to  watch  it.  Richmond  papers 
insist  that  Sheridan's  forces  have  arrived  and  are  encamped 
on  the  north  side  of  the  James.  Have  ordered  two  (2)  regi- 
ments of  colored  troops  of  the  ninth  (9th)  Corps  to  the  Ber- 
muda Lines.  Have  not  sent  back  the  two  (2)  regiments  of 
Pennsylvania  troops  because  of  Kershaw's  movements. 

It  is  reported  at  Richmond  that  the  remainder  of  Early's 
troops  have  gone  into  winter  quarters  at  Mount  Jackson. 
We  are  in  the  midst  of  a  very  severe  storm  which  has  lasted 
thirty-six  (36)  hours.     Roads  nearly  impassable. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  James,  Nov.  iOtk,  1864,  4.45  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  C.  K.  Graham,  Com'd''g  Bermuda  Line 

I  AM  informed  that  Kershaw's  Division  has  arrived  in  our 
front.  I  think  that  part  of  it  may  have  gone  to  yours.  Keep 
good  watch  and  keep  me  informed  of  what  takes  place. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

By  Telegbaph  from  City  Point,  Nov.  ilst,  1864 

Have  you  any  information  of  any  changes  or  movements 
of  the  enemy  in  your  front?  If  so,  please  communicate  the 
same  to  these  Hd.  Qrs. 

By  command  Lt.  Gen'l  Grant,  j  ^  ^^^^,^^ 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Nov.  21st,  2.30  P.M. 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant,  Burlington,  N.  J. 

All  quiet  at  this  hour.     A  little  picket  firing  on  the  Bermuda 
line  last  night.     Raining  very  heavily.     Roads  impassable. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Nov.  21st,  1864,  7.50  p.m. 

Gen.  Rawlins,  Chief  of  Staff 

I  have  no  information  of  any  change  save  what  I  have  com- 
municated by  telegraph  to  the  Lt.  General.  That  is  to  say, 
that  Kershaw's  Division  have  come  in  our  front  and  in  front 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   359 

of  Bermuda.  Deserters  report  nothing  else.  I  have  sent 
you  the  Richmond  papers  of  today,  but  they  have  nothing. 
It  is  reported,  however,  that  another  division  from  Early  is 
coming  in  our  extreme  right  near  Darbytown  Road,  but  I 
think  it  is  part  of  Kershaw's.     ^^^^  -p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  Colonel  Mulford 

Office  Assistant  Agent  for  Exchange  of  Prisoners,  Flag  of  Truce  Steamer 

"New  York,"  Savannah  River,  Nov.  21,  1864 

Major-General  Butler,  Commissioner  for  Exchonge 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  I  have  up 
to  the  present  time  received  over  three  thousand  of  our  men. 
Their  physical  condition  is  rather  better  than  I  expected, 
but  their  personal  is  worse  than  anything  I  have  ever  seen  — 
filth  and  rags.  It  is  a  great  labor  to  cleanse  and  clothe  them, 
but  I  am  fairly  at  work  and  will  progress  as  rapidly  as  possible. 
I  have  much  to  say,  but  have  little  time  for  writing  now.  I 
have  got  off  two  vessels  to-day,  and  will  try  and  get  off  two 
to-morrow,  and  so  on.  Matters  have  been  rather  queerly 
managed  here  in  the  mode  of  conducting  truce  business.  I 
have  nothing  whatever  to  do  with  the  old  matters,  or  the  busi- 
ness of  this  department.  Enclosed  I  send  you  latest  papers, 
and  have  the  honor  to  be.  Very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant,  John  E.  Mulford, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  and  United  States  Agent  for  Exchange  of 
Prisoners 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  Nov.  ilst,  1864 

My  dearest  Sarah:  I  have  been  most  busy  since  I  got 
here  what  with  guests  and  work  which  was  behind.  It  has 
rained  now  three  days,  and  the  roads  are  most  terrible.  All 
of  us  rode  out  in  it  one  day,  and  fortunately  nobody  got  sick. 
Have  you  heard  what  became  of  your  bread?  The  boy  threw 
it  overboard  trying  to  throw  it  onto  the  boat.  Do  send  me 
some  bread  and  some  coffee.  I  have  had  no  coffee  since  I  came 
up  here.     Send  me  some  pickles. 

Lee  is  being  reinforced  from  the  valley,  and  is  getting  uneasy 
here.  What  are  you  doing  this  weather?  Putting  buttons 
on  my  shirts?  I  should  think  you  would  have  nothing  else 
to  do. 


360   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Did  Mr.  Goldwin  Smith  get  dinner  with  you  yesterday? 
He  is  a  pleasant  gentleman  and  I  like  him. 

Tell  Blanche  she  must  read  French  to  improve  herself  and 
keep  up  the  language  or  she  will  lose  it  entirely. 

Tout  a  vous,  Benj. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

FoBTRESS  Monroe,  Monday,  Nov.  ilst,  1864 

Dearest:  I  have  waited  for  you,  I  have  waited  for  others 
to  go,  waited,  that  you  might  be  glad  when  a  letter  came  at 
last,  waited  for  everybody's  pleasure  or  convenience,  as  I 
often  do;  now  I  will  wait  no  longer,  but  write  for  my  own  pleas- 
ure, and  tell  you  how  much  I  miss  you,  how  trifling  are  all 
interests  to  me  but  those  that  belong  to  us,  how  much  I  am 
tempted  to  go  up  tomorrow  in  the  hospital  boat,  as  I  was  today 
in  the  "Greyhound."  But  I  cannot,  for  the  rain  is  pouring. 
And  you  are  too  lately  there  to  want  me  now.  Yesterday 
the  Englishman  came.  He  had  but  an  hour,  but  I  gave  him 
a  capital  lunch.  I  know  he  left  with  a  very  agreeable  impres- 
sion, and  earnest  invitation  to  visit  him  in  England  given  with 
warm  cordiality  to  Blanche  and  myself. 

Two  hours  ago  I  could  have  written  you  a  charming  letter 
now  I  cannot  do  it.  I  will  not  try  to  tell  you  why,  for  it  is 
late  and  I  cannot  explain  the  sudden  annoyance  that  has 
changed  agreeable  to  anxious  thoughts.  Is  camp  life  as 
pleasant  as  you  anticipated?  I  think  it  may  be  dull  just  now, 
as  your  party  has  left  and  the  days  are  wet.  I  heard  that 
Porter  was  preparing  to  blow  up  the  rebel  rams  with  torpedoes, 
and  has  men  now  at  work  for  that  purpose.  This  is  a  great 
secret,  so  unless  you  know  it  say  nothing  about  it.  Webster 
and  family  have  gone  to  Norfolk  to  live  in  the  Brown  house. 
No  word  from  Shepley  that  I  have  heard  of.  Farrington  and 
Carney  have  given  us  an  invitation  for  a  Thanksgiving  dinner 
next  Thursday.  Would  you  not  like  to  join  us?  Shepley 
is  invited.  The  Admiral,  Mrs.  Porter,  and  the  stafif  called  on 
me  the  last  fair  day.  There  were  several  things  I  thought  of 
to  write  you  about,  but  I  am  so  ill  at  ease  that  I  cannot  think 
of  them.  I  am  sorry  we  are  so  far  apart;  it  would  be  so 
pleasant  to  have  something  kindly  said  tonight.  All  are  in 
bed  but  me,  and  have  been  sometime.  I  shall  retire  now,  to 
sleep  I  hope.     Goodnight,  dearest,  may  you  sleep  well. 

Sarah 


LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN   F.  BUTLER        361 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 
Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Va.,  Nov.  lid,  1864 

My  Dearest  Wife:  Two,  three,  four  days  have  I  looked 
in  vain  all  through  the  mail  for  a  letter  from  you,  but  Alas! 
Alas!  I  found  none.  Have  you  forgotten  me  quite?  Do  you 
mean  to  leave  me  here  mid  storm  and  mud  unceasing,  to  perish 
unheeded?  Do  these  rainy  days  pass  so  quickly  and  swiftly 
that  you  have  no  time  for  me?  You  cannot  be  sick  or  I  should 
have  heard.  Well,  well,  we  must  bear  it  all  with  a  "patient 
shrug  for  sufferance  is  the  badge  of  all  my  tribe." 

Yours,  Benj. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

FoBTRESs  Monroe,  Tuesday,  Nov.  22,  '64 

You  know,  my  dear,  how  ready  you  were  to  return  to  camp 
life.  Now  confess,  are  you  not  a  little  wearied  with  what  it 
offers?  Would  you  not  really  prefer  Washington  or  New  York? 
I  tell  you  at  once  that  last  night  and  today  I  am  restless  and 
depressed.  It  is  the  result  of  things  I  cannot  control  and  must 
endure  as  best  I  can.  Nor  is  it  in  your  power  to  give  me  aid, 
as  it  refers  to  sickness  and  the  sight  of  others'  distress.^ 

I  should  be  glad  if  you  were  Secretary  of  War.  The  excite- 
ment of  Washington  life  would  be  better  for  me  now,  both  mind 
and  body,  than  to  watch  the  progress  of  a  terrible  disease. 
Mrs.  Read  is  here.  Her  lively  nonsense  will  help  along  the 
days.     Susan,  when  she  is  settled,  will  share  the  duty. 

There  is  a  French  woman  here,  the  wife  of  Dr.  Kinsman, 
not  the  one  you  know,  but  a  cousin  who  studied  in  Paris  and 
married  there.  The  lady,  Dr.  McCormick  says,  speaks  pure 
Parisian.  With  a  little  kindness  and  attention  from  us  she 
will  be  willing  to  be  agreeable  in  return  and  talk  French  with 
Blanche  for  the  pleasure  of  chatting  with  us  in  English.  I 
shall  further  this  acquaintance  as  much  as  possible  for  Blanche's 
benefit.  I  think  a  teacher  in  music  can  be  had  from  Norfolk. 
In  this  way  her  time  will  be  fully  occupied.  This  morning 
I  went  in  to  hear  the  boys'  lessons.  Mr.  Owen  says  they  have 
made  greater  progress  the  past  six  months  than  he  has  ever 
seen  children  do  before  in  the  same  time.  Today  he  asked 
leave  of  absence  for  four  days  to  visit  Newburn.     He  leaves 


1  Mrs.  Harriet  Heard  had  been  brought  to  Fortress  Monroe. 


362        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

in  the  boat  this  afternoon.     One  of  these  days  I  shall  ask 

you  to  send  me  the  "Greyhound."     There  are  some  ladies 

here  who  would  like  very  much  to  go  to  the  front.     I  believe 

it  would  be  better  I  should  invite  them.     Of  course,  we  must 

wait  till  the  weather  is  fine,   and  the  hut  in  order.     How 

miserably  wet  it  must  be  there  now.     I  shall  send  bread  and 

coffee  in  the  morning,  and  a  bottle  of  picallilly.     You  have  a 

large  number  of  soiled  shirts  in  your  trunk.     Send  them  down. 

With  best  and  kindest  feeling,  ^.  c, 

°  Yours,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Cipher.    Nov.  22,  1864,  5  p.m. 

All  quiet.     Two  divisions  of  Early's  men  reported  on  the 
y  own     oa  .        g^j^^j  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Sec.  of  War  ^^^°^«-   ^''-  **'  ^^^* 

The  Navy  are  ready  with  their  one  hundred  and  fifty  tons.^ 
How  soon  can  you  send  me  ours  to  Fortress  Monroe?  Vessel 
is  being  prepared.  g^^^   j,  g^^^^^_  j^j^.  g^^,^ 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  field,  Va.,  Nov.  iM,  1864,  10  p.m. 

My  dear  Little  Wife  :  I  am  grieved  that  you  are  annoyed 
so  you  cannot  write  me  cheerfully.  What  must  you  think 
of  me  so  lonely  here  in  my  little  log  hut?  —  not  a  word  from 
anybody  save  business  calls,  which  cease  at  4  p.m.  ,  During 
this  whole  evening  I  have  been  alone  —  for  three  days  the  rain 
poured  pitilessly,  and  I  have  not  been  able  to  be  out,  and  no 
letter  from  you  till  tonight,  and  then  a  sad  one  evidently. 
I  do  not  see  why  you  could  not  tell  me  what  annoyed  you, 
but  no  matter  if  you  are  not  so  inclined.  I  get  no  word  from 
Washington  such  as  I  would  like  to  get. 

Grant  has  not  returned  —  he  may  as  well  not  come  back. 
The   rain   has   rendered   all   present   movements   impossible. 

I  should  like  to  be  at  the  Thanksgiving  dinner  with  you 

but  cannot.     "Let  good  digestion  wait  on  appetite  and  health 

on  both."  ^     J   •  lj    T> 
Goodnight,  Benj. 

^  Powder  for  powder  boat. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        363 
From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Wednesday,  Nov.  iSrd,  1864 

Dearest:  I  cannot  think  of  you  as  being  annoyed  as  I 
might  be.  You  are  so  full  of  health  and  strength  you  may 
defy  the  world.  Nothing  can  hurt  so  much.  I  tell  you  I 
would  give  up  almost  everything  to  feel  the  vigor  of  perfect 
health  and  strength.  Do  not  think  I  mean  to  complain,  for 
I  am  by  no  means  sick;  only  I  feel  that  I  have  no  reserve 
power  and  any  calamity  that  arises  makes  me  feel  helpless 
for  a  time.  But  after  all,  my  dear,  I  have  force  of  mind,  and 
that  must  control  the  body.  So  you  are  lonesome  and  miss 
my  poor  letters.  I  had  a  great  mind  to  go  up  this  morning 
to  see  Dutch  Gap  opened,  but  Farrington  and  Carney  would 
be  too  much  mortified  if  the  dinner  failed.  Blanche,  Paul, 
and  Benny  have  gone  over  with  Mr.  Webster  this  evening 
to  pass  the  night.  Webster  has  not  much  furniture  yet.  Do 
you  not  think  it  a  mean  thing  on  Shepley's  part  to  withhold  the 
house  he  had  promised,  and  promised  it  to  me,  too?  So,  so, 
"sufferance  is  the  badge  of  all  your  tribe,"  is  it?  You  make 
me  smile.  It  is  the  one  quality  you  most  heartily  abjure,  — 
patience  and  sufferance  will  never  be  guests  of  yours.  If 
pressed  in  they  will  get  cheap  entertainment  and  speedily 
be  shown  the  door.  There  is  a  rumour  that  Burnside  comes  here 
—  the  armies  of  the  James  and  Potomac  to  be  consolidated, 
and  you  to  enter  the  Cabinet  as  Secretary  of  War.  Would  you 
like  it,  my  love?  I  think  it  would  please  me.  But  I  do  not 
believe  the  report.  And  you  have  been  alone  these  evenings. 
I  thought  you  so  full  of  business  and  visitors  that  you  would 
only  glance  at  my  letters.  I  would  rather,  far,  be  with  you. 
The  time  would  go  on  very  pleasantly,  with  a  few  books  when 
you  are  busy.  There  should  be  three  or  four  windows,  Blanche 
says,  in  the  log  hut  that  we  may  spy  out  what  the  oflScers  are 
doing.  I  have  not  seen  Fisher  since  you  left.  He  is  still  at 
Norfolk.  I  shall  shake  off  the  dullness.  It  comes  when  I  am 
not  quite  well.  I  am  sorry  we  cannot  have  you  for  the  Thanks- 
giving dinner.  I  shall  drink  your  health  if  there  is  wine, 
and  regret  your  absence  very  much. 

Yours  as  ever,  Sarah 


364   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Depi.  of  Virginia  &  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  Nov.  23,  1864 

So  the  dear  little  puss  wants  to  be  Mrs.  Secretary  of  War, 
does  she.^  Sly  little  puss!  Why  does  she  not  cry  for  a  piece 
of  the  moon.'*  She  shall  have  it,  so  she  shall!  Don't  she 
wish  she  may  get  it,  but  how.f*     That's  the  question. 

The  ice  froze  here  an  inch  thick  last  night.  I  almost  froze 
my  toes  by  sticking  them  too  far  through  my  little  bed,  before 
I  woke  up.  I  have  got  my  log  house  nearly  done,  but  I  think 
I  shall  sleep  in  boots  in  the  future. 

Oh,  I  am  in  love  with  camp  life,  I  am,  of  course,  —  who 
could  help  it?  Mud  now  frozen,  smoking  house,  all  the  agree- 
ables.     Am  about  to  lose  my  cook,  his  time  is  out. 

And  my  Thanksgiving  dinner  too,  think  of  that.  Such 
a  company  as  I  shall  have  for  dinner  "Lucullus  dines  with 
Lucullus." 

I  like  your  idea  about  the  French.  Hadn't  you  better  study 
it  yourself  .5*     I  wish  I  could  be  there,  to  talk  with  Madame  too. 

Goodbye,  Mrs.  Maj.  General,  how  poor  that  title  sounds 
now,  doesn't  it.f* 

Oh,  my  dear  little  wife  *'I  would  and  I  could" kiss  you. 

Benj. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Nov.  24„  1864,  11.30  P.M. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War 

In  the  absence  of  Lt.  Gen.  Grant  I  have  to  report  to  you 
that  the  battery  and  cavalry  horses  are  suffering  for  hay, 
and  the  Government  is  losing  large  sums  in  the  depreciation 
of  their  horses  from  this  cause.  For  this  there  can  be  no  excuse, 
as  there  is  hay  enough  in  the  country.  It  can  only  arise 
from  inexcusable  remissness  somewhere  which  need  but  to  be 
brought  to  your  attention  to  be  remedied. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Bt  Telegraph /rom  City  Point,  Nov.  24,  1864 

The  Lt.  Gen.  has  arrived  from  Washington.     Is  there  any 
change  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  in  your  front .f* 
By  com'd  of  Lt.  Gen.  Grant 

J.  A.  Rawlins,  B.  G.  Chf.  of  Staff 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        365 

From  General  Butler 

Capt.  Fox,  Asst.  Secretary  of  Navy  °^' 

AssT.  Secretary  Dana  informs  me  that  the  needed  material^ 
will  be  sent  at  once  to  Fortress  Monroe  100.     Please  see  him 

^^^  ^^^  ^^'  B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genn. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Dyer 

Cipher.    Nov.    iSth,    1864 

Mr.  Dana  telegraphs  me  that  the  material  for  the  explosive 
experiment  has  been  ordered.  Please  inform  me  when  it  will 
be  at  Fortress  Monroe,  &  how  much. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  Nov.  25,  1864 

My  Dearest  Sarah  :  No  letter  tonight,  and  I  am  so  lonely. 
Ah!  well,  you  were  away  to  a  dinner,  so  I  get  none.  I  trust 
you  enjoyed  your  company  and  the  occasion.  I  am  very  much 
ennuied  with  my  life.  True,  there  are  many  different  things, 
but  they  are  all  the  same  things  after  all.  There  is  no  hope 
of  change  so  far  as  I  can  see.  I  wish  you  were  with  me  here, 
but  that  is  impossible.  I  have  no  place  to  make  you  com- 
fortable. I  am  inclined  to  think,  however,  that  I  shall  be  at 
Fortress  Monroe  pretty  soon  on  business. 

All  is  quiet  here  to  a  very  great  degree.  Gen'l.  Grant 
has  returned  and  is  to  be  here  tomorrow.  I  have  no  note  paper, 
and  therefore  write  you  upon  this  larger  sheet,  but  as  you  do 
not  deserve  any  letter,  and  I  can't  give  you  a  kiss,  take  this. 

Benj. 
From  General  Butler 

Haste.    Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  Nov.  iOth,  1864,  9.45  a.m. 

Rear  Admiral  Porter,  Ft.  Monroe 

Mr.  Birney  is  to  show  me  tonight  a  little  exhibition  of  his 
fire  apparatus.  Please  come  up  this  pleasant  day  and  I  will 
go  down  with  you  in  the  morning  to  meet  the  Assistant  Secre- 
tary.    I  mean  to  have  Gen.  Grant  here. 

Come  up  to  the  landing  on  north  side  of  James,  just  below 
upper  pontoon  bridge,    g^^^  -p  -g^^^^^^  ^^^.  g^^,^  ^^^^^ 

^  Powder  for  powder  boat. 


366        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  Virginia  &  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  Nov.  26,   1864 

My  Dearest  Wife:  I  shall  be  down  on  Sunday  if  nothing 
happens,  and  Fox  will  dine  with  me  on  that  day,  and  perhaps 
Admiral  Porter  and  wife  if  they  will  come. 

Don't  weary  yourself  in  getting  dinner  for  us,  but  I  thought 
it  best  to  give  you  notice. 

Nothing  has  changed  since  I  wrote  you  last  night.  It  is 
possible  that  you  may  want  to  come  up  with  me. 

Tout  a  vous,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Personal.     Freepoht,  III.,  Nov.  27/64 

Dear  General:  I  have  been  stirring  around  for  the  last 
week  seeing  whether  Washburn  can't  be  made  Senator,  and 
have  concluded  that  the  thing  can  be  did,  if  the  right  work  is 
done.  I  will  take  a  turn  or  two  at  it,  and  then  I  will  come  and 
see  you.  I  should  like  much  to  know  what  uncle  Abe  proposes 
doing  in  regard  to  his  Cabinet,  etc.,  and  how  you  will  come 
out.  There  was  a  report  in  New  York  papers  that  you  had 
declined  the  War  OflSce.  I  have  rec'd  as  many  as  twenty 
letters  asking  me  to  write  you  not  to  decline.  The  people  have 
decided  that  you  should  be  here.  My  own  judgment  is  that 
you  should  accept  War  or  State  Dep't,  but  no  other.  You 
of  course  may  have  reasons  that  I  know  nothing  about. 

Your  letter  in  regard  to  Osborne  is  funny.  I  might  write 
Old  Abe  until  I  used  up  all  my  stationery  without  anything 
being  done  unless  his  Department  Commander  recommended 
it.  If,  however,  you  don't  think  it  a  good  and  proper  thing  to 
do,  don't  do  it.  I  don't  believe  he  is  a  very  big  Injun,  but  he 
is  better  than  scores  who  have  been  promoted,  and  as  he  has 
done  good  service  for  3  years  as  a  Col.,  and  as  his  is  the  only 
111.  Regt.  in  the  East,  I  thought  it  eminently  proper  that  he 
should  be  promoted.  What  say  you?  I  am  like  a  fish  out  of 
water  and  don't  expect  to  feel  settled  for  some  time. 
Your  Friend,  J.  W.  Shaffer 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        367 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Palmer 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Fort  Monboe,  Nov.  iSth,  1864 

Please  answer  specifically  the  following  questions.  How 
many  men  have  you  mounted  fit  for  duty  in  your  command  .f* 
How  many  horses  that  would  be  fit  for  cav.  or  mounted  in- 
fantry could  you  by  most  vigorous  collection  be  able  to  get 
together  at  or  near  Newbern,  besides  those  reckoned  in  an- 
swer to  the  first  question?  Would  you  then  have  mule  or 
horse  teams  sufficient  to  carry  600,000  rounds  of  small  arms, 
ammunition  on  a  fifty  mile  march? 

I  desire  an  answer  to  these  questions  forthwith.  I  am 
very  respec    u  y,  y^^^  obedient  Servant,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 
FoKT  MoNEOE,  Virginia,  November  iSth,  1864 

George  H.  Powers,  Esq. 

I  AM  pained  to  announce  to  you  the  destruction  of  the  "Grey- 
hound" by  fire.  I  believe  the  accident  occurred  from  causes 
wholly  beyond  the  control  of  the  master  and  crew. 

The  furnace  door  blew  open  and  scattered  the  coals  through 
the  fire  room.  The  pumps  were  promptly  applied  and  the 
fire  subdued  below,  but  it  burst  out  on  deck  through  the  sheath- 
ing of  the  steam  pipe. 

I  was  on  board  at  the  time  and  observed  the  conduct  of  the 
officers  and  men.  While  all  behaved  well,  I  desire  specially 
to  commend  the  coolness,  energy  and  brave  conduct  of  Mr. 
Bradford,  the  master  of  the  boat.  He  will  give  you  the 
particulars  of  the  affair. 

I  have  sent  him  north  to  select  another  boat  for  similar 
uses  as  the  "Greyhound,"  and  shall  ask  the  owners  to  put  him 
in  command  of  it  if  chartered  for  my  service.  I  can  give  no 
higher  commendation  of  my  opinion  of  his  efficiency. 

Respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Unofficial.    Head  Quarters  &c.,  Nov.  iSth,  1864 

Hon.  Wm.  Whiting,  Solicitor  of  the  War  Department 

My  dear  Whiting:  I  enclose  herewith  to  you  a  note  to 
the  Secretary  of  War  in  relation  to  the  matter  of  Sam'l.  Smith 


368        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

&  Co.,  Bankers  of  New  Orleans.  I  think  it  a  clean  case  for 
a  test  question,  and  hope  the  Government  will  defend  it. 
Please  bring  the  paper  to  the  notice  of  the  Secretary,  and  get 
his  permission  to  allow  me  to  publish  the  note  in  my  own 
justification. 

Although  somewhat  thick-skinned  to  newspapers'  attacks, 
yet  some  of  my  good  and  true  friends  are  writing  me  that  I 
ought  to  explain  the  facts,  and  I  know  no  better  way  to  do  so 
than  by  such  publication. 

If  I  may  rely  upon  those  friendly  relations  which  exist 
between  us  upon  you  to  procure  this  to  be  done,  you  will  add 
another  to  the  many  obligations  which  I  am  under  to  yourself. 

By  the  by,  why  do  you  not  come  to  the  "front,"  and  see  how 
war  is  actually  carried  on?     I  will  give  you  a  plate  and  a 

^^^^^^*-  Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  William  Whiting  to  General  Butler 

War  Dept.  Solicitor's  Office,  Wash.,  D.  C,  Nov.  30th,  1864 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  General:  I  have  received  yours  of  the  28th  with 
its  enclosure;  and  I  have  got  Dana  to  seek  a  favorable  moment 
to  obtain  the  Secretary's  permission  to  have  it  published. 

The  Secretary  is  far  from  being  well.  I  shall  get  his  answer 
I  hope  very  soon,  and  it  shall  be  communicated  to  you  at 
once.  I  have  said  to  the  Asst.  Sec.  that  it  is  but  an  act  of  jus- 
tice to  you  that  the  statement  should  be  published. 

It  would  give  me  pleasure  to  see  you  in  the  midst  of  your 
command  at  City  Point  and  I  will  take  some  opportunity  to 
pay  you  my  respects  in  person  if  I  can  get  an  opportunity. 

Yours  faithfully,  William  Whiting 

From  R.  S.  Fay,  Esq.,  to  General  Butler 

Florence,  Italy,  Nov.  iSth,  1864 

My  dear  General  I  have  given  up  the  use  of  brain  and 
hand  almost  completely  —  eyes  and  ears  are  all  one  needs  in 
this  beatific  land  but  I  control  my  conscience  not  to  allow  a 
mail  to  leave  without  making  a  grand  effort,  and  acknowl- 
edging your  very  great  kindness  to  my  young  friend  Eyre,  the 
account  of  which  I  have  just  received  from  him.  He  writes 
in  great  admiration  of  you,  and  fully  appreciates  all  your 
kindness  —  I  should  quote  his  letter,  but  it  is  too  long  for  my 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   369 

little  sheet.  It  might  go  as  an  antidote  to  the  diatribes  of 
the  morning  Post,  Times,  and  other  London  newspapers. 
You  ought  to  read  the  letter  of  the  correspondent  of  the 
London  Telegraph  of  Wednesday  last,  —  it  is  on  the  whole 
better  than  any  thing  I  had  read  in  which  you  figure,  and  yet 
I  do  not  know  whether  it  is  blame  or  praise.  I  do  know,  in 
this  particular,  that  you  do  not  care.  May  a  kind  and 
good  Providence  preserve  you,  for  the  time  is  coming  when 
the  bayonet  will  be  for  us  all  the  best  constitutional  protection. 
Richard  will  soon  join  us,  and  all  my  family  will  then  be  under 
one  roof  for  the  first  time  for  many  years.  I  shall  probably 
return  to  America  early  in  '65  on  account  of  his  absence,  and 
whether  you  are  at  the  front  or  in  the  rear,  I  shall  make  it 
a  point  to  see  you.     In  the  meantime,  believe  me. 

Very  sincerely  yours,  R.  S.  Fay 

From  General  Grant 

Cipher.    Citt  Point,  Nov,  28tK  1864 

To  Maj.  Gen' I.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g. 

Will  you  be  at  Ft.  Monroe  all  day  tomorrow?  If  so  I 
will  meet  you  and  the  Admiral  there  at  3  p.m. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  General 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Cipher.    Nov.  28,  11.40  a.m. 

I  WILL  await  your  coming  and  notify  the  Admiral.  Please 
telegraph  me  when  you  leave  so  that  I  may  be  sure  &  meet  you. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  H.  A.  Risley  to  General  Butler 

Fort  Monroe,  Nov.  i9th,  1864 

General:  I  conclude  to  go  up  tonight  and  see  Mr.  Fessen- 
den.  He  will  want  my  report  by  tomorrow  so  he  can  appoint 
a  collector,  etc.  I  shall  urge  your  views  upon  him  as  to  sending 
a  new  man.  If  he  thinks  best,  as  he  did  when  I  left,  to  appoint 
some  Union  resident  of  Norfolk  of  the  old  stock,  I  will  recom- 
mend Wm.  T.  Harrison,  unless  I  receive  a  telegram  from  you 
that  there  are  objections.  I  think  Harrison  a  better  man  than 
Dr.  Webb,  and  these  are  the  only  two  talked  about  as  any 
way  fit  for  the  place. 

I  shall  urge  C.  Hart  well  for  Naval  office. 
vol.  V— 24 


370   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  have  arranged  with  Mr.  Farrington  as  to  cotton  purchases, 
and  am  much  pleased  with  him. 

I  shall  come  back  Friday  night  and  be  about  here  a  week  or 
two,  and  will  go  up  to  the  front  to  see  you.     With  great  respect 

Your  obdt.  Sevt.,  H.  A.  Risley 

From  Goldwin  Smith  to  General  Butler 

i  to  3  S.  18tk  Street,  Philadelphia,  Nov.  idth.  1864 

My  dear  General  Butler  :  I  rejoice  in  your  providential 
escape,  ^  not  only  because  I  am  personally  most  grateful  for 
your  kindness,  but  because,  on  public  grounds,  I  follow  your 
future  with  interest  and  hope.  I  rejoice  for  the  sake  of  Mrs. 
Butler  and  Miss  Butler  as  well  as  for  your  own. 

Alas  for  the    "Florida!"     I    fear   America,   however,   will 

scarcely  escape  a  stain.     If  it  had  been  the  case  of  my  own 

country,  I  had  rather  our  best  ship,  our  best  fleet,  had  gone  to 

the  bottom.  tt       .    i  r>  a 

Very  truly  yours,  Ltoldwin  smith 

From  Colonel  E.  F.  Jones 

Pepperell,  Mass.,  Nov.  i9th,  1864 

Major  Gen'l.  B.  F.  Butler,  Fortress  Monroe 

My  dear  General:  A  gentleman  told  me  in  Boston  to-day 
that  he  was  this  day  told  by  an  officer  of  the  Cunard  steamer 
"Africa"  that  he  was  informed  six  weeks  since  by  an  officer 
who  had  left  the  "Greyhound"  that  the  accident  happening 
to  her  would  take  place,  as  it  was  so  arranged  before  he  left 
that  the  head  of  the  boiler  would  blow  out.  With  my  old 
feelings  of  friendship  for  you  all  alive,  allow  me  to  congratulate 
you  on  your  escape.  y^^^^  ^^^,^^  ^  p  j^^^^ 

From  Peter  Lawson  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Nov.  30th  1864 

My  dear  General:  When  in  Boston  yesterday  I  was 
surprised  to  learn  from  the  purser  of  the  steamship  "Asia," 
Mr.  Field,  that  he  was  informed  in  Liverpool,  six  weeks  ago, 
that  the  boilers  of  the  "Greyhound"  were  fixed  in  such  manner 
that  the  accident  which  did  occur  was  well  known  in  Liverpool 
would  take  place.     In  fact,  he  was  told  by  a  passenger  who 

1  General  Butler  was  on  board  the  Steamer  "Greyhound"  when  the  fire  started 
which  destroyed  her. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        371 

took  passage  at  Halifax  in  the  steamship  which  left  early  in 
October.  The  passenger  told  him  that  the  destruction  of 
the  "Greyhound"  by  fire  would  certainly  occur,  but  could  not 
state  definitely  when  it  would  take  place. 

Mr.  Field  mentioned  it  on  Sunday  on  arrival,  and  intended  to 
have  communicated  it  to  me  at  once.  He  is  a  good  Union 
man,  in  sympathy  with  us,  and  knew  me  to  be  your  ardent 
friend  and  supporter.  Mr.  Field  can  be  relied  on,  as  he  is 
a  true  and  faithful  brother. 

Allow  me  at  this  time,  my  dear  General,  to  mingle  my 
sympathies  with  yours  and  congratulate  you  and  your  family 
on  your  most  Providential  escape  without  injury.  And  my 
only  prayer  is  that  Our  Heavenly  Father  in  His  Divine  mercy 
may  watch  over  you  and  protect  you,  till  you  accomplish  the 
work  he  has  laid  out  for  you  in  the  settlement  of  this  cruel  war. 

I  wrote  you  on  the  24th  instant,  which  I  hope  you  will 
answer  as  early  as  possible,  as  I  intend  leaving  home  for  the 
South  as  soon  as  I  hear  from  you.  I  have  heard  nothing  of  the 
whereabouts  of  Mr.  Hildreth  yet.  Mr.  Field  communicated 
other  facts  that  would  be  of  much  interest  to  our  government, 
which  I  will  tell  you  of  when  I  see  you.  I  am  your  sincere 
friend  and  fraternal  brother.  p^^^^  Dawson 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

By  Telegraph  from  Headquarters  City  Point,  Nov.  30,  1864 

I  HAVE  files  of  Savannah  and  Augusta  papers  sent  me  by 
Col.  Mulford,  from  which  I  gather  that  Bragg  has  gone  to 
Georgia,  taking  with  him  what  I  judge  to  be  most  of  the  forces 
from  about  Wilmington.  It  is  therefore  important  that  Weitzel 
should  get  off  during  his  absence,  and  if  successful  in  effecting 
a  landing  he  may  by  a  bold  dash  also  succeed  in  capturing 
Wilmington.  Make  all  the  arrangements  for  his  departure, 
so  that  the  Navy  will  not  be  detained  one  moment  for  the  army. 

Did  you  order  Palmer  to  make  the  movement  proposed  yes- 
terday.'^    It  is  important  that  he  should  do  so  without  delay. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen  I. 


372   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field  Nov  30tk,  1864 

Rear   Admiral   Porter,    ComcTg.    North   Atlantic   Blockading 
Squadron,  James  River 

Admiral:  Brigadier  General  Wild  will  hand  you  this  note, 
and  brings  also  orders  to  General  Palmer  about  the  matter 
of  which  we  were  speaking.  Please  give  him  an  order  to  be 
transmitted  through  him  to  the  commander  of  your  naval 
forces  in  the  sound  to  cooperate  in  the  fullest  extent  with 
General  Palmer,  and  to  move  with  all  promptness  and  celerity. 
General  Wild  will  show  you  the  orders,  which  are  unsealed  for 
that  purpose,  which  he  takes  to  General  Palmer. 

If  anything  occurs  to  you  which  I  have  not  covered  in  my 
instructions  please  telegraph  me,  and  I  will  reach  General 
Wild  by  telegraph  before  he  leaves  Fort  Monroe.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  Obedient  Servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler, 

Major  General  Commanding 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Palmer 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Nov.  30th,  1864 

General:  Information  has  got  to  me  that  the  enemy  are 
in  small  force  —  less  than  five  hundred  (500)  men  are  forti- 
fying Rainbow  Bluff  twenty  (20)  miles  up  the  Roanoke  above 
Plymouth.  Admiral  Porter  suggests  upon  the  information  that 
he  has  from  the  naval  officer  commanding  those  waters  that  a 
conjunct  expedition  of  the  Navy  and  Army  would  easily  cap- 
ture that  point  and  hold  it,  and  that  it  is  of  very  great  import- 
ance that  we  should  do  so.  Therefore  I  propose  that  you 
shall  make  the  attempt.  Take  all  the  forces  that  can  be  spared 
in  your  district  which  you  may  deem  necessary,  and  move  with 
great  promptness  while  the  enemy  are  engaged  with  Sherman 
in  Georgia  and  with  us  here,  so  that  you  need  not  fear  rein- 
forcements. Perhaps  after  seizing  that  point  you  might  by 
a  bold  push  reach  the  Rainbow  Bluff  at  Halifax, 

I  would  suggest  that  you  could  transport  your  troops  and 
supplies  within  six  (6)  miles,  and  land  them  below  the  bluff 
and  take  the  enemy  in  the  rear  —  late  matters  of  detail  must  be 
left  to  your  discretion.  What  I  do  require  is  promptness  of 
action,  and  I  rest  largely  on  that.  I  rest  also  largely  upon 
your  energy  and  zeal. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    373 

You  had  better  give  out  that  your  expedition  is  a  movement 
up  the  Chowan  upon  Weldon.  You  are  surrounded  by  spies, 
and  the  moment  you  start  any  movement  conjecture  will 
be  busy  as  to  its  direction. 

Now,  if  you  let  it  be  confidentially  understood  by  a  sufficient 
number  of  persons  that  you  are  going  up  the  Chowan,  that 
will  be  sure  to  get  to  the  enemy.  Brig.  Gen'l.  Wild,  who  does 
me  the  favor  to  take  this  to  you,  is  also  charged  with  some 
confidential  matters  which  he  will  state  to  you,  and  in  which 
I  trust  you  will  aid  him. 

As  soon  as  this  expedition  is  over,  I  propose  to  send  you  a 
Battalion  of  the  16th  N.  Y.  H.  Arty.,  as  portion  of  your  gar- 
rison at  Newbern,  and  take  the  15th  Comm.  (Conn.)  into  the 
field  with  me,  unless  you  can  state  objections  which  do  not  now 
occur  to  me.     I  am. 

Very  respectfully  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Meade  to  General  Butler 

United  States  Military  Telegraph,  Ed.  Qrs.  A.  of  P.,  Nov.  1864 

No  movements  in  Petersburg  have  been  observed  or  re- 
ported up  to  this  hour.  Reports  from  my  lines,  signal  officers, 
and  deserters,  indicate  no  change  or  movement. 

George  G.  Meade,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g.  A.  of  P. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Headquarters  Army  of  the  James,  November  30th,  1864, 8.45  p.m. 

I  HAVE  been  busy  all  day  endeavoring  to  ascertain  the  truth 
as  to  the  movement  of  the  troops  from  here.  Deserters  say 
that  Field's,  Hoke's,  and  Kershaw's  divisions  have  all  moved, 
each  going  a  different  way,  but  gone  toward  Petersburg.  My 
signal  officer  reports  a  train  of  six  cars  loaded  with  troops,  and 
six  open  cars  loaded  with  artillery,  passing  from  Petersburg 
toward  Richmond  to-day.  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  the 
movement  is  of  Hoke's  division  to  Petersburg,  only  because 
of  a  difficulty  and  a  very  angry  discussion  which  has  sprung  up 
between  Hoke  and  Field  in  regard  to  their  failure  at  Battery 
Harrison  on  the  30th  of  September  last,  which  appeared  in  the 
Richmond  papers,  and  that  Kershaw  is  to  take  Hoke's  place 
here.  We  have  had  literally  no  deserters  for  two  days.  We 
have  nearly  perfected  the  plan  of  organization  of  the  corps. 
With  your  leave  I  will  be  down  in  the  morning  for  the  necessary 
orders.     Orders  will  go  down  to-morrow  to  General  Palmer 


374        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

to  make  the  move  of  which  we  spoke.  I  have  spared  every- 
thing I  can  from  the  hospital  boats  and  other  boats  in  the 
department  to  move  troops.  The  navy  shall  not  wait  for  me 
a  single  hour,  and  we  will  make  the  push  if  it  is  possible. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Major-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  971. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

By  Telegraph  from  City  Point,  Nov.  30, 1864 

I  SHALL  be  at  Hd.  Qrs.  tomorrow,  &  will  be  glad  to  see  you 
^^^^'  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

FoHTRESs  Monroe,  nine  o'clock  eve.  Nov.  '64 

Dearest:  Col.  Kensel,  wife,  sister,  and  Major  Davis  came 
to  the  Fort  this  morning.  I  invited  them  to  dinner  this  after- 
noon as  a  proper  attention.  They  stayed  the  evening.  That 
makes  it  late  writing  to  you.  Mrs.  Judge  White  sent  me  a 
note  (the  second  one  on  the  same  matter,  the  first  was  forgotten 
unfortunately).  I  enclose  it  to  you,  and  entreat  that  without 
delay  you  will  grant  the  request  and  send  her  the  pass  for  the 
children  as  she  desires.  Pray  do  not  neglect  it  as  I  have  done, 
for  there  are  little  things  that  worry  me  if  left  undone.  Read 
her  note,  as  part  of  it  relates  to  you. 

The  morning  was  so  lovely  we  repented  much  that  we  did 
not  go  with  you.  There  will  be  no  more  such  days.  We  have 
lost  the  fairest  time  that  could  be  offered.  I  will  adopt  your 
view  of  things,  and  cease  to  regret  whatever  has  passed.  I 
miss  you  more  and  more,  when  you  go  away.  Yet  we  might 
quarrel,  who  knows,  if  you  were  constantly  here.  To  be  sure, 
thinking  of  my  perfections,  that  would  hardly  seem  possible, 
but  men  are  so  perverse;  they  are  hardly  to  be  counted  as 
rational  beings.  Now  you  may  be  glad  to  see  me  by  Saturday. 
Kensel  proposes  to  go  up  on  Sunday.  We  may  find  that  a 
better  time.  Whichever  or  whenever,  I  am  till  then  somehow 
with  a  touch  of  sadness  that  I  cannot  help. 

Most  dearly  and  truly  your  Sarah 

Forget  not,  delay  not  —  my  request. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   375 


From  General  Butler 

Dec.   ind,    1864,   9.5   a.m. 

Col.  Dodge,  Bermuda 

Press  the  hospital.  I  have  ordered  350  men  to  report  for 
duty  there.     If  you  want  more  call  on  Gen.  Graham  for  them. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Dec.  2,  1864 

Brig.  Gen.  Graham,  Comd'g.,  &c. 

Order  two  hundred  men  with  shovels  and  picks  to  report  at 
once  and  till  further  orders  to  surgeon  in  charge  at  Point  of 
Rocks  Hospital.  Also  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  with  axes. 
Send  the  most  energetic  ofl&cers  you  have  with  them.  We  must 
take  advantage  of  this  fine  weather  to  get  up  our  hospital. 

I  should  be  glad  to  see  you  this  afternoon. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 


From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Dec.  id,  1864 

Has  Col.  Patten  been  sent  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac .^^ 
I  do  not  care  to  have  him  go,  but  Gen.  Meade  is  desirous  of 
knowing  if  he  is  to  go  or  not,  in  order  that  he  may  know  whether 
to  assign  a  commander  to  the  troops  you  sent  to  him. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Dec.  ind,  1864 

Col.  Patten  has  been  assigned  to  the  command  of  a  brigade 
in  the  18th  Corps,  and  I  would  not  like  to  spare  him  if  you  do 
not  object  to  the  assignment. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Meade 

Dec.  ind,  1864 

Large  numbers  of  the  Colored  Division  of  the  9th  Corps 
were  on  detached  or  detailed  duty  in  that  Corps  and  have  not 
been  sent  with  their  regiments.  I  took  special  pains  to  have 
all  the  detailed  men  of  the  Provisional  Brigade  sent  to  you. 

Please  order  all  the  men  on  duty  in  your  army  belonging  to 
the  Army  of  the  James  sent  here,  specially  of  the  Colored 


376        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Division.     You  will  have  to  see  to  it  that  the  order  is  enforced 
as  it  is  difficult  to  get  detailed  men  always. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  John  K.  Hackett  to  General  Butler 

Law  Department,  Office  of  Counsel  to  the  Corporation,  Dec.  Ind,  1864 

My  dear  General:  Your  kind  favor  of  Nov.  25th  received. 
I  enclose  you  some  newspaper  clippings,  with  reference  to  the 
motion  to  remove  cause  of  Smith  &  Co. 

Judge  Pierrepont  had  his  speech  prepared  and  read  it.  My 
reply  was  not  printed,  —  a  more  gross  departure  from  pro- 
fessional propriety  I  have  never  known.  The  judge  should 
have  stopped  him,  but  did  not.  The  motion  will  be  decided, 
I  assume,  in  the  course  of  a  few  days.  Of  the  issue  I  will 
promptly  advise  you.  Will  you  not  draw  the  substantive 
matters  to  be  embraced  in  your  answer  at  your  earliest  con- 
venience, and  I  will  then  put  the  answer  in  form,  to  be  used  in 
case  of  emergency.'^     In  great  haste. 

Very  truly  yours,  John  K.  Hackett 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Dec.  ind,  1864,  9.35  p.m. 

I  UNDERSTAND  that  Pollard,  the  southern  historian,  is  at 
Fortress  Monroe,  paroled  and  going  about  the  wharf  and  else- 
where with  freedom. 

The  imprudence  of  many  of  our  officers  in  telling  all  they 
know  to  every  one  makes  this  objectionable,  particularly  if 
he  is  to  be  exchanged.  I  would  suggest  close  confinement  for 
him  until  the  time  comes  for  exchanging.  I  would  also  suggest 
that  if  he  is  exchanged,  Richardson  and  Brown,  two  correspon- 
dents that  were  captured  running  the  Vicksburg  blockade, 
be  demanded  for  him.  -^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^,^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Ed.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  Dec.  2nd,  1864,  9.20  p.m. 

I  WILL  attend  to  the  matter  of  Mr.  Pollard.  I  did  not  know 
that  he  was  at  large.  He  is  not  to  be  exchanged  unless  Richard- 
son and  Brown  are  given  up. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   377 

From  Captain  Puffer 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  Va.  &  N.  C.  Foktress  Monroe,  Va.,  Dec.  ird,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  Comdg.  Army  of  the  James,  etc. 

General:  I  telegraphed  you  this  morning  that  Pollard 
had  gone  up  to  your  Head  Quarters.  I  received  your  tele- 
gram at  lOj  last  night,  just  as  I  was  going  to  bed,  and  supposed 
at  the  time  that  P.  was  still  here,  as  I  did  not  think  he  got  my 
pass  early  enough  for  yesterday's  boat.  I  got  up  before  7 
this  morning,  and  went  down  to  find  him,  and  learned  that  he 
went  up  on  an  extra  boat  at  10  o'clock,  a.m. 

If  I  had  the  slightest  idea  that  he  was  to  be  treated  differently 
from  other  prisoners,  I  would  have  had  the  strictest  watch  over 
him.  As  it  was,  I  sent  him  to  report  at  once  to  the  Provost 
Marshal,  where  a  copy  of  his  order  was  taken,  and  his  parole 
given  that  he  "would  not  leave  the  precincts  of  the  hotel  or 
hold  communication  with  anyone  except  through  the  Provost 
Marshal's  office." 

He  may  have  obtained  a  good  deal  of  information.  General, 
during  the  time  he  was  here,  for  this  point  is  a  great  place  for 
rumors.  For  instance,  I  was  told  this  morning  that  there  was 
no  news  excepting  "about  the  troops  coming  down  from  the 
front  to  go  with  Porter." 

I  mention  this  particularly,  because,  from  the  open  manner 
in  which  it  was  said,  I  see  no  reason  why  Pollard  may  not  have 
overheard  the  same  thing.     I  have  the  honor  to  be.  General, 
Your  obdt.  Servant,  A.  F.  Puffer,  Capt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  General  Butler 

Dec.  Uh,  1864    CNot  in  chronological  order] 

Capt.  Puffer,  A.  D.  C,  Fortress  Monroe 

I  SEND  Mr.  Pollard  back.  Keep  him  in  the  fort  as  com- 
fortably as  you  can.  Let  him  give  his  parole  there,  he  will 
have  no  communication  with  anybody  but  yourself.  Pollard 
can  walk  about  the  fort. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  H.  A.  Risley  to  General  Butler 

Commercial  Intercourse  with  and  in  States  Declared  in  Insurrection,  Seventh  Agency, 

Treasury  Department,  Washington,  D.  C,  Dec.  3rd,  1864 

Dear  General:  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  get  down  before 
the  middle  of  next  week.     I  must  first  go  to  New  York.     The 


378   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

collectorship  is  suspended,  as  you  will  observe.  Mr.  Hudson, 
my  assistant  there,  is  acting  collector  until  it  is  known  and 
determined  what  is  best.  I  shall  visit  you  immediately  at 
Bermuda  Hundred  on  getting  down. 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  H.  A.  Risley 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

CiTT  Point,  Dec.  3d,  1864 

Please  telegraph  me  if  there  is  any  news  from  Sherman  in 
the  Richmond  papers  of  today.         ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^    ^^^,^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Dec.  3rd,  1864,  8  p.m. 

There  is  absolutely  no  news  in  the  Richmond  papers  from 
Sherman.  An  extract  from  Savannah  News  says  Oconee 
Bridge  is  burnt,  Nov.  20th,  and  that  on  Tuesday  the  enemy 
made  his  appearance  at  Griswoldville,  burnt  the  town,  had  a 
battle,  and  were  repulsed.  And  that  a  raiding  party  had 
approached  Warrenton.  But  all  this  seems  to  be  only  accounts 
of  skirmishers.     Send  papers.  g^^^    j,    ^^^^^^ 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Palmer 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  of  the  James,  December  Uh,  1864 

General  :  Most  of  the  matters  in  your  confidential  despatch 
by  the  hand  of  General  Harland,  which  reached  me  this  morn- 
ing (Dec.  4th),  must  have  been  answered  by  my  despatch 
by  the  hand  of  General  Wild,  and  I  think  with  it  you  will  be  able 
to  make  the  movement  which  I  suggest  therein.  I  should  be 
very  glad  if  you  cut  the  railroad,  especially  just  now.  Push 
for  it  if  it  is  possible,  but  when  there  make  the  destruction  cer- 
tain, cut  it  if  it  is  possible  at  two  (2)  points  some  miles  apart, 
so  that  it  shall  not  be  to  the  enemy  a  mere  transshipment. 

Have  everything  of  your  command  that  you  can  possibly 
have  ready  as  a  mobile  force  to  cooperate  with  me  in  a  move- 
ment hereafter  possible,  and  of  which  you  will  be  instructed. 

I  would  suggest  after  taking  Rainbow  Bluff,  to  strike  across 
to  Farboro,  thence  to  Rocky  Mount,  cutting  the  railroad  at 
Swift  Creek  and  Rocky  Mount,  so  as  to  put  difiiculties  between 
yourself  and  Lee,  then  forty  (40)  miles  will  take  you  to  Golds- 
boro,  thence  home  via  Kinston  if  you  fancy. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   379 

Live  on  the  country.  I  would  march  without  transportation, 
intending  to  live  on  the  country.  Such  a  movement  of  yours 
would  be  of  incalculable  service  just  now,  and  while  I  do  not 
order  it,  I  suggest  it  and  will  sanction  it. 

As  soon  as  you  strike  Hamilton  with  your  transportation 
you  might  send  it  back  for  your  cavalry,  or  perhaps,  what 
would  be  still  better,  leave  your  cavalry  to  make  the  demon- 
stration on  Kinston  as  a  diversion. 

If  they  can  take  Kinston,  let  them  keep  on  to  Goldsboro; 
at  any  rate  hold  on  to  Kinston  or  in  that  neighborhood  until 
you  could  possibly  join  them.  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Very 
respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Headqrs.  Armies  of  the  United  States, 
City  Point,  Va.,  Dec.  4,  1864 

I  FEEL  great  anxiety  to  see  the  Wilmington  expedition 
get  off,  both  on  account  of  the  present  fine  weather,  which  we 
can  expect  no  great  continuance  of,  and  because  Gen'l.  Sherman 
may  now  be  expected  to  strike  the  seacoast  any  day,  leaving 
Bragg  free  to  return. 

I  think  it  advisable  for  you  to  notify  Admiral  Porter  and  get 
off  without  any  delay,  with  or  without  your  powder  boat. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt  Genl. 

From  General  Butler  to  Admiral  Porter 

Cipher.     Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Dec.  4,  1864 

When  can  you  be  ready  with  our  little  expedition?     Captain 
Edson,  ordnance  officer  at  Fortress  Monroe,  will  put  ordnance 
stores  at  your  disposal.     Time  is  valuable  from  the  news  we  get. 
Benjamin  F.  Butler,  Major-General  Commanding 

From  Admiral  Porter  to  General  Butler 

Norfolk,  Dec.  4,  1864 

We  are  ready  for  the  one  hundred  and  fifty  (150)  tons  of 
powder.  Will  you  give  directions  to  have  it  bagged  ready 
to  go  on  board.?  j^^  j^^  p^^^^^^  Rear-Admiral 


380        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Captain  Edson 

•  Cipher,    Dec.  5,  1864,  11.20  a.m. 

Please  have  at  once  all  the  powder  of  which  I  spoke  to  you 
put  in  sand  bags  or  flour  sacks  ready  for  shipment.  You  will 
see  Admiral  Porter  on  the  subject.  You  will  get  the  bags 
of  the  engineer  department  at  Fortress  Monroe.  If  not, 
notify  me  by  telegram. 

Benjamin  F.  Butler,  Major-General  Commanding 

From  Admiral  Porter  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Dec.  5,  1864,  4  p.m. 

I  AM  all  ready,  and  shall  call  on  the  ordnance  officer  at 
Fortress  Monroe  for  material. 

D.  D.  Porter,  Rear-Admiral 

From  General  Grant 

Head  Quarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  Dec.  6th,  1864 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Army  of  the  James 

Gene'ral:  The  first  object  of  the  expedition  under  Gen. 
Weitzel  is  to  close  to  the  enemy  the  port  of  Wilmington.  If 
successful  in  this,  the  second  will  be  to  capture  Wilmington 
itself.  There  are  reasonable  grounds  to  hope  for  success  if 
advantage  can  be  taken  of  the  absence  of  the  greater  part 
of  the  enemy's  forces,  now  looking  after  Sherman  in  Georgia. 
The  directions  you  have  given  for  the  numbers  and  equipment 
of  this  expedition  are  all  right  except  in  the  unimportant  matters 
of  where  they  embark,  and  the  amount  of  intrenching  tools 
to  be  taken.  The  object  of  the  expedition  will  be  gained  by 
effecting  a  landing  on  the  main  land  between  Cape  Fear  River 
and  the  Atlantic,  north  of  the  north  entrance  to  the  river. 
Should  such  landing  be  effected  whilst  the  enemy  still  hold 
Fort  Fisher  and  the  batteries  guarding  the  entrance  to  the 
river,  then  the  troops  should  intrench  themselves,  and  by 
cooperating  with  the  Navy  effect  the  reduction  and  capture 
of  those  places.  These  in  our  hands,  the  Navy  could  enter 
the  harbor,  and  the  Port  of  Wilmington  would  be  sealed. 
Should  Fort  Fisher  and  the  point  of  land  on  which  it  is  built 
fall  into  the  hands  of  our  troops  immediately  on  landing, 
then  it  will  be  worth  the  attempt  to  capture  Wilmington  by  a 
forced  march  and  surprise.  If  time  is  consumed  in  gaining 
the  first  object  of   the  expedition,  the  second  will  become 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        381 

a  matter  of  after  consideration.  The  details  for  execution 
are  entrusted  to  you  and  the  oflBcer  immediately  in  command 
of  the  troops. 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obt.  svt.,  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

P.S.  Should  the  troops  under  Gen.  Weitzel  fail  to  effect  a 
landing  at  or  near  Fort  Fisher,  they  will  be  returned  to  the 
Army  operating  against  Richmond  without  delay.     U.  S.  G. 

From  General  Turner 

Confidential.     Head  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Army  of  the  James, 

in   the   Field,   Dec.    6th,    1864 

Maj.  Gen'l.  G.  Weitzel,  Comd'g.  25th  Corps 

General:  The  Major  General  Commanding  has  entrusted 
you  with  the  command  of  the  expedition  about  to  embark 
for  the  North  Carolina  coast.  It  will  consist  of  about  6500 
infantry,  2  batteries  of  artillery,  and  50  cavalry. 

The  effective  men  of  General  Ames'  Division  of  the  24th 
Corps,  and  Gen'l.  Paine's  Division  of  the  25th  Corps,  will 
furnish  the  infantry  force. 

Gen'l.  Paine  is  under  your  orders.  Gen'l.  Ames  will  be 
ordered  to  report  to  you  in  person  immediately.  You  will 
confer  with  these  oflScers  and  arrange  details.  Instruct  them 
to  select  their  best  men,  making  your  total  force  about  6500 
men. 

The  Chief  of  Artillery  in  conference  with  you  will  designate 
the  artillery  to  be  taken.  The  horses  of  the  batteries,  except 
one  horse  for  each  officer  and  Chief  of  Police  will  be  left.  Take 
one  set  of  wheel  harness. 

Fifty  men  of  Massachusetts  Cavalry  will  be  ordered  to  report 
to  you. 

Forty  (40)  ambulances,  (2)  horse,  with  necessary  medical 
stores  have  been  selected  for  the  expedition,  which  will  be 
distributed  on  at  least  two  boats. 

Take  60  rounds  of  ammunition  on  the  men,  100  rounds  in 
boxes  to  be  distributed  through  the  fleet.  If  your  Division 
trains  do  not  furnish  the  necessary  amount,  the  balance  re- 
quired will  be  furnished  by  Chief  of  Ordnance  at  the  point  of 
embarkation.  300  rounds  of  ammunition  (artillery)  per  gun 
will  be  taken.  So  much  of  it  as  is  not  contained  in  limber 
boxes  and  caissons  will  be  loaded  in  boxes  at  point  of  embar- 
kation. 

Let  each  regiment  draw  and  take  with  it  on  transport  5 


382        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

days'  rations.  Three  days'  cooked  meat,  20  days  additional 
will  be  taken  in  at  Fort  Monroe,  distributing  it  through  the 
fleet.     Field  rations  only  will  be  taken. 

2  pack  mules  for  Div.  and  Brig.  Head  Qrs.  will  be  allowed. 

Mounted  officers  will  take  but  one  horse  for  personal  use. 
The  Chief  Quarter  Master  has  been  instructed  to  furnish  150 
sets  of  mule  harness.  It  is  expected  to  get  animals  from  the 
enemy's  country. 

The  Chief  Quarter  Master  will  also  furnish  a  party  of  wharf 
builders,  and  a  small  amount  of  material  for  landings,  etc. 

Thirty  (30)  launches  will  be  taken  on  at  Fort  Monroe. 

The  Chief  Signal  Officer  has  been  instructed  to  order  signal 
officers  and  men  to  report  to  you. 

Lt.  Parson,  with  a  company  of  engineer  soldiers,  will  report 
to  you.  500  shovels,  250  axes,  and  100  picks  have  been 
prepared. 

It  is  expected  that  the  necessary  transportation  will  be 
ready  by  to-morrow  at  Deep  Bottom. 

You  will  report  in  person  to  the  Major  General  Commanding 
for  further  instructions.     I  am,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  Jno.  W.  Turner,  Brig.  Gen.  Chief  Staff 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Cipher.    By  Telegraph  from  Citt  Point,  Dec.  6th,  1864 

I  HAD  sent  you  a  cipher  despatch  before  receiving  copy  of 
your  instructions  to  Gen'l.  Weitzel.  I  think  it  advisable  all 
embarkation  should  take  place  at  Bermuda. 

The  number  of  intrenching  tools  I  think  should  be  increased 

^  "'  *  ^^^'-  U.  S.  Gbant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Dec.  6th,  186i.  6.25  p.m. 

Owing  to  some  mistake  in  transmission  I  have  not  received 
your  cipher  despatch. 

It  will  be  more  convenient  to  have  the  embarkation  at  Deep 
Bottom,  and  I  think  quite  as  much  out  of  the  sight  of  the  enemy 
as  at  Bermuda,  if  that  is  the  only  reason.  I  am  informed 
Gen.  Ingalls  did  not  get  your  despatch,  having  left  Washington 
before  it  came.  The  intrenching  tools  shall  be  largely  increased. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        383 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Dec.  6th,  1864 

Cipher  despatch  received.  Orders  will  be  given  to  carry 
out  the  orders  contained  in  it. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  Admiral  Porter 

Cipher.    Dec.  6th,  1864 

What  day  can  we  start  from  the  Fortress?  I  wish  not  to 
keep  troops  on  board  transports  a  day  longer  than  possible, 
as  it  will  take  some  days  to  reach  Savannah  anyway.  Is  there 
anything  I  can  aid  you  in? 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  Admiral  Porter  to  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Fortress  Monroe,  Dec,  6,  1864,  9.30  p.m. 

Your  telegram  is  received.  The  vessels  to  carry  the  am- 
munition will  be  ready  in  the  morning,  completely  filled. 
The  ordnance  ofiicer  here  at  Fortress  Monroe  is  doing  every- 
thing he  can  to  expedite  matters.  Most  of  our  ammunition 
is  here,  and  will  commence  loading  to-morrow,  I  will  report 
perhaps  to-morrow  evening,  so  that  you  can  make  your  cal- 
culation when  to  embark.  I  think  I  can  by  to-morrow  tell  you 
within  an  hour  when  we  can  be  ready.  We  are  ready  in  every 
other  respect.  ^  -^  Porter,  Rear  Admiral 

From  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

Treasury  Department,  December  6th,  1864 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Fort  Monroe,  Va. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  you  a  copy  of  the  Presi- 
dent's proclamation,  opening  the  port  of  Norfolk,  Va.,  and  also 
the  circular  issued  by  this  Department  to  Collectors  and  other 
OflScers  of  the  Customs. 

You  will  perceive  that  there  is  no  necessity  for  certificates 
from  your  Department  for  the  shipment  to  Norfolk,  Va.  of 
articles  not  contraband  of  war.  The  certificates  for  shipment 
of  articles  contraband  of  war,  or  prohibited  by  military  orders 
should  be  forwarded  for  approval  to  H.  A.  Risley,  Esq.,  Sup'g. 
Special  Agent,  7th  Agency,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Very  respectfully,  W.  P.  Fessenden,  Secretary  of  the  Treas. 


384       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 
Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  December  10th,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  Wm.  p.  Fessenden 

Sir:  The  President  by  his  proclamation  has  opened  the 
Port  of  Norfolk.  One  effect  of  that  has  been  of  course  to  re- 
lease it  from  the  (3)  three  per  cent,  internal  tax  upon  all  goods 
brought  into  the  port.  But  as  Fortress  Monroe  was  never  any 
portion  of  the  collection  district  of  Norfolk,  it  leaves  upon  the 
troops  at  Fortress  Monroe  that  tax  for  all  the  goods  they  use. 
Now  that  seems  to  me  not  to  be  either  just  or  according  to  the 
intendment  of  law. 

Fortress  Monroe  in  and  of  itself  was  never  an  insurrectionary 
district.  It  was  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the  State  of 
Virginia,  and  therefore  could  not  have  been  taken  out  by  the 
State,  and  has  always  been  held  by  the  United  States.  It  used 
to  be  a  part  of  the  collection  district  of  Hampton.  Hampton 
having  been  burned,  I  don't  think  it  would  be  worth  while  to 
establish  another  collection  district  there.  It  never  was  of 
any  use  except  to  give  a  salary  to  some  first  gentleman  of 
Virginia  who  was  too  lazy  to  work. 

A  simple  order  from  the  Treasury  Department  to  the  col- 
lectors of  the  ports  not  to  regard  Fortress  Monroe  as  part  of 
an  insurrectionary  district  would  accomplish  the  whole  matter. 
Attention  to  this  matter  will  much  oblige.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  Servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  Washington  City,  December  6th,  1864 

General  :  I  am  instructed  by  the  Secretary  of  War  to  inform 
you  — 

First,  that  your  communication,  dated  at  Fortress  Monroe, 
Nov.  28th,i  and  addressed  to  him  in  relation  to  the  claim  of 
Samuel  Smith  and  Company  against  you,  was  referred  to  the 
Judge  Advocate  General  for  opinion  and  report  on  the  question 
of  indemnity  you  ask  for. 

Upon  that  reference,  the  Judge  Advocate  General  reports: 
"The  question  of  indemnification  cannot  be  determined  at  this 
stage  of  the  proceedings.     Should  there  be  a  judgment  against 

1  See  General  Butler  to  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Nov.  26  1864,  filed  Nov.  11,  1864. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       385 

the  applicant,  his  rights  to  be  indemnified  against  it  will  depend 
upon  the  character  of  his  conduct,  considered  in  all  its  bear- 
ings, which  has  given  rise  to  the  suit.  This  will  be  best  under- 
stood when  examined  in  the  light  of  the  testimony  which  will 
be  produced  on  the  trial.  If  the  applicant  acted  within  the 
scope  of  his  powers,  fairly  interpreted,  his  claim  to  protection 
against  the  results  of  this  suit  should  be  allowed.  The  fact 
that  he  had  retained  the  gold  seized  and  now  holds  it  subject 
to  the  order  of  the  Government,  is  not  considered  as  affecting 
the  rights  or  obligations  involved." 

This  report  is  approved,  and  will  govern  the  action  of  the 
Department  upon  your  request  for  indemnity. 

Second.  In  relation  to  your  request  for  leave  to  publish  your 
letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  Secretary  directs  me  to 
say  that  no  objection  is  made  by  the  Department  to  your 
publication  of  any  statement  in  regard  to  the  claim  of  Smith 
&  Co.  which  you  may  deem  essential  for  your  vindication. 

Third.  In  reference  to  the  information  given  by  you  to  the 
Department  —  a  copy  of  your  memorandum  in  relation  to  the 
gold  of  Smith  and  Co.  seized  by  you,  filed  with  your  accounts 
and  vouchers  in  the  War  Department,  is  hereto  annexed. 
I  am.  General,  Very  respectfully, 
Your  Obedient  Servant,  E.  D.  Townsend,  Asst.  Adjt.  Gen' I. 

From  General  Butler 

1864 

Hon.  Wm.  Whiting,  Solicitor  War  Department 

My  dear  Whiting:  I  return  a  copy  of  the  answer  to  my 
communication  which  I  forwarded  through  you.  I  have  not 
asked  for  indemnity,  but  that  the  U.  S.  would  assume  the  suit 
or  strike  the  claims  from  my  account,  and  that  is  the  answer. 

Well,  well,  I  can  take  care  of  myself.  Thanking  you  for 
your  attention  to  my  requests,  I  have  only  to  say  that  while 
I  am  able  to  bear  the  brunt  of  this  case,  there  will  be  but  few 
oflficers  that  will  move  forward  to  do  that  which  they  ought  to 
do  if  they  are  to  be  let  down  in  this  manner.  I  understand  it, 
and  can  only  say,  Tantaene  irae  in  celestibus  animis. 

Yours  truly,  Benj,  F.  Butler 


386   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Dec.  6th,  1864 

My  dearest  wife  :  You  are  gone  —  papers  are  all  finished, 
and  I  feel  very  lonely.  I  have  nothing  to  write,  but  I  thought 
how  you  might  like  to  see  yourself  in  a  Southern  dress,  and  so 
send  these  papers.  y^^^^^  ^^^^ 

From  the  Richmond  ''Whig^' 

Wednesday  morning,  Nov.  30, 1864 

Another  correspondent  refers  thus  to  a  person  who  is  a  sad 
commentary  on  the  bad  effects  of  evil  associations.  To  be  the 
wife  of  Benj.  F,  Butler  is  to  be  degraded  to  the  position  of  a 
"cracksman's  doxie,"  —  the  easy  receiver  of  stolen  property,  — 
the,  in  point  of  fact,  female  tutelar  deity  of  an  establishment 
which  is  not  so  much  a  dwelling-house  as  it  is  a  "crib." 

General  Butler's  Wife 

{Correspondence  Providence  Journal) 

Some  eighteen  or  twenty  years  ago  a  young  actress,  a  Miss 
Hildreth,  played  for  several  eVenings  at  the  Dorrance  Street 
Theatre  in  Providence.  I  happened  to  see  her  in  the  tragedy 
of  Jane  Shore.  Her  part  was  a  secondary  one,  that  of  the  friend 
and  confidant  of  Edward's  beautiful  favorite;  but  her  con- 
ception of  the  character  surprised  me  by  its  originality  and  its 
impressive  truthfulness.  I  felt  that  she  had  a  great  dramatic 
talent,  and  often  wondered  that  her  name  had  so  entirely 
disappeared  from  the  stage.  In  the  Spring  of  1840,  while 
visiting  a  friend  in  Lowell,  I  found  one  morning,  on  returning 
from  a  walk,  a  card  from  Mrs.  Benjamin  Butler,  with  an 
invitation  to  take  tea  with  her  the  following  evening.  I  went 
with  my  host  and  hostess;  no  other  guests  were  invited.  The 
name  of  Mrs.  Benjamin  Butler  had  for  me  at  that  time  no  other 
significance  than  might  have  had  the  name  of  Mrs.  John 
Smith.  On  our  way  to  the  house,  my  host,  a  Webster  Whig, 
spoke  of  Mr.  Butler  not  too  flatteringly,  as  a  successful  lawyer, 
smart  but  unscrupulous,  ready  to  take  up  the  worst  cases, 
and  noted  for  always  carrying  his  clients  through.  On  entering 
the  parlors  I  was  surprised  to  find  in  the  charming  and  graceful 
lady  who  received  us  the  dramatic  friend  and  confidant  of 
Jane  Shore,  whose  talent  had  so  much  impressed  me  at  the 
Dorrance  Street  Theatre.     Mrs.  Butler  was  a  young  lady  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         387 

Dracut  who,  fascinated  by  the  stage,  and  conscious  of  dramatic 
power,  had  obtained  an  engagement  at  one  of  the  Boston 
theatres,  and  who  was  for  about  two  years  earnestly  devoted 
to  her  profession,  when  Mr.  Benjamin  Butler  proffered  his 
hand  and  heart,  and  won  her  back  to  domestic  life.  I  found 
that  she  still  loved  the  art,  and  prevailed  on  her  to  read  to  me 
some  of  her  favorite  passages  in  Shakespeare.  She  read,  I 
remember,  the  prison  scene  in  "Measure  for  Measure"  with 
a  passionate  pathos  that  made  me  half  regret  that  the  "smart 
Lowell  lawyer"  had  won  her  away  from  Melpomene  and  all  her 
tragic  glooms  and  splendors. 

FroTTi  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Dec.  6,  1864 

A  MOVEMENT  will  commencc  on  the  left  to-morrow  morning. 
Make  immediate  preparations  so  that  your  forces  can  be  used 
north  of  the  river  if  the  enemy  withdraw,  or  south  if  they 
should  be  required.  Let  all  your  men  have  two  (2)  days' 
cooked  rations  in  haversacks.  During  to-morrow  night  with- 
draw to  the  left  of  your  line  at  Bermuda  the  force  you  propose 
sending  south,  unless  otherwise  ordered.  It  will  be  well  to 
get  ready  as  soon  as  you  can  to  blow  out  the  end  of  the  canal. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Dec.  7th,  1864,  2  p.m. 

Brig.  Gen.  Ludlow  made  a  dash  upon  the  other  side  of  the 
river  opposite  Dutch  Gap  and  captured  a  half  dozen  of  the 
enemy's  pickets  and  drove  the  rest  away.  We  now  hold  that 
bank,  and  Major  Michie  is  engaged  in  making  his  surveys  and 
soundings  preparatory  to  opening  the  canal. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Dec.  7,  1864,  2.10  p.m. 

Good  for  Ludlow!  Is  it  possible  now  to  take  advantage  of 
the  lodgment  effected  by  him  to  carry  the  heights  south  of  the 
river .f^     Please  have  this  matter  looked  into. 

Warren  moved  at  daylight  this  morning. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen'l. 


388        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  December  1th,  1864,  10  p.m. 

Major  General  Halleck,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General  Warren,  with  a  force  of  about  22,000  infantry, 
six  batteries,  and  4,000  cavalry,  started  this  morning  with  the 
view  of  cutting  the  Weldon  railroad  as  far  south  as  Hicksford. 
Butler  at  the  same  time  is  holding  a  threatening  attitude  north 
of  the  James  to  keep  the  enemy  from  detaching  from  there. 
To-night  he  has  moved  6,000  infantry  and  two  batteries  across 
James  River,  to  be  embarked  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  to  co- 
operate with  the  navy  in  the  capture  of  the  mouth  of  Cape 
Fear  River.  Palmer  has  also  moved,  or  is  supposed  to  have 
moved,  up  the  Roanoke  to  surprise  Rainbow,  a  place  the  enemy 
are  fortifying,  and  to  strike  the  Weldon  road,  if  successful, 
south  of  Weldon.  To-day  General  Butler  sent  some  troops 
across  the  river  above  Dutch  Gap  and  captured  the  pickets, 
and  now  holds  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  it  being  a  long 
bend  overflown  by  high  tide,  with  no  outlet  except  along  the 
levees  on  the  bank.  I  think  he  will  be  able  to  hold  it.  This 
may  prove  of  advantage  in  opening  the  canal,  and  is  a  decided 
advantage  in  holding  the  enemy,  who  have  long  been  expecting 
an  attack,  when  it  is  opened.  It  is  calculated  to  keep  the  enemy 
at  home  whilst  Warren  is  doing  his  work. 

U.  S.  Gb ANT,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  24 

From  General  Butler 

^   7    -rw  Dec.  7th,  1864 

Col.  Dodge: 

The  "Baltic"  is  at  Annapolis.     Get  her.     We  shall  need  her. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Cipher.    Dec.  7th,  1864 

Gen.  Weitzel's  command  is  encamped  at  Signal  Tower 
near  Point  of  Rocks,  and  awaits  orders. 

Admiral  Porter  telegraphs  he  will  be  ready  by  tomorrow. 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Hdqrs.  Armies  of  the  United  States,  Citt  Point,  Va.,  Dec.  7,  1864 

Let  Gen.  Weitzel  get  off  as  soon  as  possible.     We  don't  want 

the  Navy  to  wait  an  hour.  ^-.    ^     „  t  •    ^    /-* 

•^  U.  S.  Grant,  Lieut.  Gen. 


LETTERS   OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        389 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Deft.  Va.&N.C.  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field,  Va.,  Dec.  7th,  1864 

Major  General  Schenck,  Committee  on  Military  A  fairs. 
House  of  Representatives,  Washington,  D.  C. 

General  :  At  your  request,  in  view  of  the  conversation  which 
was  held  between  us  upon  the  necessity  of  reorganizing  the 
Army,  I  will  endeavor  to  put  on  paper,  as  well  as  I  can  amid 
the  pressure  of  my  engagements  in  the  field,  the  views  which 
I  expressed  to  you. 

Some  of  the  difficulties  to  be  avoided  or  met  by  reorganizing 
are  as  follows: 

1st.  The  impossibility  of  keeping  the  force  in  the  field  neces- 
sary for  operations  to  an  effective  standard. 

2nd.  The  want  of  instruction  to  the  recruits,  both  officers 
and  men,  that  are  sent  into  the  field,  rendering  them  for  months 
nearly  useless. 

3rd.  The  want  of  any  reserve  force  so  in  case  of  raids  or 
attacks  upon  the  Northern  lines  at  Washington  or  Cincinnati 
to  avoid  the  necessity  of  bringing  back  troops  from  the  front 
to  meet  incursions  of  the  enemy. 

4-th.  The  impossibility  of  getting  sick  and  wounded  men  who 
were  sent  to  hospitals  back  to  their  regiments. 

5th.  The  want  of  regularity  of  payment,  accounts,  and 
records  of  the  soldiers  in  the  field. 

6th.  The  great  pressure  upon  the  contract  officers  at  the 
War  Department  of  the  records  of  all  the  details  of  the 
administration  of  the  regiment. 

7th.  The  need  of  responsibility  to  the  head  of  the  regiment 
of  the  administration  of  the  Staff  Department,  such  as  Medical, 
Pay,  Quartermaster,  Ordnance,  and  Commissary. 

8th.  The  want  of  accountability  of  the  Staff  Department 
because  of  the  change  of  locations  and  commanders  of  regiments 
for  the  kind  and  quality  of  the  equipment  and  stores  furnished. 

The  science  of  war  and  of  administration  of  warlike  affairs 
although  the  study  of  hundreds  of  years  in  Europe  is  practically 
comparatively  new  in  this  country.  It  would  seem  to  be, 
therefore,  the  part  of  wisdom  to  examine  and  adopt  so  far  as 
practicable  the  system  of  organization,  expedients,  and  de- 
vices which  are  found  to  be  serviceable  in  countries  where 
larger  armies  are  permanently  kept,  having  in  view  the  fact 
that  hereafter  the  necessities  of  this  country  will  require  a 
very  much  larger  force  than  ever  heretofore,  because  from 


390        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  action  of  this  war  we  have  become  essentially  a  warlike 
people.  The  argument  against  standing  armies  which  pressed 
upon  our  fathers  at  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution, 
that  they  might  be  wielded  by  a  monarch  against  the  liberties 
of  the  people,  does  not  apply.  The  result  of  the  late  election 
convinces  every  reflecting  mind  that  our  "bayonets  think," 
and  that  the  sympathies,  feelings,  and  wishes,  the  political 
desires  and  aspirations  of  the  Army,  are  in  full  accord  with 
the  people  at  home,  only  lighted  up  with  a  more  fervid  and 
vivid  patriotism;  the  question  only,  then,  is  viz:  how  the  army 
of  the  United  States,  now  composed  of  troops  of  twenty  (20) 
different  nations,  and  when  the  authority  of  the  Union  is  ex- 
tended over  all  our  borders  of  some  thirty-six  (36)  States  or 
more,  can  be  consolidated  or  nationalized  as  a  National 
Institution  as  the  militia  was  intended  by  provisions  of  the 
Constitution. 

The  system  of  organization  which  is  hereinafter  crudely 
set  forth  is  the  result  of  some  reflection  upon  the  French 
organization,  and  is  an  attempt  to  adapt  it  to  the  wants  of  the 
American  Army  as  they  have  pressed  upon  me  from  now  nearly 
four  (4)  years'  experience  in  the  field.  The  reflections  of  gentle- 
men of  skill  and  experience  will  supply  many  details  overlooked 
by  me,  or  not  set  forth  in  this  paper.  I  would  make  the 
Regiment  the  unit  of  organization  for  administration,  and  the 
Division  the  unit  of  organization  for  offensive  operations. 
The  regiment  should  consist  of  twenty-four  hundred  (2400) 
men  as  the  maximum — eighteen  hundred  (1800)  as  a  minimum, 
both  numbers  easily  divisible  when  divided  into  three  (3)  bat- 
talions of  eight  hundred  each,  consisting  of  companies  of  one 
hundred  (100)  men  each.  Captain  and  First,  Second,  and  Brevet 
Second  Lieutenants,  Each  battalion  in  the  field  should  be 
under  command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  and  two  (2)  Majors, 
the  whole  to  be  commanded  by  a  Colonel.  The  men  should 
be  enlisted  or  drafted  for  three  years,  never  less. 

To  each  battalion  for  the  field  there  should  be  an  Adjutant 
and  Quartermaster  taken  from  the  line  of  Lieutenant  by 
appointment  of  the  Colonel. 

The  staff  of  the  regiment  should  be  a  regimental  Quarter- 
master, Commissary,  Adjutant,  Paymaster,  Surgeon,  all  with 
rank  of  Captain  and  Asst.  Surgeon.  To  each  battalion  for 
the  field  should  be  two  (2)  Asst.  Surgeons,  rank  of  Lieutenant, 
a  first  and  second,  and  a  difference  of  grade  between  the  first 
and  second  of  fifteen  (15)  per  cent,  of  pay.     An  Ordnance 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   391 

Officer,  a  Lieutenant,  who  should  be  responsible  for  the  arms 
and  ordnance  stores  of  the  regiment.  A  Chaplain  with  the 
rank  of  Captain.  The  company  organization  other  than  herein 
prescribed  to  be  as  at  present. 

An  essential  requisite  of  this  organization  is  that  each  regi- 
ment should  have  a  home  at  some  post  fixed  by  the  order  of  the 
War  Department,  not  to  be  changed  except  upon  the  discon- 
tinuance of  the  post  or  the  disbanding  of  the  regiment,  and  in 
case  of  discontinuance  of  the  post  a  new  home  to  be  given  to 
the  regiment.  Having  a  very  extended  front  where  it  has  been 
and  will  be  necessary  to  maintain  permanent  garrisons  or  posts, 
I  would  make  each  a  home  of  a  regiment,  and  its  home  battalion 
as  herein  described,  the  garrison  of  one  of  those  permanent 
posts.  This  post  or  home  of  the  regiment  should  be  under 
command  of  the  Colonel,  who  should  be  selected  for  his  qualities 
for  uprightness,  a  disciplinarian,  as  a  man  of  business,  and  as 
an  instructor  in  military  science.  To  illustrate  the  workings 
of  this  system  which  I  propose,  I  take  for  example  Fort  Warren 
or  Fortress  Monroe,  that  we  will  say  is  the  home  of  the  first 
regiment,  one  battalion  garrisons  the  fort,  where  it  can  be 
instructed  in  the  school  of  light  and  heavy  artillery  as  well  as 
infantry.  There  should  be  the  regimental  hospital,  there  the 
regimental  headquarters  —  there  its  records  —  there  its  pay 
master  —  there  its  clothing  depot  and  its  depot  of  arms  and 
equipments  —  and  all  under  the  command  of  its  colonel,  and 
for  the  safe  keeping  and  proper  use  of  which  the  Colonel  should 
be  made  responsible.  The  Colonel  should  be  responsible  to 
the  Bureaus  at  Washington  for  all  material  for  his  regiment 
save  the  transportation  and  supplies  of  the  battalions  in  the 
field;  any  divided  responsibility  simply  allows  waste.  We 
will  suppose  the  regiment  assembled  at  its  home.  Two  (2) 
of  its  battalions  are  sent  into  the  field,  sixteen  hundred  (1600) 
strong,  under  command  of  the  senior  and  junior  Lieut.  Col., 
consisting  of  the  most  experienced  officers  and  the  best  drilled 
men.  The  other  battalion  remains  at  its  home,  which  should 
be  a  school  of  instruction  for  the  officers  and  soldiers.  The 
records  of  its  organization  as  a  military  body,  i.e.  the  rank 
of  its  officers  —  the  enlistment  and  discharge  of  the  men,  should 
be  kept  by  the  Adjutant,  its  records  as  an  administrative  body, 
to  wit,  its  equipment,  pay,  and  allowances,  clothing,  rations, 
stoppage,  &c.,  of  its  officers,  which  should  be  kept  by  the  pay- 
master, in  books  of  record  well  secured,  to  be  forwarded  to  the 
War  Office  on  the  disbandment  of  the  regiment  —  all  returns 


392   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

excepting  field  returns  should  be  made  to  the  regiment,  and 
the  Colonel  of  the  regiment  should  forward  duplicate  tri- 
monthly  abstracts  to  the  commander  of  the  army  in  the  field 
and  to  the  war  office.  Everything  else  of  muster-rolls,  pay- 
rolls, equipment-rolls,  and  other  records  should  be  at  the  home 
of  the  regiment.  There  every  person  having  occasion  to  learn 
the  history  of  any  soldier  could  at  once  obtain  all  the  infor- 
mation. From  those  records  the  pension  office  could  be 
guarded  from  frauds,  the  pay  department  from  mistakes,  and 
the  medical  department  from  impositions.  The  keepers  of 
all  these  records  of  detail  at  the  regiment  would  relieve  the  war 
office  of  the  continual  pressure  for  information  as  to  the  per- 
sonnel of  the  army.  An  inquiry  could  be  at  once  answered  by 
referring  the  applicant  to  the  regimental  records.  Now  then, 
the  battalion  in  the  field,  either  through  service  or  in  action, 
loses  say  two  hundred  (200)  men,  killed,  wounded,  or  disabled. 
From  the  field  hospital  of  the  army  those  wounded  and  sick, 
as  soon  as  they  are  able  to  be  removed  should  be  sent  to  the 
hospital  of  the  regiment.  There  the  surgeon  would  have  an 
interest  to  see  that  his  hospital  was  kept  as  clean  as  possible. 
He  would  be  responsible  for  the  health  of  twenty-four  hundred 
(2400)  men  only,  and  his  pride  would  be  in  the  smallest  number 
of  sick,  convalescents  could  be  put  to  light  duty  in  the  home 
battalion,  hardened  for  the  exposure  of  the  field  and  returned 
when  in  the  judgment  of  the  surgeon  and  colonel  they  were 
fit  for  duty.  There  then  would  be  no  occasion  to  allow  the  sick 
officer  or  soldier  to  go  home  on  furlough  from  whence  as  a 
rule  he  rarely  returns.  Our  present  means  of  transportation 
by  rail  or  steamer  would  enable  us  to  do  this  with  much  greater 
facility  and  less  expense  than  is  the  present  system  of  transpor- 
tation to  general  hospitals,  as  returning  transports  could  take 
home  the  sick  that  would  go  to  it  from  the  regiment.  Now 
the  interest  of  a  surgeon  of  a  general  hospital  is  to  have  as  many 
patients  as  possible.  He  is  made  the  commander  of  a  post. 
The  hospital  fund  depends  upon  the  number  of  his  inmates. 
His  boast  to  his  associates  is  "the  number  of  beds  he  runs." 
His  importance  is  commensurate  with  the  number  of  sick  he 
has,  the  present  system  places  around  him  every  inducement 
known  to  man  not  to  do  his  duty,  and  having  adapted  the  means 
to  the  end,  we  are  surprised  to  find  the  result  that  some  do  not 
do  their  duty  and  return  the  sick  as  soon  as  recovered.  The 
wonder  should  be  that  so  many  do  their  duty  so  well.  It  is 
a  high  praise  of  their  integrity.     Therefore  commissions  are 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   393 

established  to  examine  hospitals,  and  rout  out  the  men  who 
should  be  sent  to  their  regiments.  At  the  home  might  be  the 
burial  place  of  the  regiment  where  those  not  gloriously  lying 
on  the  battle-field  they  had  ennobled  with  their  blood  might  lie 
side  by  side  with  their  comrades  with  whom  they  had  stood 
shoulder  to  shoulder  in  life.  Fewer  ties  are  closer  than  the 
companionship  of  a  soldier's  life,  next  to  sleeping  in  the  tomb 
of  his  fathers  he  would  prefer  burial  with  his  fellows. 

Upon  the  returns  of  the  Lieut.  Col.  of  the  depletion  of  his 
battalion  to  the  minimum  six  hundred  (600)  men,  two  hundred 
(200)  men  with  the  proper  officers  —  the  oldest  and  best  in- 
structed could  be  at  once  forwarded  to  the  field  to  take  the 
place  of  the  disabled,  and  thus  the  force  in  the  field  be  always 
kept  up. 

By  such  means  the  army  in  the  field  would  be  continually 
kept  full,  so  that  if  in  the  judgment  of  the  war  office  or  the 
Comdg.  Gen'l.  a  certain  army  was  necessary  for  a  given  result, 
at  the  moment  that  result  was  about  being  obtained  the  Gen- 
eral would  not  find  himself  with  less  than  half  the  force  required 
for  that  purpose,  and  obliged  to  wait  as  now  until  his  force  is 
filled  up  with  uninstructed  men  raised  by  draft,  or  by  the 
worst  of  all  possible  system,  by  means  of  bounties  and  substi- 
tution. To  fill  the  home  battalion  recruiting  should  be  con- 
tinually going  on.  The  recruits  could  then  be  forwarded  with- 
out loss  of  time  or  the  loss  of  a  man  to  their  regiment,  there 
to  be  instructed  before  they  went  into  the  field.  By  this 
arrangement  the  expense  of  recruiting  depots  for  the  care  of 
recruits  and  fitting  them  out  would  be  saved,  with  their  guards 
and  machinery,  as  the  recruit  could  be  forwarded  as  soon  as 
enlisted. 

Farther  than  this,  there  would  be  a  place  where  deserters 
could  be  sent,  examined,  tried,  punished,  or  put  to  duty,  the 
commander  of  the  regiment  would  have  both  his  interest  and 
his  pride  enlisted  in  having  his  deserters  and  absentees  without 
leave  men  brought  back. 

If  necessary  to  resort  to  a  draft,  then  this  system  might 
obtain.  Each  regiment,  while  it  should  have  its  home,  should 
also  have  its  locality  in  a  given  military  district,  which  should 
be  expected  and  called  upon  to  furnish  its  proportion  of  the 
Army  of  the  United  States  equivalent  to  the  regiment.  Then 
upon  the  depletion  of  the  regiment  belonging  to  that  district 
by  the  loss  of  the  two  hundred  men,  as  the  supposed  case, 
a  draft  could  be  made  in  that  military  district  to  fill  up  without 


394   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

disturbing  the  whole  country  with  a  simultaneous  draft  of 
many  thousand  men;  officers  from  the  regiment  could  be  sent 
to  that  district  to  make  the  draft,  saving  the  present  system  of 
Provost  Marshals'  Depots. 

The  Paymaster  there  having  the  accounts  of  the  regiments 
always  under  his  hand,  responsible  for  their  correctness, 
could  always  pay  the  soldier  promptly;  the  Colonel  being  re- 
sponsible for  the  requisitions  which  he  would  make  for  this 
purpose  and  the  correctness  of  the  accounts,  would  be  an  audit- 
ing officer.  The  accounts  to  be  audited  immediately  after  each 
payment,  and  verified  returns  to  be  made  to  the  pay  depart- 
ment. By  such  means  every  soldier  would  get  his  pay  monthly 
like  other  workmen,  would  know  where  to  send  for  it,  if  away 
his  wife  or  family  would  know  where  to  get  their  allotment 
if  any,  and  the  soldier's  order  on  the  paymaster,  if  it  were 
necessary  to  give  orders,  would  always  be  able  to  find  an  answer. 
And  here,  too,  might  be  the  savings  bank  of  the  regiment  for 
each  soldier  to  deposit  his  pay,  to  be  drawn  on  his  order,  thus 
saving  the  loss  and  waste  of  money  in  the  field. 

The  Chaplain  would  be  responsible  for  the  religious  instruc- 
tion of  the  regiment,  and  for  the  instruction  of  the  soldier's 
children  at  the  home  of  the  regiment.  Practically,  in  the  field 
the  chaplain  is  nearly  useless  except  as  a  sort  of  postmaster 
of  the  regiment.  In  saying  this,  I  by  no  means  mean  to 
underrate  the  services  of  the  chaplain  or  his  zeal  in  his  duty, 
but  speak  of  his  opportunities  to  render  service. 

The  regimental  quartermaster,  having  charge  of  the  clothing 
and  equipment  of  the  regiment,  making  his  requisitions  through 
the  Colonel,  would  be  responsible  to  him  as  well  for  its  kind, 
its  quality,  and  whether  it  came  up  to  the  inspection  require- 
ments of  the  Government,  because  being  at  a  place  stated, 
he  would  be  in  condition  not  to  receive  articles  that  were  not 
proper  in  kind  and  quality,  and  being  a  permanent  officer, 
dealing  with  a  permanent  body  of  men,  he  could  be  made 
responsible,  which  now  issuing  Quartermasters  at  Posts  cannot 
practically  be  made,  issuing  to  a  body  of  men  that  they  will 
never  see  again  nor  be  seen  by  them.  The  regiments  having 
a  home,  around  it  would  cluster  the  wives  of  the  soldiers  and 
the  disabled  soldiers,  and  there  be  taken  care  of,  and  each 
regiment  would  be  a  soldier's  home  without  further  consider- 
able expense  to  the  country.  There  the  soldier  would  find 
schools  for  his  children.  There  with  the  disabled  soldiers  and 
soldiers'  wives  manufacturies  of  clothing  and  equipment  for 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   395 

the  army  could  be  established,  and  after  a  time  the  contract 
system  might  be  substantially  abolished.  Indeed,  by  means 
of  making  the  regiment  the  unit  of  administrative  organ- 
ization, with  proper  and  eflBcient  officers,  the  army  might  be 
a  self -providing  machine  so  far  as  the  provision  of  its  equipment 
and  material  goes,  and  in  time  of  peace  a  portion  of  the  soldiers 
might  be  usefully  employed  as  workmen  in  such  employments. 

The  trophies  of  the  regiment  would  be  there  —  its  record 
of  its  history  would  be  there.  There  would  be  something  to  be 
proud  of  in  the  memory  of  its  deeds,  and  the  examples  set 
by  the  brave  men  who  had  composed  it. 

This  organization  would  also  give  always  one-third  of  the 
force  in  reserve  organized  to  meet  any  raid  or  attack,  as  if 
kept  properly  full  there  would  be  six  hundred  men  (600)  of 
each  regiment  ready  to  march  to  a  given  point  at  a  moment's 
notice,  with  instructed  officers  and  men  more  or  less  instructed 
and  disciplined.  There  would  need  be,  then,  no  nervousness 
about  any  attempted  invasion  by  the  enemy.  The  click  of  the 
telegraph  would  convey  the  order,  and  the  railroad  would  con- 
centrate an  army  of  many  thousand  well-organized  and  in- 
structed soldiers  sooner  than  the  invading  force  could  march 
fifty  (50)  miles. 

The  expense  of  the  nine  (9)  months'  men,  the  six  (6)  months' 
men,  the  three  (3)  months'  men,  and  the  one  (1)  months'  men 
that  have  been  called  out  since  the  beginning  of  this  war,  and 
who  have  been  substantially  useless  to  the  country  save  for  the 
moment,  would  more  than  pay  the  expense  of  the  reserve 
organization  during  the  past  three  years. 

This  organization  should  farther  be  carried  out  by  making 
each  military  district  responsible  for  the  equipment  of  the 
regiment,  like  a  congressional  district  to  be  altered  once  in 
ten  (10)  years  according  to  the  change  or  increase  of  population. 

The  Constitutional  rights  of  the  States  as  regards  militia 
might  be  provided  for  by  allowing  the  Governors  of  States  to 
appoint  the  officers  upon  the  raising  of  the  regiment,  but  after 
it  is  once  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States  then 
the  vacancies  should  be  filled  by  appointments  by  the  President, 
preferably  from  the  ranks,  upon  some  well-defined  system  of 
merit. 

If  it  is  objected  that  we  are  providing  for  a  standing  army 
which  cannot  be  decreased,  it  is  answered  that  by  reducing 
the  force  from  its  maximum  to  its  minimum  it  is  decreased 
about  one-fourth  at  once,  leaving  the  organization  perfect. 


396        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Then,  if  it  should  be  necessary  at  the  close  of  the  war  to  decrease 
the  force  still  further,  it  might  be  done  by  disbanding  the 
regiments  in  certain  of  the  agricultural  and  thinly-settled 
districts,  where  plenty  of  profitable  employment  can  be  found, 
leaving  only  those  of  the  city  districts,  where  recruiting  would 
probably  keep  them  up.  But  the  difficulty  we  have  found  in 
this  war  so  far  is  not  in  getting  rid  of  soldiers,  but  of  raising 
them,  and  no  one  need  fear,  it  seems  to  me,  any  trouble  on 
that  account. 

This  organization  would  be  of  the  greatest  service  to  the  col- 
ored troops,  and  as  they,  I  doubt  not,  are  to  be  a  permanency, 
they  could  at  once  be  so  organized.  Specially  will  it  fit  them, 
for  now  their  wives  and  families  have  no  abiding  place  or 
home,  and  would  be  brought  together  in  settlements  on  the 
lands  about  the  homes  of  these  regiments,  since,  as  I  suppose, 
these  regiments  would  be  located  in  the  South.  I  would  further 
have  all  court  martials,  except  in  cases  of  cashiering  an  officer 
or  any  offense  punishable  by  death,  held  at  the  home  battalion, 
and  a  Judge  Advocate  to  each  division  to  insure  regularity 
of  proceeding  to  go  in  the  field. 

This  organization  should  be  further  prefected  by  making 
a  brigade  of  three  (3)  regiments,  the  effective  field  force  of  which 
would  be  at  its  maximum  forty-eight  hundred  (4800)  men, 
at  its  minimum  thirty-six  hundred  (3600)  —  the  whole  force 
of  which  would  be  seventy-two  hundred  men,  reckoning  the 
reserves,  or  at  the  minimum  fifty-four  hundred  men.  Two 
of  these  brigades  in  a  division,  the  minimum  strength  of 
which  would  then  be  seventy-two  hundred  (7200)  men,  which 
with  a  proper  portion  of  artillery  and  cavalry  would  make  its 
strength  about  ten  thousand  (10,000)  men,  or,  if  at  the  maxi- 
mum, about  twelve  thousand  (12,000)  men. 

This  division  could  have  permanently  its  Quartermaster 
supply,  ammunition  and  ambulances  train,  and  its  pontoon 
train.  The  Headquarters  both  of  brigade  and  division  should 
be  permanent,  and  located  within  the  geographical  limits  in 
which  its  command  was  raised,  which  might  form  military 
geographical  departments.  When  it  should  be  necessary  to 
bring  divisions  together  to  form  an  army,  they  would  be  at 
once  in  effective  condition,  and  as  many  divisions  as  may 
be  would  then  make  an  army  for  a  given  purpose.  It  will  be 
seen  by  these  means  that  the  Staff  Departments  at  Washington 
would  be  responsible  for  nothing  but  the  food,  ammunition, 
and  transportation  of  the  forces  in  the  field.     By  this  arrange- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        397 

ment  also  camps  of  paroled  prisoners  might  be  entirely  avoided, 
because  prisoners  on  parole  could  be  sent  to  the  home  of  their 
regiment. 

This  also  will  abolish  that  organization  which  I  believe  the 
best  judgment  of  military  men  has  found  not  adapted  to  the 
wants  of  our  country,  to  wit:  "Army  Corps,"  which  indeed 
now  are  scarcely  larger  than  the  divisions  herein  contemplated. 

To  effect  the  proposed  organization  now  with  the  armies  in 
the  field,  it  might  be  best  to  ascertain  the  effective  strength 
of  each  regiment  in  each  State,  and  to  consolidate  them  into  the 
effective  battalion  according  to  districts,  and  filling  up  the 
home  battalions  at  once  by  draft  or  recruitment  according 
to  the  military  districts  from  which  the  consolidated  regiments 
come. 

I  have  thus,  my  dear  General,  sketched  to  you  very  imper- 
fectly and  crudely  my  idea  of  the  organization  of  the  army  to 
render  it  most  effective.  That  I  have  omitted  much  of  detail, 
and  that  there  are  many  imperfections  in  the  system  proposed 
which  would  require  elaboration,  cannot  fail  to  be  seen.  I  have 
not  dealt  with  the  general  staff  organization  of  the  army  or 
the  general  officers  and  their  staffs,  which  much  need  reorgan- 
izing, because  these  require  separate  consideration.  I  have 
been  obliged  for  want  of  time  to  dictate  these  observations  to 
a  phonographic  writer  which  of  itself  entails  many  faults  of 
style  and  arrangements,  but  if  I  have  succeeded  in  calling  atten- 
tion to  some  method  of  remedying  the  present  state  of  things 
which  leaves  our  army  so  shorn  of  the  efficiency  which  the 
bravery  of  its  troops  and  the  gallantry  of  its  officers  would 
under  proper  organization  give  to  it  I  have  not  spent  the  hour 
devoted  to  this  letter  in  vain.  That  something  must  be  done 
is  most  clear,  and  my  suggestions  may  at  least  have  the  effect 
of  evoking  some  better  scheme. 

Very  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Dec.  9,  1864,  2  p.m. 

The  steamer  "Empire  City"  is  loaded  with  ordnance  stores 
bound  for  New  Orleans.  A  telegraph  from  Washington  just 
received  shows  that  it  is  important  that  these  stores  be  for- 
warded. If  you  can  dispense  with  this  vessel  let  her  go  on, 
if  not,  the  moment  troops  are  debarked  from  her  send  her 
forward  on  her  way.  ^^  g^  ^  j.^^  ^j^^^ 


398       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Dec.  9th,  1864,  9  p.m. 

You  will  embark  your  command  and  get  them  off  to  Fortress 
Monroe  as  soon  as  possible  after  daylight  tomorrow  morning. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Foet  Monroe,  December  10th,  1864,  11.45  a.m. 

Lieut.  Gen'l.  U.  S.  Grant,  City  Point 

Has  been  blowing  a  gale  ever  since  we  arrived.  Is  clearing 
up  a  little.     We  are  all  ready,  waiting  for  the  Navy. 

Any  news  from  Warren  or  Sherman? 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

City  Point,  Va.,  Dec.  10,  1864,  8.30  p.m. 

Nothing  from  Sherman  or  Warren.  Heavy  cannonading 
was  heard  south  of  Petersburg,  very  distant,  this  forenoon. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  Va.  &  No.  Carolina,  Fort  Monroe,  Dec.  10,  1864 

Wm.  T.  Blodgett,  Esq.,  Chairman,  New  York  City 

My  Dear  Sir:  I  acknowledge  receipt  of  the  pistols  sent  me 
through  the  "Arms  &  Trophies  Department  of  the  Metro- 
politan Fair,"  New  York. 

The  beauty  of  the  weapons,  their  exquisite  workmanship 
and  high  intrinsic  value,  are  but  the  least  of  the  attributes  for 
which  I  prize  the  splendid  gift.  Above  all  to  know  that  in 
that  noble  charity  my  name  was  thought  worthy  to  take  place 
amongst  those  who  deserve  well  of  their  Country  is  a  meed  of 
praise  of  inestimable  worth,  the  memory  of  which  will  incite 
me  to  new  exertion  for  the  cause  in  which  I  am  serving,  and 
the  tokens  shall  be  transmitted  a  cherished  inheritance  to  my 

Very  gratefully  Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   399 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  Deo.  10th,  1864 

H.  A.  RiSLEY,  Supervising  and  Special  Agent, 
Treasury  Dept.,  Washington 
My  dear  Risley  :  I  want  you  to  call  attention  of  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury  again  to  this  attempt  to  tax  officers  for 
their  pay  in  1863.  If  it  had  been  taken  then  I  would  not 
have  said  a  word  about  it,  but  now  you  are  to  take  from 
officers  that  which  they  have  already  spent,  and  which  being 
taken  all  at  once,  will  leave  them  substantially  without  the 
means  of  supporting  themselves.  In  my  judgment,  by  so 
doing  you  will  raise  more  discontent  in  the  army  than  you 
will  get  benefit  to  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States.  I  ex- 
plained my  views  to  you  not  long  since,  and  I  wish  you  would 
press  it  upon  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 

Truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  General  Grant 

Headquarters  Armies  of  the  United  States, 
City  Point,  Va.,  December  11th,  1864 

Major-General  Butler,  Fortress  Monroe 

Richmond  papers  of  the  10th  show  that  on  the  7th  Sherman 

was  east  of  the  Ogeechee,  and  within  twenty-four  miles  of 

Savannah,  having  marched  eighteen  the  day  before.     If  you 

do  not  get  off  immediately  you  will  lose  the  chance  of  surprise 

and  weak  garrison.  tt  o   /-.  t  •    j         ^  n         i 

^  U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-GeneraL 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  974. 

From  General  Butler 

Fort  Monroe,  December  11th,  1864 

Lieutenant-General  Grant 

Gale  still  continues;  clouds  just  breaking  away;  all  ready 
and  waiting.  One  of  Mulford's  steamers  just  in.  Charleston 
Mercury  of  December  6  says:  "Sherman  was  reported  yester- 
day at  Station  No.  6  on  the  Georgia  road,  about  sixty  miles 
from  Savannah,  making  for  that  city."  No  other  news; 
have  telegraphed  this  to  Secretary  of  War. 

Benj.  F.  Butler  Major-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  974. 


400   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Wendell  Phillips  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  Dec.  Wth,  '64 

Dear  Sir:  Thank  you  for  the  confidence  your  letter  shows 
in  me  in  my  cordial  regard  for  yourself.  It  would  have  been 
answered  sooner  but  I  have  been  too  much  away  from  home 
to  leave  me  time  to  write. 

Your  speech  was  not  reported  in  our  papers  in  the  terms 
you  state,  but  in  words  much  stronger  and  wholly  unequivocal. 
All  understood  you  as  I  did,  but  let  that  pass,  you  are  the 
best  authority  —  I  regret  the  even  slight  allusion  I  made  to 
it,  except  for  one  reason,  that  it  gives  me,  answering  your 
note,  the  opportunity  to  tell  you  how  profoundly  surprised 
all  your  friends  hereabouts  were  at  your  speech.  I  do  not 
refer  to  the  comparatively  small  circle  of  technical  Aboli- 
tionists, but  to  that  wide  circle  which  regards  you  as  the 
Genius  whom  the  war  has  thrown  to  the  surface.  You  must 
be  aware  that  the  roots  of  your  popularity  are  in  the  hearts 
and  gratitude  of  the  radical  wing  of  the  Republican  party, 
the  earnest  men  of  the  times.  Such  men  are  fully  aware  of 
the  danger  of  foolish  disastrous  compromise  to  which  the 
crude  notions  of  recently  converted  Democrats  and  Bell 
Everett  men  expose  the  nation.  Such  men  look  to  you  as 
one  of  the  sure  bulwarks  against  that  danger.  When  your 
N.  Y.  speech  welcomed  the  south  back  by  the  8th  of  January, 
before  a  constitutional  Amendment  could  possibly  be  secured, 
we  radicals  put  the  speech  alongside  these  articles  of  the  N. 
Y.  D.  Times  (which  say  to  the  south,  substantially,  "Only 
submit,  we  will  discuss  with  you  in  Congress  all  other  condi- 
tions"), we  were,  I  confess,  both  surprised  and  dismayed. 
I  assure  you  I  heard  such  sentiments  from  men  who  have 
known  and  followed  you  for  twenty  years,  as  well  as  from 
those  who  have  just  learned  to  follow  you.  We  know  that 
you  were  fully  aware  of  and  alive  to  the  contingencies  to  which 
the  Emancipation  Proclamation  is  exposed,  and  that  made 
us  all  the  more  surprised  at  your  apparent  willingness  to  trust 
all  to  it. 

Remember  I  have  never  uttered  in  private  or  public  one  word 
implying  distrust  of  you.  With  others,  I  have  merely  felt  it 
impossible  fully  to  understand  the  reason  and  full  purpose  of 
your  speech. 

We  see,  of  course,  that  such  an  offer  as  you  suggest,  made 
to  the  south  and  by  her  rejected,  would  give  the  War  Demo- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       401 

crats  who  voted  for  A.  L.,  the  coveted  opportunity  of  saying 
to  their  peace  rivals,  "There,  A.  L.  has  made  honorably  the 
same  offer  which  Geo.  B.  McClellan  would  have  done  traitor- 
ously, and  you  see  how  useless  it  is,"  but  that  again  would  be 
too  dearly  bought  by  a  step  which  would  confuse  and  let 
down  the  Northern  purpose  and  stimulate  to  first  activity 
the  worst  elements  of  the  Republican  party  —  its  too-hasty- 
peace-makers-on-any-terms,  our  present  rock  ahead. 

Understand,  my  dear  General,  no  one  attacks  you,  there  is 
no  disposition  that  way.  Men  are  only  confused  and  pain- 
fully surprised  by  the  one  whose  course  never  confused  them 
before  and  never  surprised  them  except  pleasantly.  We 
wait  patiently  and  most  of  us  very  confident  that  we  shall 
find  you  all  right  when  you  fully  explain  yourself. 

You  may  be  surprised  by  the  frankness  with  which  I  tell 
you  of  this  dissatisfaction.  I  do  so  because  I  know  you  are  able 
to  bear  and  eager  for  the  exact  truth.  I  am  no  politician  — 
but  one  anxious  about  your  future,  because  counting  largely 
on  you  to  lead  the  true  Democracy  of  this  nation.  Remember, 
we  look  on  you  as  a  very  large  part  of  our  capital  for  the 
future,  and  we  cannot  afford  to  have  you  misunderstand  any 
section  of  your  countrymen.  If  Clay  and  Webster  had  had 
friends  to  tell  them  the  truth,  they  would  have  stood  where 
they  longed  to  be,  and  where  we  hope  to  see  you  some  day. 

Excuse  my  imposing  this  long  letter  on  you  —  only  my 
very  deep  interest  in  all  that  concerns  you  can  excuse  it. 

Very  Faithfully,  Wendell  Phillips 

From  General  Butler  to  Wendell  Phillips 

Off  Wilmington,  December  20,  1864    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  Sir:  That  you  have  so  much  of  good  in  your 
opinion  of  me  is  a  source  of  exquisite  gratification  —  I  am 
indeed  misunderstood,  taking  your  report  as  a  basis. 

I  foresaw,  or  thought  I  did,  that  this  war  before  it  is  done 
is  to  be  pushed  to  the  bitterest  extremity.  That  another 
draft  would  be  necessary  which  must  be  a  reality.  That 
some  means  must  be  taken  to  bring  the  country  up  to  severe 
measures.  That  confiscation  in  fee  must  be  resorted  to,  in 
order  to  relieve  ourselves  from  the  burden  of  bounties,  which 
are  frightfully  exhausting  our  towns  and  counties  and  there- 
fore the  country.  A  taxation,  burdensome,  is  not  less  so 
because  it  is  local,  not  lightened  by  the  fact  that  every  mans' 

VOL.   V — 26 


402   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

property  may  be  taken  on  execution  to  pay  it,  as  our  county 
and  town  debts  may  be  collected.  Indeed,  I  look  upon  this 
immense  accumulation  of  local  debt  as  one  of  the  most  alarm- 
ing facts  in  our  future,  to  be  met  by  direct  taxation  —  borrowed 
at  a  rate  of  interest  which  cannot  be  diminished,  as  can  a 
National  debt,  by  sinking  funds  and  consolidations  as  the 
credit  of  the  Nation  grows  stronger,  because  these  sums  raised 
by  cities  and  towns  were  borrowed  when  their  credit  was  un- 
doubted. The  future  will  show  a  struggle  (the  next  great  one 
on  this  Continent)  to  get  rid  of  the  burden.  You  will  say 
that  the  debt  is  held  by  men  of  wealth  as  an  investment,  and 
that  the  whole  community  will  be  interested  in  maintaining 
it.  But  look  around  you.  The  men  of  wealth  owned  the 
turnpike  roads  and  toll  bridges,  the  whole  wealth  of  the  State 
was  interested  in  keeping  the  system  up,  as  it  was  one  of  the 
favorite  investments  of  fifty  (50)  years  ago.  But  as  soon  as 
the  voter  found  it  more  profitable  to  vote  for  himself  a  free 
bridge,  to  build  a  common  road  as  good  as  the  turnpike,  free 
bridges  were  the  order  of  the  day,  and  turnpikes  were  dis- 
continued. Millions  were  lost  or  sunk,  —  another  form  of 
repudiation. 

Mark,  I  am  too  radical  by  far  to  complain  of  this.  I  only 
accept  the  fact  and  profit  by  it. 

Again,  as  soon  as  your  local  taxation  upon  the  income  to 
pay  the  interest  of  these  debts  approximates  to  a  respectable 
portion  of  the  income  derivable  from  them,  then  the  men  of 
wealth  will  not  hold  them,  or  at  a  depreciated  value  only, 
which  would  be  of  itself  the  fruitful  parent  of  repudiation. 

Further,  the  vote  by  which  the  Government  has  been 
sustained  can  be  easily  changed,  and  would  have  been  if  the 
leaders  of  the  Democracy  had  as  much  brains  as  could  be  put 
in  a  filbert,  and  can  and  will  be  now,  before  your  Constitu- 
tional amendment  can  be  acted  upon  by  the  people,  if  you  do 
not  take  care.  Still  more  the  necessary  harsh  measures 
towards  the  South  must  be  gratified  to  the  judgments  of  the 
minority,  as  well  as  to  the  rest  of  mankind  if  they  are  to  be 
carried  out  without  overthrowing  the  Government. 

Let  us  see  what  is  proposed  to  be  done.  There  are  at  the 
South  but  two  kinds  of  property  —  lands  and  slaves.  We 
have  taken  the  last,  and  propose  to  take  the  first.  Now  then, 
to  justify  ourselves  to  the  world  —  to  take  away  all  cause  of 
complaint  by  the  patriotic  men  —  and  there  are  such  in  the 
minority,  to  secure  the  very  object  you  and  your  radical  friends 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   403 

are  desiring,  the  confiscation  of  slave  property,  to  relieve  our- 
selves from  burdens  too  grievous  to  be  borne  —  to  fill  up  our 
armies  by  a  volunteer  process  with  bounties  which  would 
only  be  payable  in  the  lands  of  the  South  when  the  soldier 
had  earned  them,  to  prevent  the  very  evil  that  you  think  I 
desire  to  bring  on,  to  wit,  a  compromise  —  to  put  an  end  to 
the  amnesty  proclamation,  which  being  without  limit,  par- 
alyzes all  confiscation  —  to  unite  the  North,  to  divide  the 
South  and  to  justify  to  ourselves  the  severe  action  of  the 
confiscation,  and  a  languishment  of  the  dominant  men  of 
the  South,  and  to  make  certain  that  with  the  forfeiture  of  all 
their  property,  by  rejection  of  a  proffered  amnesty  which 
could  never  be  recalled  and  thus  the  emancipation  of  the  slave 
secured  beyond  all  chance  of  being  again  put  in  issue,  to  make 
a  case  for  the  Supreme  Court  to  stand  upon  to  decide  its 
validity  on  a  not  debatable  ground  I  propose  what  — 

An  offer  of  amnesty  and  pardon  so  full,  so  fair,  so  just, 
except  to  ourselves,  that  all  the  world  would  cry  out  "Shame" 
if  it  were  not  accepted,  and  its  rejection  would  bury  the  present 
organization  so  deep  as  to  be  beyond  the  peradventure  of  a 
resurrection,  with  to  them,  no  objectionable  word  in  it. 

This,  I  know,  would  not  be  accepted.  In  no  event  would 
the  leaders  have  come  into  it.  They  will  in  the  event  of  no 
success  go  to  Mexico.  They  would  do  so  in  case  of  amnesty, 
you  never  will  get  one  of  them.  Now  therefore,  to  gain  this 
point  —  to  make  it  certain  hereafter,  no  charge  should  be 
justly  made  that  the  radicals  with  whom  I  hold  myself  a 
representative,  were  not  willing  to  deal  liberally  and  fairly 
with  the  South.  I  swallowed  the  abuse  poured  out  so  freely, 
submitted  to  the  obloquy  so  lavishly  bestowed  by  my  southern 
brethren;  forego  the  epithets  of  brute,  beast,  tyrant,  thief, 
robber,  showered  down  in  such  delightful  profusion,  and 
made  the  offer,  only  as  it  seems  to  be  misunderstood,  by 
those  who  should  have  known  me  better, — "Could  ye  not 
watch  with  me  one  hour?" 

Mark  this,  although  it  is  perilous  to  predict.  This  offer 
not  made  by  us,  and  rejected  by  them,  when  made  by  them 
will  not  be  rejected  by  us.  Let  them  after  a  few  more  victories 
come  to  us  and  say,  "We  will  come  back  into  the  Union  upon 
the  old  basis,  and  submit  to  the  laws,"  and  your  Congress 
will  receive  them  as  we  did  Western  Virginia  and  Eastern 
Virginia  without  any  guaranty  on  the  subject  of  slavery. 

When  they  make  it,  /  will  not  agree  to  it,  but  you  will  need 


404        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

all  your  eloquence,  and  I  all  the  firmness  I  can  muster  to 
prevent  its  acceptance.  The  Nation,  tired  of  war,  a  specious 
offer  looking  to  peace,  twenty -five  thousand  (25,000)  voters 
in  three  (3)  great  States,  able  to  change  the  result  of  the  late 
presidential  election,  my  word  for  it,  when  that  is  made  by 
them,  you  will  wish  that  it  had  been  earlier  made  by  us  and 
rejected  by  them,  so  as  to  have  passed  beyond  the  pale  of 
negotiation. 

Look  at  your  Congress  and  your  President  —  two  com- 
mittees on  the  subject  of  reconstruction  and  receiving  back 
loyal  (.'*)  states,  and  none  on  confiscation.  An  amnesty 
proclamation,  as  full  as  anything  I  proposed,  indefinitely 
open  —  a  confiscation  bill  emasculated  by  resolution,  a  loyal 
Virginia  legislature  electing  two  (2)  senators  of  the  United 
States  by  a  vote  of  nine  (9)  to  six  (6),  neither  of  whom  is 
pledged  to  emancipation  —  a  single  disaster,  as  a  single 
victory  as  did  Atlanta,  may  turn  your  majority.  Verily  is 
there  no  danger?  Not  to  be  stayed  by  the  Supreme  Court, 
for  did  not  Chase  fail  you  in  Ohio  and  was  not  the  girl  Margaret 
sent  back.'^ 

Judas  betrayed  his  Master  —  Peter  denied  him  in  the  hour 
of  danger,  but  Paul  the  lawyer,  one  of  the  persecutors,  stood 
firm  in  bonds  before  Caesar,  although  to  gain  his  point  he 
complimented  the  people  of  Athens  for  being  in  all  things 
very  religious,  which  piece  of  diplomacy  was  so  little  com- 
prehended by  his  translators  as  to  render  the  phrase  "too 
superstitious." 

The  future  will  tell  who  is  true  to  the  country,  and  to  free- 
dom, and  to  that  test  we  must  leave  it. 

Thanks  for  your  frank  kindness  and  forgive  this  rambling 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 
P.S.     Excuse  the  manifold  letter  writer,  but  I  am  at  sea. 


From  General  Butler  to  William  Whiting 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field,  Va.,  Dec.  llth,  1864 

My  dear  Whiting:  You  will  see  by  the  enclosed  slips  to 
what  I  am  exposed,  and  the  government  also,  by  the  course 
which  the  Smith  suit  has  taken. 

It  seems  that  it  is  understood  in  New  York  that  the  fellow 
Pierrepont,  who  goes  out  of  his  way  to  make  an  attack,  is  a 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   405 

special  friend  of  the  Secretary.     It  is  asserted  in  the  World, 
in  the  passage  marked, 

I  trust  that  the  Secretary  will  make  a  decision  one  way  or 

Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 


From  Dr.  William  R.  Findley 

Confidential.    Altoona,  Blair  Co.  Penna.  Nov.  iSth,  1864 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  Major  General  B.  F.  Butler 

Dear  Sir:  In  view  of  my  relationship  to  the  case  of  which  I 
write,  I  feel  sure  you  will  pardon  the  liberty  I  have  taken,  in 
appealing  to  you.  I  do  so  with  the  greater  confidence  because 
I  have  lawful  information  that  you  &  I  have  travelled  the  same 
road,  from  the  West  toward  the  East,  in  search  of  the  same 
light,  and  "that  we  might  improve  in  knowledge,  and  learn 
to  subdue  our  passions,"  —  therefore  I  am  emboldened  to 
ask  and  hope  from  you  a  patient,  candid,  &  kindly  hearing. 

My  son,  Joseph  R.  Findley,  was  a  student  in  the  Polytechnic 
College  of  Philadelphia  in  April  1861,  when  President  Lincoln 
issued  his  first  call  for  seventy -five  thousand  soldiers  to  defend 
our  National  Capitol.  He  immediately  sought  my  consent 
to  volunteer  —  that  consent  was  promptly  communicated  to 
him  and  money  to  outfit  him.  .  .  .  He  volunteered  in  the 
Philadelphia  National  Guards  regt. 

Is  it  not  hard  that,  within  twenty-five  days  of  the  fulfill- 
ment of  his  three  years  term  of  service,  he  should  suddenly 
be  deprived  of  his  long  and  well-earned  military  reputation, 
have  the  odium  of  skulking  coward  aflBxed  to  him  —  and  his 
future  hopes  &  prospects  be  forever  blasted?  I  don't  believe 
you  could  do  injustice  intentionally,  to  any  one.  As  a  mason, 
especially  as  a  Knight  Templar,  I  know  you  are  bound  to 
cherish  and  practice  mercy  &  may  I  not  say,  especially  to  a 
Knight  Templar  or  the  son  of  a  Knight  Templar.  That  son's 
honor  is  as  dear  to  me  as  my  own,  —  nay,  as  my  life. 

Now,  General,  it  is  not  for  me  to  prescribe  how  your  mercy 
should  be  exercised  in  my  son's  case.  While  (&  you  will 
pardon  me  for  saying  it)  I  can't  believe  him  guilty  of  cowardice, 
you,  I  doubt  not,  adjudicated  his  case  as  you  then  thought 
right.  Now,  however,  if  my  statement  of  his  services  is 
correct,  might  I  not  venture  to  ask  of  you  such  interposition 
in  his  behalf  as  would  not  be  inconsistent  with  the  preservation 
of  the  discipline  of    your  army.^*     If  his  restoration  to  his 


406   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

command  in  your  army  would  not  be  expedient,  could  you 
not  signify  to  the  Secy,  of  War  or  the  President  your  willing- 
ness that  he  be  restored,  so  that  he  might  resign,  or  be  honor- 
ably discharged,  as  at  the  end  of  his  three  years?  That  he 
might  be  at  liberty  to  re-enter  the  service  of  his  country.  He 
earnestly  desires  to  participate  in  that  service,  till  the  re- 
bellion is  utterly  officially  crushed,  and  the  Union  restored. 
May  I  not  hope  that  you  will  remove  the  only  obstacle  in 
the  way  of  his  doing  so,  and  thus  relieve  my  humiliation  and 
sorrow,  &  his  disgrace,  which  I  consider  worse  than  death. 

After  the  expression  of  my  admiration  of  your  rare  admin- 
istrative ability  at  New  Orleans,  &  in  your  present  depart- 
ment, and  hoping  soon  to  hear  of  you  as  military  Governor  of 
Richmond,  &  "the  jurisdiction  thereunto  belonging,"  and 
whatever  you  may  do  in  my  son's  case,  still  avowing  myself 
for  the  Union,  &  the  war  to  maintain  it,  I  leave  the  matter 
with  you,  merely  adding,  "as  you  are  brave,  be  merciful." 
I  feel  sure  you  will  do  what  you  believe  to  be  right.  Very 
respectfully  &  fraternally,  &  in  Christian  Knighthood, 

Courteously  yours,  Wm.  R.  Findley,  M.D. 

May  I  hope  to  hear  from  you  at  your  earliest  convenince? 

Wm.  R.  Findley 

P.S.  Dr.  McMurdy  and  the  oflacers  of  St.  John's  Lodge, 
of  Washington  City,  can  vouch  for  my  being  a  Mason. 

This  is  the  first  time  I  have  ever  attempted  to  use  my 
masonry  to  accomplish  anything  outside  of  itself.  My  deep, 
intense  concern  for  my  son's  honor  &  reputation  has  led  me 
to  do  so,  not  that  I  would  ask  you  to  do  a  wrong  thing,  but 
that  you  might  grant  me,  as  I  said  before,  a  patient,  candid, 
&  kindly  hearing. 

If  you  could  see  your  way  clear  to  employ  Capt.  Findley 
in  some  service,  under  your  immediate  observation,  no  matter 
how  dangerous  or  responsible,  I  think  you  would  find  occasion 
to  form  a  different  opinion  of  him  from  that  you  have  had. 
I  would  be  greatly  disappointed  if  you  should  not  find  him 
competent,  efficient,  faitliful.  Pardon  this  additional  in- 
fliction, &  believe  me,  truly  &c.     Wm.  R.  F. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   407 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  of  Va.  &  N.  C,  Fokt  Monboe,  Va.,  Dec.  12,  1864 

W.  R,  FiNDLEY,  Altoona,  Penn. 

Sir:  I  am  grieved  that  you  should  have  called  me  under 
any  supposed  obligations  as  a  mason  to  do  differently  in  my 
official  duty  from  what  I  would  do  otherwise.  You  will 
remember  that  before  taking  our  earliest  obligation  as  the 
"Entered  Apprentice,"  repeated  through  every  degree,  we 
were  informed  that  there  was  nothing  in  the  Masonic  Oath 
which  would  conflict  with  our  duty  to  our  country  or  to  our 
God. 

If  I  had  wi'onged  your  son  in  my  judgment  I  should  have 
been  as  ready  to  right  it  as  a  man,  as  a  mason.  To  me,  when 
he  came  before  me,  he  was  an  officer  of  the  United  States  Army 
to  whom  I  bore  official  relations,  and  toward  whom  I  was 
bound  to  act  conscientiously,  uprightly,  and  judicially. 

I  will  make  a  simple  statement  of  his  case  to  you,  and  you 
yourself  shall  judge,  laying  aside  your  character  as  a  parent 
as  I  laid  aside  mine  as  a  mason  upon  the  propriety  of  his 
dismissal  from  the  service. 

The  Provost  Marshal  of  the  10th  Corps  reported  to  me 
that  Capt.  Findley  was  found  about  two  (2)  miles  in  the 
rear  of  his  regiment  about  (5)  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
after  their  advance,  under  a  tree  cooking  his  supper,  apparently 
well,  and  that  for  the  remainder  of  that  day,  and  the  next 
day,  during  which  his  regiment  was  engaged  in  action,  he  did 
not  join  them,  nor  did  he  join  them  until  the  fighting  was 
over.  Following  my  custom  never  to  have  a  man  dismissed 
without  such  examination,  I  sent  for  Capt.  Findley,  and  in 
the  presence  of  the  late  lamented  General  Birney,  who  was 
the  commander  of  his  Corps,  questioned  the  Captain.  I 
asked  him  why  he  was  found  under  that  tree  away  from  his 
command,  and  if  he  was  sick.  He  said  he  was  not  sick,  but 
he  remained  there  for  he  did  not  know  where  his  regiment 
had  gone.  I  asked  him  then  to  give  an  account  of  himself, 
where  he  spent  the  night.  He  said  he  went  to  find  his  regi- 
ment, and  failing  to  find  it,  he  spent  the  night  in  the  trenches 
with  another  regiment.  I  asked  him  if  he  was  sure  that  was 
so.  He  said  he  was.  I  cautioned  him  by  telling  him  the  vice 
I  punished  with  most  severity  was  the  vice  of  lying.  He 
reiterated  the  statement.  Not  knowing  but  that  statement 
was  true,  and  that  I  had  been  misinformed,  I  asked  him  to 


408   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

step  aside  while  I  examined  the  case  of  another  oflScer  who 
was  also  found  under  the  same  tree  with  him.  That  officer 
admitted  in  substance  that  he  skulked  from  his  regiment, 
and  that  he  remained  under  the  tree  all  night,  that  Capt. 
Findley  remained  with  him,  slept  on  the  same  blanket  and 
cooked  their  breakfast  together  in  the  morning.  I  then  told 
that  officer  to  stand  aside  and  sent  for  Capt.  Findley,  and 
asked  him  if  the  statement  was  true,  which  he  had  made  me 
that  after  cooking  his  supper,  he  had  left  the  place  where  he 
cooked  it  and  spent  the  night  in  the  trenches.  He  said  he 
had  made  a  mistake  so  far  as  spending  the  night  in  the  trenches 
was  concerned,  that  he  in  fact  went  to  his  regiment  that  night. 
I  asked  him  if  there  was  any  reason  if  that  statement  was 
untrue  why  he  should  not  be  dismissed  the  service  for  lying, 
and  he  said  "No."  I  then  called  up  his  companion  and 
asked  him  to  repeat  the  story  when  the  Captain  admitted  it 
was  so,  that  he  had  not  returned  to  his  regiment  and  had 
slept  under  that  tree. 

Therefore,  for  skulking  and  for  lying  I  dismissed  him  the 
service.  My  judgment  approved  the  measure  of  justice  given 
him,  and  unless  some  palliation  which  you  can  not  give,  and 
which  he  has  not,  can  be  shown,  I  cannot  reverse  it  nor  recom- 
mend his  reinstatement.  I  am  grieved,  sir,  to  state  these 
particulars  to  you,  his  father,  but  your  letter  is  of  such  a  nature 
that  I  am  bound  to,  for  I  do  acknowledge  the  masonic  obliga- 
tion to  aid  a  brother  of  the  order  in  everything  I  can  do  save 
where  it  conflicts  with  my  duty  to  my  country  and  my  God. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  Very  Respectfully 

Your  obedient  Servt.,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

From  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  Dana 

War  Department,    Washington  City,  November  iSth,  1864 
CNot  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Army  of  the  James 

General:  B.  Paul  Abat,  a  French  subject,  residing  in  New 
Orleans,  and  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Abat  and  Cushman,  cotton- 
brokers,  has  presented  to  this  Department  a  claim  for  damages 
done  to  certain  property  in  Missouri.  It  appears  from  General 
Order  No.  55,  Head  Quarters  Department  of  the  Gulf,  August 
4th,  1862,  that  Abat  and  Cushman  with  other  cotton-brokers, 
published  in  the  Crescent  in  October,  1861,  a  card  advising 
planters  not  to  send  their  produce  to  New  Orleans,  in  order  to 
induce  foreign  intervention  in  behalf  of  the  rebellion. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       409 

Will  you  please  furnish  me  with  a  copy  of  the  manifesto  in 
question,  and  with  such  other  evidence  respecting  the  course 
taken  by  Mr.  Abat,  with  regard  to  the  rebellion,  as  may  be 
in  your  possession. 
I  am,  General,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant,  C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Secy,  of  War 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Dept.  of  Va.  &  N.  C,  Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  December  12th,  1864 

Chas.  a.  Dana,  Asst.  Secy,  of  War,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
communication  relating  to  Abat,  of  the  firm  of  Cushman, 
Abat  &  Co.,  of  New  Orleans. 

Abat  &  Cushman  were  both  well  known  rebels  of  New 
Orleans,  subscribed  to  the  fund  for  the  defence  of  the  city, 
and  also  published  a  notice  as  one  of  the  cotton-broker  firms 
of  New  Orleans  to  all  loyal  planters  not  to  bring  in  their  cotton 
and  sell  it,  because  by  that  means  foreign  intervention  would 
be  procured  for  want  of  it,  in  favor  of  the  Confederacy. 

His  whole  family  were  of  like  tendencies,  and  his  father's 
acts  could  be  easily  ascertained  by  means  of  detectives  at 
New  Orleans.  You  will  find  his  communication  showing  his 
disloyalty  in  the  files  of  New  Orleans  papers  about  October, 
1861,  between  that  and  February. 

It  was  published  in  all  the  papers.  I  took  it  from  the 
Crescent.  By  sending  to  the  Era  ofiice  files  of  the  old  New 
Orleans  Delta  may  be  found,  in  which  the  advertisements 
appear.  I  do  not  know  as  I  can  add  anything  further  which 
would  be  of  advantage  to  your  investigations.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Major  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Hd.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  and  N.  C,  Fort  Monroe, 

December  lith,  1864,  1.30  p.m. 

Major  Brice,  Paymaster  Gen  I.,  Washington 

We  are  about  starting  on  our  expedition  where  the  officers 
are  obliged  to  use  their  pay  to  support  themselves  on  the 
transports.  You  will  relieve  them  by  an  order  directing  one 
month's  pay  to  be  given  them  for  this  purpose. 

It  is  very  necessary  or  I  would  not  make  the  application. 
Please  answer  by  telegram. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 


410        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Admiral  Porter  to  General  Butler 

North  Atlantic  Squadron,  United  States  Flag-Ship  "Malvern," 

Hampton  Roads,  Dec.  13,  1864 

General:  The  rest  of  the  fleet  will  leave  here  in  three 
hours,  and  will  proceed  to  the  rendezvous  twenty-five  miles 
east  of  Cape  Fear  River. 

The  powder  vessel  will  go  to  Beaufort  and  take  ninety  tons 
of  powder  I  had  there.  I  shall  follow  and  communicate  with 
you  after  she  leaves  Beaufort  for  her  destination.  I  think 
the  "Louisiana"  will  carry  the  three  hundred  tons.  She  has 
now  two  hundred  on  board,  and  room  for  two  hundred  more, 
though  that  would  sink  her  too  deep.  She  has  delayed  us  a 
little,  and  our  movements  had  to  depend  on  her.  Very 
respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant,  David  D.  Porter,  Rear-Admiral 

From  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Dec.  13th,  1864 

Hon.  Henry  Wilson,  U.  S.  Senator 

My  Dear  Wilson:  What  a  delightful  stream  of  obloquy  is 
continually  pouring.  I  take  leave  to  send  you  the  entire 
correspondence  (duplicate  copies)  between  Pierrepont  and 
myself,  with  the  documents  in  relation  to  the  Smith  case. 
You  will  then,  if  your  patience  allows  you  to  read  it,  see 
whether  I  have  done  anything  that  a  just  and  faithful  oflScer 
ought  not  to  have  done.  I  also  take  leave  to  send  you  a  like 
copy  of  sketches  of  a  system  of  organization  of  the  Armies 
which  I  had  prepared  for  General  Schenck.  You  may  get 
some  hints  upon  the  subject  which  will  be  useful.  I  am  today 
starting  to  Wilmington,  where  I  hope  you  will  hear  from  us. 
At  least  all  shall  be  done  that  can  be.  If  in  the  Providence 
of  God  I  shall  fall,  please  see  to  it  that  justice  is  done  to  my 
memory  for  the  sake  of  my  children.  If  I  live  (and  I  have  no 
fear  but  I  shall)  I  can  take  care  of  myself. 

Most  Truly  Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler  to  John  R.  Hackett 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  Va.,  &  N.  C.  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  Field, 

Dec.  6th,  64   [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Sir:  I  enclose  you  the  correspondence  between  Pierrepont 
and  myself  which  perhaps  after  his  unwarrantable  attack  on 
me  had  better  be  published  if  some  leading  journal  chooses  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        411 

publish  it.  But  that  I  leave  to  your  good  judgment.  I  am 
very  chary  in  publishing  where  suits  are  pending. 

That  correspondence  and  the  accompanying  exhibits  will 
explain  to  you  the  precise  questions  at  issue  between  Smith  & 
Co.  and  myself.  The  points  upon  which  the  defence  would 
rest  so  far  as  I  am  informed  are, 

First.  That  the  act  complained  of  was  the  act  of  a  military 
officer  carrying  on  war,  according  to  his  discretion  under  the 
orders  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  being  at  the  time  a 
Departmental  commander  (sent  by)  the  President  of  the  United 
States  in  the  enemy's  country  in  a  captured  city  then  necessary 
to  be  controlled  by  force  of  arms  and  under  martial  law,  and 
that  for  any  act  so  done  by  him  he  is  not  responsible  in  the 
Civil  Courts  to  any  inhabitant  of  that  country. 

Secondly.  That  Smith  &  Company,  being  alien  enemy  at 
the  time  of  the  act  done,  have  no  civil  rights,  and  cannot 
obtain  them  by  subsequently  taking  an  oath  of  amnesty  and 
allegiance,  and  are  bound  by  the  act  of  June,  1862,  so  that 
they  would  be  barred  both  at  common  law  and  by  Statute. 

Thirdly.  That  having  accounted  to  the  Government  for 
the  property  so  taken  as  such  military  officer,  the  claim  cannot 
be  a  personal  one  upon  the  officer  but  upon  the  Government. 

Fourthly.  That  the  submission  and  finding  of  a  commission 
mutually  agreed  upon  by  the  parties  is  binding  as  between 
Smith  &  Co.  and  the  defendant,  so  far  as  to  remit  him  to  his 
remedy  against  the  Government. 

Fifthly.  That  the  money  was  not  the  property  of  Smith  &  Co. 

Sixthly.  That  the  money  was  the  proceeds  of  money  of 
the  Confederates,  and  attempted  to  be  covered  by  Smith  & 
Co.  through  the  United  States  Mint  at  New  Orleans. 

There  can  be  but  two  questions  of  facts,  it  would  seem  to  me. 

First.     Were  Smith  &  Co.  then  enemies.'^ 

Secondly.  Was  the  money  the  property  of  the  United 
States  or  of  Smith  &  Co? 

Please  consult  with  Brady  on  the  question  as  to  the  shape 
the  matter  should  take. 

There  was  never  so  unjustifiable  attack  made  upon  mortal 
man  before  as  by  that  fellow  Pierrepont,  especially  after  the 
correspondence,  and  I  think  you  will  say  so  when  you  read  it. 
Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

P.S.  You  will  see  that  the  rascal  Pierrepont  himself  de- 
scribes Smith  of  Saratoga  County,  N.Y.  in  his  letter  of  Feb. 


412   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

29th,  1864,  and  brings  his  cHent  in  to  swear  in  Court  that  he 
is  a  non-resident.  If  such  are  the  judges  of  New  York 
(ex-judge,  indeed)  Rhadaman  Hus  was  a  saint  in  comparison. 
If  you  think  the  letters  are  evidence  on  the  motion,  I  will 
send  originals,  at  least  they  show  the  works  of  Pierrepont. 

Correspondence  relating  to  the  Smiths'  Suit  against  General  Butler 

Treasury  Department,  Feb.  i9th,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler 

Dear  Sir:  Samuel  Smith  of  Saratoga  Co.,  New  York, 
formerly  private  banker  in  New  Orleans,  has  a  claim  for  $50,000 
in  gold  used  by  Gen'l.  Butler  in  1862  for  pajrment  of  his  troops 
in  New  Orleans.  I  write  this  in  the  Treasury  Department 
with  the  letter  of  Gen'l.  Butler  to  the  Secretary  before  me; 
it  is  dated  July  2d,  1862.  It  was  supposed  by  the  Secretary 
that  as  the  letter  of  Gen'l.  Butler  stated  that  the  money  was 
used  to  pay  the  troops,  that  the  credit  for  that  $50,000  would 
be  found  in  Paymaster  General's  or  Auditor's  office.  I  have 
this  day  been  over  the  accounts  with  the  clerks,  and  no  mention 
of  the  money  appears.  Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  say  to 
what  Paymaster  this  money  was  given,  and  in  what  accounts 
this  $50,000  should  appear.? 

I  am  the  counsel  of  Mr.  Smith,  and  the  Paymaster  General 
suggests  this  as  the  quickest  way  to  learn  what  Paymaster 
had  the  money.  Your  letter  of  July  2nd,  1862,  only  stated 
the  fact  that  the  money  was  paid  to  your  troops  without 
naming  this,  what  Paymaster. 

The  accounts  of  Hewett,  Sherman,  Lock,  and  Usher  have 
all  been  examined,  and  we  find  no  account  of  it. 

Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  reply  to  this  at  my  residence, 
103  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York  City,  and  much  oblige. 

Yours  very  respectfully,  Edwards  Pierrepont 

Treasury  Department,  March  3rd,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler 

General:  When  I  had  the  honor  to  address  you  on  the 
28th  ulto.  I  was  not  as  well  advised  as  now.  As  counsel  for 
Sam'l.  Smith  &  Co.,  whose  $50,000  in  gold  was  taken  in  New 
Orleans,  and  which  matter  you  had  referred  to  the  Treasury 
together  with  all  the  papers,  I  have  had  the  case  examined 
and  have  produced  Mr.  Smith,  and  had  his  deposition  with 
others  taken  here  and  filed.     I  had  reached  the  point  when 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   413 

I  had  supposed  the  money  would  be  paid  over,  and  the  Secre- 
tary undertook  to  find  to  what  credit  it  stood,  and  not  being 
able  to  find  out,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Paymaster  General 
I  wrote  to  you, 

I  have  just  learned  from  the  Secretary  of  War  more  about 
the  matter.  Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  inform  me  who  has 
the  money  and  to  whom  in  your  judgment  I  ought  to  look  for  it, 
and  to  whom  it  rightfully  belongs  .f^     I  am  very  respectfully, 

Your  obdt.,  Edwards  Pierrepont, 

16  Wall  Street,  New  York 

16  Wall  Street,  New  York,  15tk  March,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  Butler 

General:  Two  weeks  ago  this  day  I  wrote  from  Washington 
to  learn  where  the  $50,000  in  gold  taken  from  Samuel  Smith 
&  Co.  of  New  Orleans  now  is.  I  wrote  with  yours  of  July  2nd, 
1862,  directed  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  before  me,  in 
which  you  speak  of  this  gold  —  the  letter  is  now  on  file  with 
the  report  of  Gov.  Shepley  and  others.  I  am  Samuel  Smith's 
counsel.  Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  say  what  was  the 
disposition  of  Mr.  Smith's  gold,  where  it  is,  and  to  whom  in 
your  judgment  it  rightfully  belongs. 

I  also  addressed  you  a  second  letter  on  the  same  subject. 
As  I  have  no  reply  from  either  I  fear  that  you  may  not  have 
received  them. 

To  avoid  accidents  I  will  send  this  in  duplicate,  and  very 
respectfully  await  your  reply.  ^^,^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^ 

Edwards  Pierrepont,  Counsel  for  Samuel  Smith 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  Va.  and  N.  C,  Fort  Monroe,  March  i.lst,  1864 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Edwards  Pierrepont,  Esq. 

I  AM  in  receipt  of  your  letter  in  regard  to  the  money  alleged 
to  be  of  Samuel  Smith  &  Co.,  Bankers  at  New  Orleans,  up  to 
the  time  of  the  capture  of  that  city  by  the  United  States  forces. 
As  you  are  aware,  I  am  in  the  field  and  have  therefore  no 
books  or  papers  with  me  relating  to  former  transactions,  and 
was  obliged  to  wait  until  I  had  examined  some  memoranda 
before  I  could  make  as  full  an  answer  as  I  could  wish.  This 
must  be  my  apology  for  the  delay  in  answering  your  letters. 
I  am  now  without  dates  and  amounts,  but  the  facts  and  the 
order  of  sequence  I  am  quite  sure  will  be  without  mistake. 

The  case  of  Smith  &  Co.  was  as  follows.     Within  a  few 


414        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

days  after  my  arrival  in  New  Orleans  I  received  information 
that  the  Director  of  the  United  States  Mint,  upon  the  appear- 
ance of  the  U.  S.  Fleet,  had  fled  up  the  Red  River  with 
Governor  T.  O.  Moore  and  a  portion  of  the  Mint  and  some 
of  the  New  Orleans  Banks. 

That  he  had  deposited  with  Samuel  Smith  &  Co.,  Bankers, 
whose  place  of  business  was  next  door  to  the  Canal  Bank  and 
banking  house,  $50,000  of  the  specie  which  belonged  to  the 
United  States.  Upon  further  examination,  it  appeared  that 
the  Mint  Director,  finding  the  silver  [too]  bulky  to  carry 
away,  had  placed  a  large  sum  with  Smith  &  Co.,  who  had 
loaned  it,  or  a  portion  of  it,  to  the  Canal  Bank,  which  during 
some  days  just  before  the  taking  of  the  City  of  New  Orleans 
had  been  redeeming  its  circulation  in  specie.  That  this 
silver  had  been  paid  out  by  the  Bank  to  its  customers  and 
bill-holders. 

That  Samuel  Smith  &  Co.  have  received  for  specie  $50,000 
in  gold  in  two  kegs,  either  from  the  Director  or  the  Bank, 
which,  being  simply  in  exchange  for  the  money  of  the  United 
States,  was  of  course  the  property  of  the  United  States,  Smith 
&  Co.  having  this  idea  of  concealing  the  stolen  specie  of  the 
United  States.  Thereupon  I  caused  Samuel  Smith  &  Co.  to 
be  brought  before  me  for  examination,  and  in  the  most  solemn 
manner  he  denied  as  well  the  exchange  of  the  silver  as  the 
possession  of  the  gold  or  silver ;  knew  not  where  there  was  any 
concealed  or  conveyed  away,  owned  that  his  books  would 
show  that  he  had  no  gold  of  any  amount.  I  ordered  his  books 
and  papers  to  be  seized  and  examined.  Finding  upon  his 
books,  which  had  been  altered  and  erased  for  the  occasion, 
that  his  firm  had  a  quantity  of  gold,  although  by  no  means 
the  amount  of  $50,000,  and  feeling  sure  of  my  information, 
I  ordered  Smith  to  be  sent  to  Fort  Jackson.  Smith  thereupon 
confessed  that  the  whole  story  theretofore  had  been  a  lie,  and 
that  he  had  bricked  up  in  the  air  space  between  his  safe 
and  the  wall  of  his  counting  house  a  large  amount  of  gold  and 
silver.  Upon  sending  there  we  found  the  two  kegs  of  $25,000 
each  we  were  in  search  of,  and  some  bags  of  gold  and  silver 
amounting  to  some  $14  or  $17,000  more,  some  of  which  corre- 
sponded with  some  of  the  entries  on  Smith's  &  Co's  books. 
I  thereupon  seized  the  specie  and  held  it  for  the  use  of  the 
Government.  Afterwards  Mr.  Jacob  Barker  applied  to  me 
for  a  hearing  upon  the  question  of  property,  and  whether 
there  was  no  probable  cause  for  holding  this  gold  as  the  prop- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        415 

erty  of  the  United  States,  and  I  appointed  a  commission 
consisting  of  General  Shepley,  Military  Governor,  Dr.  Mercer, 
President  of  the  Bank  of  Louisiana,  and  Thomas  J.  Durant, 
(I  believe)  an  eminent  lawyer  of  New  Orleans,  to  adjudicate 
and  determine  these  questions.  A  full  hearing  was  had, 
witnesses  were  examined,  books  produced  and  examined,  and 
counsel  heard  in  arguments.  I  remember  the  President  of 
the  Canal  Bank  was  examined  and  made  a  very  lame  ex- 
planation of  how  Mr.  Smith  got  this  money  out  of  his  bank, 
and  of  the  way  he  borrowed  silver  of  the  Mint.  Smith's 
brother  was  also  examined,  who  gave  a  still  more  lame  account 
of  the  alteration  of  the  books,  and  why  there  appeared  in 
the  cash  accounts  about  that  time  so  many  thousand  dollars 
worth  of  lead,  and  on  the  next  page  so  many  thousand  dollars 
worth  of  tin.  Suffice  it  is  to  say  that  after  a  laborious  examina- 
tion the  board  reported  that  the  $14  or  $17,000  of  specie  was 
the  property  of  Smith  &  Co.,  and  should  be  given  up  to  them, 
and  that  there  was  cause  for  holding  the  two  kegs  of  $25,000 
each.  This  report,  with  the  accompanying  documents,  was 
thereupon  forwarded  to  the  Treasury  Department  at  Wash- 
ington. All  the  smaller  sums  of  $14,000  or  so  and  papers 
returned  immediately  to  Smith  &  Co.  with  the  exception  of 
about  $1300  about  which  a  dispute  arose  between  Smith  & 
Co.  and  my  officers,  they  avowing  that  they  had  never  re- 
ceived the  amount,  and  Smith  claimed  that  they  had.  After- 
wards, before  I  left  New  Orleans  in  order  that  there  might  be 
no  just  cause  to  suspect  the  integrity  of  my  officers,  I  paid 
Mr.  Barker,  Smith's  counsel,  the  sum  in  dispute,  and  took  the 
receipt;  in  the  meantime  my  troops  had  remained  unpaid  for 
more  than  six  months,  and  although  repeated  requisition  had 
been  made  on  the  Treasury,  still  the  money  had  not  been 
transmitted.  Believing  that  this  belonged  to  the  United 
States,  as  I  now  believe,  and  there  being  no  difference  at  that 
date  between  gold  and  treasury  notes  in  New  Orleans,  and 
but  little  anywhere,  for  reasons  stated  in  my  reports  to  the 
Treasury  I  turned  over  this  gold  from  time  to  time  to  my 
Paymasters  to  be  paid  out  to  the  troops,  and  it  was  so  done, 
and  when  afterwards  they  got  funds  they  repaid  me,  and 
indeed  I  believe  it  was  advanced  to  them  and  returned  more 
than  once.  The  reasons  why  probably  you  cannot  find  that 
gold  [in]  the  accounts  of  Majors  Hewitt  and  Usher  was 
that  no  difference  was  made  in  paying  the  troops  between  that 
and  Treasury  notes,  and  therefore  receiving  it  and  returning 


416        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

when  they  had  funds,  there  would  be  no  appearance  of  it. 
You  will  find  therefore  in  my  accounts  settled  at  the  War 
Office  that  I  have  charged  myself  with  that  amount  of  $50,000, 
and  made  myself  responsible  to  the  Government  for  it  in  a 
final  settlement  of  my  accounts,  taking  care  that  any  supposed 
rights  of  Smith  &  Co.  should  be  preserved  by  a  written  state- 
ment filed  with  the  accounts  in  the  War  Office  as  well  as  my 
report  to  the  Treasury.  In  the  usual  case  of  a  dispute  claim, 
I  should  hardly  have  felt  myself  called  upon  to  answer  to  the 
counsel  of  one  party,  to  have  given  so  full  a  statement  of 
facts,  but  having  taken  this  money  as  an  executive  officer  of 
the  Government,  I  have  felt  it  my  duty  to  make  full  exposi- 
tions of  all  the  facts  so  far  as  they  come  to  my  knowledge  and 
are  now  within  my  recollection.  I  may,  however,  be  per- 
mitted to  add  a  single  fact  which  will  perhaps  be  no  informa- 
tion to  their  counsel,  that  the  two  brothers  Smith  &  Co.  were 
both  bitter,  active,  and  unrepenting  Rebels,  who  refused  to 
take  the  Oath  of  Allegiance  so  long  as  I  remained  in  New 
Orleans,  and  one  or  both  I  believe  went  to  Canada  to  evade. 
If  you  should  desire  any  other  questions  answered  in  this 
regard  you  have  only  to  propose  them,  and  if  you  will  give 
me  an  opportunity  to  go  to  books  and  papers,  I  have  no  doubt 
but  I  can  give  you  sums  and  dates.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
very  respectfully, 

Your  obdt.  Servt.,  B.  F.  B.,  Maj.  Genl.  Comdg. 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  the  Gulf,  New  Orleans,  July  ind,  1862 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  Salmon  P.  Chase,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

Sir:  Will  be  found  enclosed  herewith  minutes  of  the  doings 
of  a  commission  to  inquire  into  the  seizure  of  the  specie  of 
Samuel  Smith  &  Co. 

The  finding  is  that  the  case  should  be  sent  to  the  depart- 
ment for  investigation.  I  should  have  sent  the  specie  $50,000 
to  you  but  this  remarkable  state  of  things  exists. 

Two  paymasters  came  down  here  with  $285,000  too  little 
money  to  pay  the  troops  of  the  Department,  some  of  whom 
have  not  been  paid  for  six  months,  and  they  and  their  families 
are  suffering  for  their  just  dues,  and  which  from  the  inefficiency 
of  the  pay  department  in  not  making  proper  requisitions  has 
not  been  furnished  them.  I  shall  therefore  appropriate  this 
$50,000  toward  the  payment  of  the  troops  left  unpaid,  one  of 
which  is  a  Western  Regiment  not  paid  since  December,  and 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   417 

a  Maine  one  not  paid  since  October.  I  shall  borrow  of  one  of 
the  Banks  here  $50,000  more  in  gold  (I  cannot  get  Treasury- 
notes)  upon  my  own  credit,  and  pledging  the  faith  of  the 
Government.  This  I  have  promised  shall  be  refunded  in 
gold  in  sixty  days,  with  interest  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent, 
per  annum,  and  trust  that  pledge  will  be  made  good,  as  I 
shall  have  to  suffer  the  loss.  I  shall  also  obtain  of  Adams  & 
Co.  here  $50,000  in  Treasury  notes,  or  there  about,  and  by- 
having  the  allotments  unpaid  here  but  to  be  paid  in  New 
Orleans  I  shall  be  able  to  have  the  payments  completed.  But 
this  only  pays  the  March  payment  leaving  two  months  still 
due.     May  I  ask  therefore  that  my  draft  of  $  in  favor 

of  Adams  &  Co.,  be  honored,  and  a  future  draft  not  exceeding 
in  all  $50,000  be  honored  at  sight,  so  that  Adams  &  Co.  can 
send  forward  the  remittances  to  the  soldiers'  wives  which  have 
been  used  here  to  pay  others,  and  that  $50,000  in  gold  be  sent 
me  to  repay  that  which  I  have  borrowed.  I  could  not  let  my 
soldiers  go  longer  unpaid.  It  was  injuring  the  credit  of  the 
Government  with  our  foes,  and  breeding  sickness  and  dis- 
content among  my  men.  Trusting  that  this  action  will  meet 
approval  in  the  emergency.     I  am 

Most  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Geril.  Comdg. 

10  Wall  St.,  New  York,  i6th  March,  1864   [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler 

My  dear  General:  I  am  very  truly  obliged  by  your 
satisfactory  letter  received  this  hour;  it  fully  explains  the 
delay  by  which  I  had  been  a  little  annoyed.  Pardon  the 
suggestion,  why  not  pass  over  the  money  to  the  War  Office  or 
to  the  Treasury,  and  leave  me  to  such  remedy  there  as  the 
Government  may  think  ^t? 

They  now  say  that  the  money  is  not  in  their  hands.  Please 
let  me  hear  upon  this. 

Very  truly  yours,  Edwards  Pierrepont 

Headquarters,  Department  Va.  and  N.  C,  Fort  Monroe,  Mar.  28th,  1864 

[Not  in  clironological  order] 

Hon.  Edwards  Pierrepont,  New  York 

Dear  Sir  :  Your  note  of  the  26th  inst.  is  received,  and  I  am 
glad  to  be  able  to  answer  speedily. 

I  am  much  obliged  for  your  suggestion.  When  I  settled 
my  accounts  at  the  War  Office,  the  question  of  what  should 
be  done  with  this  money  of  Sam  Smith  &  Co.  came  under 
VOL.  V— 27 


418        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

discussion,  and  I  then  said  to  the  Secretary  of  War  that  as  a 
lawyer  I  supposed  I  might  be  held  personally  liable  for  the 
sum,  and  that  if  he  would  give  me  an  order  to  pay  over  the 
money  to  the  War  Office,  in  such  form  to  release  me  from 
responsibility,  if  hereafter  called  upon  by  Smith  &  Co.,  I 
should  be  glad  to  pay  the  money  over.  He  doubted  whether 
this  could  be  done,  and  suggested  that  the  money  might  be 
in  my  hands  until  the  Department  was  called  upon  for  it,  and 
that  a  proper  memorandum  should  be  put  on  file,  so  that 
Smith  &  Co's.  rights,  if  they  had  any,  should  be  preserved, 
as  well  as  my  own.  There  is  no  diflSculty  in  dealing  with 
the  money  now  in  the  same  way. 

If  the  War  Department  directs  an  order  to  me  to  pay  the 
money,  either  into  the  Treasury,  or  the  contingent  fund  of 
the  Department,  and  Smith  &  Co.  acting  under  your  advice 
will  give  me  a  memorandum  stating  that  such  payment  shall 
relieve  me  from  personal  responsibility,  I  will  give  a  draft 
for  the  amount,  on  the  Asst.  Treasurer  of  the  United  States, 
that  will  be  honored  at  once. 

I  think  it  but  right,  however,  that  my  first  note  to  you, 
stating  the  facts  of  the  capture  of  the  money,  should  be  laid 
before  the  War  Department  for  its  information,  before  any 
order  is  made  on  the  subject,  transferring  the  funds  to  Smith 
&  Co.     1  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Very  respectfully,  y.  o.  s.,  B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Commd'g. 

P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above  note  I  have  received  from 
my  clerk  a  copy  of  the  memorandum  filed  in  the  War  Office 
at  the  time  of  the  settlement  of  my  accounts  of  which  I  have 
spoken.  I  had  not  received  the  copy  when  I  wrote  before  or 
I  would  have  forwarded  it  for  your  information,  as  I  now  take 

^^^^^  *^  ^^-  Respectfully,  B.  F.  B. 

Washington,  D.  C,  Feb.  11,  1864   [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Memorandum  to  accompany  the  accounts  filed  in  the  War  Dept., 
in  the  matter  of  the  item  of  $59,855,  taken  from  Sam'l.  Smith  & 
Co.,  Bankers. 

This  money  was  seized  from  Smith  &  Co.  upon  the  belief 
that  it  was  either  the  identical  money  taken  from  the  United 
States  Mint  by  the  Rebel's  Superintendent,  or  else  gold  ex- 
changed by  him  for  silver  which  was  paid  out  by  the  Canal 
Bank  after  the  fleet  passed  the  forts  and  by  Smith  concealed 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   419 

by  being  bricked  up  in  the  rear  of  the  vaults  of  his  banking 
house.  By  agreement  with  Mr.  Smith,  the  questions  of 
this  seizure  were  submitted  to  a  commission  of  Governor 
Shepley,  Dr.  Mercer,  President  of  the  Louisiana  Bank,  and 
Thomas  J.  Durant,  Esq.,  a  leading  lawyer  of  New  Orleans. 
A  protracted  hearing  was  had,  and  full  examination  of  evi- 
dence by  counsel  in  behalf  of  the  claimants,  and  report  made 
that  all  but  two  kegs  containing  $50,000  to  be  returned  to 
Smith  &  Co.,  which  was  done.  But  as  to  the  $50,000  that 
should  be  held  by  the  United  States  subject  to  the  disposal 
of  the  Government  at  Washington.  This  report  was  forwarded 
to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (see  my  letter  enclosing 
same).  In  the  absence  of  funds  to  pay  the  troops,  some  of 
whom  had  been  six  months  without  pay,  upon  the  decision 
of  the  Commission,  this  with  other  monies  were  turned  over 
to  the  Paymaster  Major  Hewitt  to  pay  the  troops,  and  his 
receipt  taken.  When  the  money  came  for  payment  of  the 
troops,  this  amount  was  replaced  in  my  hands  by  the  Pay- 
master, and  is  now  held  for  the  use  of  the  United  States. 

Smith  &  Co.  are  both  active  rebels,  and  have  returned  to  their 
allegiance.  They  have  threatened  to  hold  the  General  making 
the  seizure  personally  responsible  for  this  amount,  and  he  only 
desires  such  order  may  be  made  as  will  if  the  United  States 
receive  the  money  relieve  him  from  personal  responsibility. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted, 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

16  Wall  Street,  New  York,  1st  of  April,  1864    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  Gen  I.  Butler 

My  dear  General:  I  am  very  glad  to  receive  your  letter 
of  the  28th  of  March.  I  am  not  one  of  your  enemies.  This 
matter  will  now  be  adjusted,  and  I  will  write  you  some  state- 
ments of  fact  of  which  it  is  evident  you  are  not  apprised. 
Immediately  after  the  seizure  of  the  gold  Smith  came  here. 
He  was  born  in  Saratoga  Co.,  where  his  mother  now  lives, 
and  he  has  been  with  her  here  and  in  Washington  most  of  the 
time  since. 

He  employed  Senator  Reverdy  Johnson  and  myself  as  his 
counsel;  as  the  younger  man  I  have  been  the  more  active. 
The  report  of  the  Commissioners  which  you  appointed  clearly 
established  beyond  all  controversy  that  the  gold  belonged  to 
Smith.  The  Commissioners  so  report,  and  the  evidence  re- 
turned with  the  report  abundantly  established  the  conclusion. 


420        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

These  papers,  with  your  letter  of  July  2nd,  1862,  are  now  in 
the  Treasury  Department,  and  I  have  complete  copies  of  them 
all.  I  took  Mr.  Smith  to  Washington,  and  his  deposition 
was  taken  at  great  length,  and  is  now  on  file  with  the  other 
papers. 

Mr.  Smith  is  a  Yankee,  born  of  a  Yankee,  bred  a  Yankee, 
has  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  is  as  true  and  loyal  as 
you  or  I;  he  has  not  been  in  Canada  at  all.  He  tried  in  the 
fright  and  terror  which  prevailed  in  New  Orleans  to  save  his 
property  in  part.  Dr.  Mercer  who  acted  on  the  Commission 
is  now  here.  I  am  truly  glad  this  matter  is  about  to  be  ad- 
justed. Not  every  one  who  has  been  in  the  case  has  the  same 
desire  to  have  it  quietly  settled  as  I  have  My  owti  views 
about  the  case  are  these.  I  think  it  quite  clear  that  you 
could  not  successfully  resist  a  suit  in  New  York  brought  by 
Smith  to  recover  whatever  damages  he  can  prove.  I  think 
the  true  w^ay  to  settle  it  is  for  you  to  pay  Smith  and  take  a 
release  with  the  assent  of  the  War  Department.  If  you  agree 
with  me,  I  will  see  that  it  is  done  in  such  way  as  you  shall  say 
is  liberal  and  just.     I  await  your  reply, 

Ever  truly  yours,  Edwards  Pierrepont 

April  Uh,  1864  p^ot  in  chronological  order] 

Edwards  Pierrepont,  Esq. 

My  dear  Sir:  I  can  only  repeat  my  offer  that  whenever 
the  War  Department  will  order  the  money  paid  over  to  your 
client,  and  he  shall  give  me  a  release,  my  draft  for  the  amount 
will  be  forwarded.  I  am  glad  to  hear  that  Mr.  Smith  is  loyal. 
His  conversion  I  trust  is  sincere.  For  your  self,  I  thank  you 
for  your  expressions  of  kindness  and  confidence,  and  while 
they  are  very  gratifying  indeed  to  one  who  has  been  so  much 
maligned  as  I  have  been,  yet  you  will  see  in  this  transaction  I 
have  so  lived  as  to  defy  my  enemies.  Allow  me,  my  dear 
sir,  further  to  say  that  "ex  uno  disce  omnes."  For  a  while 
you  will  confess  to  yourself  that  you  doubted  my  action  in 
this  business, 

I  am  as  willing  that  every  act  of  my  official  life  shall  be  as 
thoroughly  investigated  as  this  may  be.  Therefore  you  will 
see  that  while  I  am  obliged  for  the  friendly  feeling  which 
prompted  you  to  desire  this  case  "quietly  settled,"  still  if 
those  who  desired  otherwise  had  had  their  way  I  should  have 
been  as  well-pleased:  because  conscious  of  having  endeavored 
only  to  do  my  duty,  an  attack  upon  me  in  this  case  would 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        421 

have  failed,  and  thus  answered  a  thousand  others  to  which 
no  reply  can  ever  be  otherwise  made. 

Upon  the  point  of  law  which  you  suggest,  pardon  me  if  I 
differ  from  a  lawyer  so  distinguished  as  yourself.  I  do  not 
believe  that  a  military  commander  in  a  captured  city,  taking 
money  (contraband  of  war)  which  might  be  used  against  that 
officer's  army,  from  an  alien  enemy,  can  be  held  liable  for  the 
Capture  as  a  trespass  and  for  the  tort  in  not  returning  upon 
demand,  which  might  sustain  them  after  the  enemy  became 
a  friend  and  capacitated  to  sue.  I  am  inclined  to  believe 
that  having  paid  the  money  to  his  government  would  answer 
the  demand.  It  was  to  avoid  this  after  question,  however 
(I  had  no  doubt  on  the  first),  that  I  hesitated  to  pay  the 
money  to  the  Government.  Still  I  am  rusty  at  the  law,  and 
my  opinions  are  not  now,  if  they  ever  were,  worth  much. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 

16  Wall  Street,  New  York,  May  itk,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler 

Dear  Sir:  Since  your  proposition  to  pay  over  to  Smith 
and  Co.  the  $50,000  upon  order  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  I 
have  seen  the  Secretary  and  have  just  returned  from  Wash- 
ington. The  Secretary  at  first  thought  there  was  no  objection, 
but  upon  consultation  with  Mr.  Whiting,  he  concluded  that 
as  the  money  never  came  to  the  War  Department,  and  as  it 
was  never  taken  by  any  order  of  the  department,  and  as 
General  Butler  had  retained  it,  on  the  ground  that  he  might 
be  personally  liable  if  he  paid  it  over,  the  department  would 
take  no  action  whatever  as  to  the  payment  of  the  money. 
I  think  the  Department  acted  wisely.  I  do  not  see  what 
business  the  department  has  with  the  money  which  you  hold 
and  not  they,  and  which  they  never  had,  and  which  they 
never  authorized  to  be  taken.  Smith  was  with  me,  the 
Smiths  both  live  in  Ballston  Spa,  N.  Y.,  where  they  were  born, 
they  long  since  took  the  oath  of  allegiance,  the  amnesty  oath, 
and  are  ready  to  take  any  others  required;  they  are  as  loyal 
as  you  or  I. 

I  propose  this,  send  your  draft  for  the  money  to  any  one 
in  New  York  in  whom  you  trust,  to  be  paid  over  on  full  release, 
or,  let  any  one  appear  for  you  and  you  may  have  an  amicable 
suit  in  any  Court  in  New  York,  United  States  Court  or  State 
Court,  as  you  please. 

This  is  not  a  hostile,  but  a  friendly  proposition,  as  any  one 


422        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

will  tell  you;  otherwise  you  force  me  to  a  suit  by  long  publica- 
tions in  the  newspapers  as  you  are  not  a  resident.  I  await 
your  reply,  and  am  truly  yours, 

Edwards  Pierrepont,  Act.  Counsel  for  Smith  and  Co. 

June  4<A 

I  retained  the  above  because  the  General  was  in  the  field, 
but  your  letter  of  last  evening  in  the  N.  Y.  Express  causes  me 
to  hope  for  an  answer  to  this  quickly.     E.  P. 

16  Wall  Street,  October  i6th,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  Butler 

My  dear  Sir:  You  leave  Mr.  Smith  no  alternative  but  to 
commence  an  action.  It  is  not  necessary  that  there  be  any 
publications  in  the  papers  if  you  will  authorize  any  atty.  to 
appear  for  you,  but  otherwise  it  is  necessary. 

I  do  not  wish  any  publications  unless  you  wish  it.  Please 
let  me  know  your  atty.  at  once  if  you  have  one  here. 

Truly,  Edwards  Pierrepont 

Headqrs.  near  Varina,  Oct.  iSth,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  Edwards  Pierrepont,  Counsellor  at  Law,  16  Wall  Street 
My   dear   Sir:     Your   note   enclosing   the   summons   and 
complaint  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Smith  and  brother  was  received 
last  evening  in  the  field.     I  hasten  to  answer. 

Although  not  a  resident  of  New  York,  or  amenable  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  her  Courts,  so  that  a  summons  could  hardly 
bring  me  in,  yet  I  shall  at  once  acknowledge  service,  and 
instruct  my  attorney,  John  K.  Hackett,  Esq.,  to  make  answer. 
Having  done  this,  I  shall  rely  upon  your  courtesy  to  allow  me 
a  little  time  to  go  to  Washington  to  make  the  following  disposi- 
tion of  the  cause.  When  you  desired  me  to  assent  to  a  friendly 
suit,  I  could  make  no  answer  to  the  proposition  because  as  an 
oflficial  I  could  do  nothing  in  any  way  to  compromise  the  rights 
of  the  United  States.  Now  however,  your  proceeding  in 
invitum  leaves  me  in  a  different  situation,  because  although  I 
am  acknowledging  service,  still  I  must  come  to  New  York 
and  can  hardly  travel  in  cog.,  you  could  obtain  service,  and 
therefore  without  prejudice  a  suit  may  be  considered  fairly 
begun.  I  will  now  apply  to  the  War  Department  and  ask 
the  Government  to  assume  the  defence;  if  that  is  done,  then 
I  have  no  farther  interest  in  the  matter.  If  not,  then  I  am  at 
liberty  to  arrange  with  your  client  or  contest  the  suit  as  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   423 

choose,  and  am  left  free  to  negotiate  about  a  matter  in  which 
I  can  have  no  personal  interest  except  to  save  myself  from 
loss.  So  soon,  therefore,  as  I  can  get  away,  which  I  hope  to 
do  in  a  few  days,  I  will  make  answer,  or  will  meet  you  as  you 
prefer,  and  be  able  to  state  exactly  my  position  on  the  sub- 
ject. Of  course  the  suit,  if  it  goes  forward,  will  be  removed 
into  the  Courts  of  the  United  States. 

You  will  not  need  to  be  told  that  these  suggestions  do  not 
proceed  from  any  desire  to  delay  your  clients,  but  in  fact  to 
further  their  interests  if  they  have  any.  You  will  please 
answer  me  at  once  whether  this  course  will  meet  your  con- 
currence. 

As  to  publication,  I  beg  leave  to  repeat  to  you  that  I  can 
have  no  objection  to  any  persons  knowing  every  fact  connected 
with  this  transaction.  The  most  exaggerated  stories  have 
been  told  about  it  privately,  from  which  I  am  suffering,  but 
what  can  I  do  about  it  that  I  have  not  doncf^ 

Respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Geril. 

Headqrs.  near  Varina,  Oct.  28,  1864  [^Not  in  chronological  order] 

John  K.  Hackett,  Esq.,  Corporation  Counsel,  New  York  City 
My  dear  Sir:  I  send  enclosed  copies  of  a  note  to  Hon. 
Edwards  Pierrepont,  and  a  summons,  which  will  explain 
themselves.  You  will  take  such  steps  as  may  be  necessary 
to  preserve  my  rights. 

I  will  send  you  in  a  few  days  the  necessary  papers  for  an 
answer  if  Pierrepont  does  not  agree  to  my  proposition.  I 
hope  to  be  with  you  as  soon  as  the  election  is  over.  You  will, 
of  course,  take  the  suit  to  the  Circuit  Court  if  it  becomes 

'^'  Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

16  Wall  Street,  November  ind,  1864 

Major  General  Butler 

My  dear  General:  Yours  received  and  satisfactory. 
You  have  been  a  General  since  you  were  a  lawyer,  and  when 
you  speak  of  jurisdiction  I  think  you  have  not  read  our  recent 
statutes.  We  have  a  way  to  get  jurisdiction  not  like  old  way 
—  But  that  is  no  matter  —  Your  proposition  is  satisfactory, 
and  I  shall  confer  with  your  attorney.     I  send  you  my  speech. 

Yours,  Edwards  Pierrepont 


424        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 
Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  Dec.  lOth,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

John  K.  Hackett,  Esq. 

My  dear  Hackett:  Mr.  Camp  thinks  that  he  can  get  pub- 
hshed  in  the  Tribune  the  correspondence  between  myself  and 
Pierrepont.     If   you  should  think  best,  confer  with  him  on 

*^^  ^^^j^^*-  Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  William  Lloyd  Garrison  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  Dec.  ISth,  1864 

Sir:  I  have  just  heard,  with  much  surprise  and  deep  regret, 
that  for  some  cause  or  other  not  known  to  me,  or  to  any  of 
his  friends.  Major  Thorndike  C.  Jameson,  of  the  5th  Rhode 
Island  Regiment  of  Heavy  Artillery,  has  been  arrested  in 
your  Department,  at  Fortress  Monroe,  on  his  return  to  his 
Regiment  at  Newbern,  N.  C,  and  sent  to  Headquarters  for 
trial.  It  is  with  great  delicacy  of  feeling,  and  full  conscious- 
ness that  in  such  cases  it  is  not  for  civilians  to  intermeddle, 
that  I  venture  to  address  you  in  relation  to  his  arrest.  Of 
course,  he  must  stand  or  fall  according  to  the  nature  of  the 
charges  and  the  conclusiveness  of  the  evidence  against  him. 
Having  known  him  for  many  years  past  —  first,  as  a  theological 
student  at  Brown  University;  next,  as  pastor  of  a  Baptist 
church  in  Providence,  afterward  settled  in  Melrose  in  this 
state,  then  induced  to  resume  his  former  pastoral  charge  in 
Providence;  next,  as  chaplain  of  one  of  the  R.  I.  Regiments 
earliest  in  the  field;  and,  finally,  as  Major  of  the  Regiment 
with  which  he  is  now  connected  —  I  cannot  believe  that  he 
has  intentionally  done  anything  criminally  incompatible  with 
the  spirit,  if  he  has  with  the  letter  of  the  military  code,  and 
trust  and  believe  his  innocence  will  be  made  apparent  on  an 
impartial  trial.  Aside  from  personal  friendship  in  his  case, 
my  sole  motive  in  presuming  to  address  you  is  to  state  that, 
from  an  early  period,  when  his  standing  in  the  pulpit  was 
thereby  imperilled,  he  openly  espoused  the  anti-Slavery 
cause,  though  not  connected  with  any  anti-Slavery  Society, 
and  has  always  evinced  a  friendly,  sympathetic  interest  in 
the  welfare  of  the  colored  population.  Since  the  Government 
decided  to  enrole  black  as  well  as  white  volunteers  in  the  army. 
Major  Jameson  has  used  his  influence  to  induce  them  to  enlist; 
particularly  for  some  time  past  in  the  1st  North  Carolina  Heavy 
Artillery   (Colored),   and   with   encouraging  success.     In  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   425 

jealousies  and  rivalries  frequently  growing  out  of  such  enlist- 
ments, and  especially  aware  of  the  anti-negro  feelings  which  still 
bias  the  minds  of  a  portion  of  the  white  officers  and  soldiers,  I 
am  apprehensive  that  Major  Jameson  may  have  unfortunately 
subjected  himself  to  the  ill-will  and  personal  dislike  of  some 
other  whose  hostility  to  the  negro  would  be  gratified  to  see  him 
cashiered,  and  who  would  not  be  scrupulous  in  regard  to  their 
testimony  against  him.  With  your  attention  drawn  to  this 
point,  I  am  confident  you  will  carefully  inquire  into  the  animus 
which  has  led  to  his  impeachment,  and  closely  scan  the  evidence 
that  may  be  adduced  to  secure  his  conviction.  Beyond  this, 
it  would  be  improper  for  me  to  make  any  suggestion. 

Allow  me  to  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  express  to 
you  my  high  appreciation  of  your  administrative  ability,  your 
disinterested  patriotism,  and  of  your  noble  purpose  to  ex- 
tinguish slavery  and  the  rebellion  by  the  same  blow.  Had 
others  in  high  military  stations  been  animated  by  your  spirit, 
and  energized  by  your  resolute  purpose,  this  bloody  war 
would  long  ere  this  have  terminated,  and  liberty  been  pro- 
claimed throughout  all  the  land  to  all  the  inhabitants  thereof. 
Very  respectfully  yours,  Wm.  Lloyd  Garrison 

P.  S.  No  reply  is  expected  to  this  letter,  and  none  needed; 
therefore,  in  the  immense  pressure  of  your  multitudinous  offi- 
cial duties,  do  not  occupy  a  moment  of  your  time  in  writing  one. 

From  D.  Heaton  to  General  Butler 

Treasury  Department,  Siorth  Special  Agency,  Newbern,  N.  C,  Dec.  13th,  1864 

Sir:  The  important  intelligence  is  brought  to  me  by  Mr. 
Hart,  the  gentlemanly  correspondent  of  the  New  York  Herald, 
that  in  a  recent  interview  with  you,  you  expressed  your  will- 
ingness to  alter  the  agreement  entered  into  between  us  on  the 
15th  day  of  August  last  so  that  a  larger  amount  of  goods  and 
supplies  could  be  admitted  in  this  military  District. 

Acting  upon  this  information,  I  herewith  take  the  liberty 
of  enclosing  for  your  signature  a  new  agreement  drawn  up  in 
triplicate  allowing  the  admission  of  $300,000  per  month. 

Should  your  approval  be  given,  I  trust  you  will  have  no  cause 
to  regret  the  step;  the  reasons  for  an  increase  of  supplies  are 
still  stronger,  in  my  judgment,  than  when  I  last  addressed  you. 

Hoping  to  hear  from  you  at  an  early  date,  I  am  General, 
Very  respectfully.  Your  obedt.  servt., 

D.  Heaton,  Supervising  Special  Agent,  Treasury  Department 


426        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

December  13th,  1864 

To  conform  with  the  Act  of  Congress  approved  July  2d, 
1864,  concerning,  among  other  things,  commercial  intercourse 
between  loyal  and  insurrection  states  and  the  Regulations  of 
the  Treasury  Department  made  in  conformity  therewith,  it  is 
hereby  agreed  that  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise  for  supply- 
ing the  necessities  of  loyal  persons  residing  at  Beaufort,  More- 
head  City,  Newbern,  Roanoke  Island,  Portsmouth,  Newport, 
Hatteras  Banks,  and  other  places  within  the  lines  of  actual 
occupation  by  the  military  forces  of  the  United  States  in  the 
Military  District  of  North  Carolina,  may  hereafter  be  ad- 
mitted in  said  District  to  the  amount,  each  month,  of  Three 
Hundred  Thousand  Dollars  ($300,000).  This  agreement  to 
take  the  place  of  one  executed  on  the  15th  day  of  August,  1864. 
D.  Heaton,  Supg.  Spl.  Agt.,  Treas.  Dept. 

From  General  Butler  to  D,  Heaton 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  December  ilst,  1864 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Sir  :  After  conference  with  you  I  am  inclined  to  put  my  views 
and  what  I  believe  to  be  the  views  of  the  Government  on  paper 
in  regard  to  getting  from  the  rebel  lines  the  products  of  your 
district,  especially  cotton,  turpentine,  and  tobacco. 

I  think  it  would  be  best  to  receive  all  such  products  from 
any  party  desiring  to  dispose  of  the  same,  and  to  advance 
either  in  goods  or  money  the  amounts  which  you  would  be  safe 
in  doing,  looking  to  the  rise  and  fall  of  the  markets  while  the 
property  is  in  transit  to  Norfolk  or  New  York  for  sale,  and  I 
would  advise  that  you  should  use  any  money  in  your  hands,  the 
products  of  abandoned  estates  and  property,  for  this  purpose. 
By  these  means  twenty-five  (25)  per  cent,  of  the  product 
would  be  saved  the  Government  —  the  resources  of  the  rebels 
would  be  in  so  far  diminished,  and  I  am  assured  that  in  so 
doing  you  would  be  carrying  out  what  is  the  policy  of  the 
Government. 

I  have  directed  General  Palmer  to  give  all  aid  and  protection 
of  the  military  forces  to  all  persons  bringing  in  the  products 
of  the  country  which  are  to  be  turned  over  to  the  Treasury. 
You  can  call  upon  the  Quartermaster  to  furnish  you  with  such 
return  transportation  as  he  may  have  to  aid  you  in  this  purpose, 
of  course  charging  a  proper  freight  to  the  merchandise  to  be 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   427 

deducted  on  its  account  of  sale,  which  amount  is  to  be  paid  to 
the  Quartermaster's  Department. 

Of  course  it  will  occur  to  you  at  once  that  there  must  be  some 
caution  used  in  this  matter,  because  if  it  is  known  in  the 
Confederacy  that  the  Government  is  actually  purchasing  these 
products,  it  will  simply  cause  a  rise  of  the  same  in  the  Con- 
federacy, and  not  give  the  profit  between  the  present  price  in 
the  United  States  and  in  the  Confederacy,  where  it  belongs 
either  to  the  Government  or  to  the  loyal  citizen  who  shall 
bring  it  in.  Therefore  preferably  loyal  citizens  should  be 
allowed  to  bring  in  the  products  of  the  country  to  you. 

I  would  farther  suggest  that  as  a  rise  of  prices  in  the  Con- 
federacy would  be  stimulated  by  an  unrestrained  trade  by  all 
parties  who  desire  to  get  it  out,  that  you  keep  control  of  the 
trade  by  means  of  your  permits,  and  although  that  may  make 
it  essentially  a  monopoly  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  down  the 
prices  in  the  Confederacy. 

These  last  suggestions  will  not  apply,  however,  to  a  party 
actually  raising,  owning,  and  bringing  in  products  whether  he 
is  loyal  or  disloyal,  but  applies  to  those  who  come  in  as  go- 
betweens  from  the  producer  to  the  Government  as  traders 
merely.  I  am  quite  certain  that  this  course  of  action  will  be 
sustained  by  the  Treasury,  as  I  am  prepared  to  say  it  will  be 
by  the  military  authorities.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Very 
respectfully. 
Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  President  Lincoln 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  December  iSrd,  1864  [|Not  in  chronological  order] 

All  Military  and  Naval  Commanders  will  please  give  to 
James  Harrison,  Esq.,  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri  (with  any  number 
of  steamboats  not  exceeding  three,  taking  in  tow  any  number 
of  barges,  scows,  flats,  and  the  like,  not  having  steam  power, 
which  they  may  be  able  to  so  take,  with  such  goods  and  money 
as  the  Treasury  Agents  may  grant  permits  for,  under  the  rules 
of  the  Department,  and  none  others  and  only  with  crews  to 
navigate  the  whole  and  necessary  provisions  for  himself  and 
said  crews)  protection  and  safe  conduct  from  New  Orleans  or 
Memphis  to  Red  River,  and  up  said  river  and  its  tributaries, 
till  he  shall  pass  beyond  our  military  lines,  and  also  give  him 
such  protection  and  safe  conduct  on  his  return  to  our  lines, 
back  to  New  Orleans  or  Memphis  with  any  cargoes  he  may 


428   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

bring,  and  on  his  safe  return  from  beyond  our  lines  with  said 
boats  and  tows,  allow  him  to  repeat  once  or  twice  if  he  shall 

Abraham  Lincoln 
From  James  Harrison 

Washington,  D.  C,  December  iSrd,  1864 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

In  consideration  that  the  President  of  the  United  States 
to-day  delivers  to  me  a  paper  of  which  the  within  is  a  copy. 
I  pledge  him  my  word  of  honor  that  whatever  I  may  do  there- 
under shall  be  at  my  own  expense  and  risk  of  person  and  prop- 
erty, with  no  claim  upon  him  or  upon  the  government  in  any 
contingency  whatever,  that  I  will  take  absolutely  nothing  into 
the  insurgent  lines  which  could  be  of  value  to  them,  except  the 
boats,  tows,  goods,  money,  and  provisions  as  stated;  and  that  I 
will  not  take  said  boats,  tows,  and  other  matters  stated  or  any 
of  them,  into  said  insurgent  lines  unless  I  shall  first  have  the 
personal  pledge  of  Gen.  Kirby  Smith,  or  the  officer  in  chief  com- 
mand given  directly  by  him  to  me,  that  said  boats  and  tows 
shall  without  condition,  safely  return  to  our  military  lines. 

James  Harrison 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Cipher.  Citt  Point,  Va.,  Dec.  14,  1864  10  a.m. 

What  is  the  prospect  of  getting  your  expedition  started.'* 
It  is  a  great  pity  we  were  not  ten  or  twelve  days  earlier.  I  am 
confident  it  would  have  then  been  successful.  Have  you 
heard  from  Palmer?  The  Richmond  papers  give  no  account  of 
any  federals  on  the  Roanoke  or  Weldon  Road  south  of  Weldon. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-Gen  I. 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.    Dec.  \Uh,  10.45  a.m. 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant,  on  board  "Ben  Deford" 

Porter  started  yesterday.  Transport  fleet  are  at  Cape 
Henry.  I  am  just  starting.  The  weather  for  the  last  six  days 
has  been  such  that  it  would  be  useless  to  be  on  the  coast. 

Expedition  left  Plymouth  Wednesday  last.  You  will 
remember  that  you  have  cut  communication  between  Weldon 
&  Petersburg. 

Everything  is  off  in  the  best  time  possible. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   429 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Deft.  Va.,  &  No.  Carolina, 
Fortress  Monroe,  December  16th,  1864 

Hon.  P.  H.  Watson,  Asst.  Secy,  of  War 

Sir:  Upon  consultation  with  Colonel  Olcott  about  Stroufs 
matter,  it  occurs  to  nie  that  as  most  of  his  acts  were  committed 
before  the  Fraud  Acts  of  March  3rd,  1863,  he  being  arrested 
on  the  16th  of  March,  that  he  may  be  amenable  to  a  provost 
court  as  a  citizen  in  the  employ  of  the  government,  and  acting 
falsely  and  fraudently  to  his  employer,  to  wit,  the  Government. 
If  so,  and  he  can  be  tried  by  a  Provost  Judge  in  the  Provost  Court 
of  this  Department  in  which  I  have  a  very  able  judge,  strict 
justice  will  be  done  to  him  and  that  speedily. 

A  court  martial  is  a  very  unwieldy,  troublesome,  expensive, 
tedious,  and  sometimes  inconclusive  process,  its  members 
exposed  to  various  influences  which  cannot  be  brought  to  bear 
upon  an  upright  judge,  who  knows  and  respects  his  position  as 
judge,  to  which  he  is  accustomed. 

I  have  no  doubt  of  the  matter  myself,  but  it  is  a  matter  of 
some  importance.  Please  suggest  it  to  Mr.  Whiting,  Solicitor 
of  the  War  Department,  and  if  you  think  best  to  Judge  Holt, 
so  that  if  any  revision  or  appeal  is  made  to  that  Department 
we  may  not  find  that  we  have  proceeded  "inopes  concilii." 

So  much  time  will  be  saved  and  so  much  more  satisfactory 
result  will  be  arrived  at,  that  I  myself  am  very  much  in  favor 
of  this  course. 

I  was  accustomed  to  try  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf, 
and  I  see  by  the  papers  that  it  is  still  the  custom  to  try  much 
more  considerable  cases  with  very  great  severity  of  punish- 
ment before  that  court,  and  there  has  been  no  disturbance  of 
that  process,  or  of  those  records,  by  any  revising  officer. 

While  this  point  is  being  examined  by  you,  we  will  lose  no 
time,  because  the  Prosecuting  Officer  will  be  employed  in  the 
necessary  preparations. 

Col.  Olcott  concurs  in  these  views,  and  I  would  send  him  to 
Washington  to  represent  them,  could  I  afford  the  time.     Await- 
ing your  reply,  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Very  respectfully, 
Yr.  Obdt.  Servt.,  B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  General  Commd'g. 


430   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Rear  Admiral  Porter 

North  Atlantic  Squadron,  U.  S.  Flag-ship  "Malvern,"  off  Beaufort,  N.  C, 

off  Dec.  16,  1864 

Maj.-Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Commanding  Department 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina 

General:  I  take  advantage  of  the  tug  "Du  Pont"  going 
out,  to  write  you  a  few  lines. 

I  think  all  the  vessels  will  leave  here  to-morrow  morning 
for  the  rendezvous,  and  if  the  weather  permits,  I  think  we  will 
be  able  to  blow  up  the  vessel  by  the  next  night.  In  talking 
with  engineers,  some  of  them  suggested  that  even  at  twenty- 
five  miles  the  explosion  might  affect  the  boilers  of  steamers, 
and  make  them  explode  if  heavy  steam  was  carried;  and  I 
would  advise  that  before  the  explosion  takes  place,  of  which 
you  will  be  duly  notified,  the  steam  be  run  down  as  low  as  pos- 
sible, and  the  fires  drawn. 

I  hear  the  rebels  have  only  a  small  garrison  at  the  forts  at 
New  Inlet.     I  don't  know  how  true  it  is.     Very  respectfully. 
Your  obedient  servant,  David  D.  Porter,  Rear-Admiral 

From  Admiral  Porter  to  General  Butler 

North  Atlantic  Squadron,  U.  S.  Flag-Ship  "Malvern,"  at  Sea,  Dec.  18,  1864 

General:  The  powder  vessel  "Louisiana"  has  gone  in  to 
attempt  the  explosion.  The  weather  looks  threatening;  the 
wind  may  haul  to  the  west,  but  it  is  not  likely.  The  barometer 
is  high  yet,  though  the  weather  does  not  please  me.  .  .  . 

The  powder  vessel  is  as  complete  as  human  ingenuity  can 
make  her  —  has  two  hundred  and  thirty-five  tons  of  powder, 
all  I  could  get,  though  she  would  not  have  carried  much  more. 

I  propose  standing  in,  the  moment  the  explosion  takes  place, 
and  open  fire  with  some  of  the  vessels  at  night,  to  prevent  the 
enemy  repairing  damages,  if  he  has  any,  .  .  . 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

David  D.  Porter,  Rear-Admiral 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  of  Virginia  and  N.  C,  Fort  Munroe,  Dec.  lOth,  1864 

Dear  General:  I  arrived  here  this  morning  and  must 
leave  on  Sunday  evening  for  home,  as  our  Senatorial  election 
comes  off  2nd  January,  and  I  must  be  there.  I  regret  much 
that  you  are  not  here,  as  I  have  much  to  say  to  you.     I  hope 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        431 

you  may  get  up  before  I  leave,  I  wish  you  had  some  other 
Naval  Commander  than  Porter.  You  will  have  to  manage  him 
with  great  care.  If  I  can't  get  to  see  you,  I  wull  return  here  as 
soon  as  the  Senator  is  elected.     May  God  grant  you  success. 

Yours  truly,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Cipher.    Telegram.     Off  Beaufort,   Dec.  20,  1864 

Have  done  nothing,  been  waiting  for  Navy  and  weather. 
Have  sent  full  report  by  mail. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Off  Beaufort,  N.  C,  Dec.  20,  1864,  10.20  a.m. 

Lt.  General  Grant,  Commanding,  etc..  City  Point 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  troops  under 
the  command  of  Maj.  Gen.  Weitzel  left  Fortress  Monroe, 
as  I  informed  you,  on  Wednesday,  the  14th,  and  got  off  Cape 
Henry  at  4  p.m.,  and  arrived  the  next  afternoon  at  the  place 
of  rendezvous  designated  by  Rear  Admiral  Porter.  Admiral 
Porter  left  with  the  naval  squadron  the  day  previously,  and  as 
soon  as  possible  after  the  storm. 

Fearing  lest  the  enemy  might  be  informed  of  our  movements 
and  guess  our  designation,  I  sent  the  transport  fleet  up  the 
Potomac  as  far  as  Mathias  Point,  about  fifty  miles  in  the  day- 
time, so  timing  the  sailing  that  they  should  arrive  there  after 
dark,  and  then  during  the  night  retrace  their  course  and  get 
off  the  Eastern  shore  near  Cape  Charles  by  daylight.  This 
was  cleverly  done.  The  enemies'  scouts  on  the  northern 
neck,  where  I  see  by  the  Richmond  papers  they  watch  the 
movement  of  troops  on  the  Potomac,  saw  the  fleet  go  up  but 
did  not  see  it  return,  so  that  when  I  left  it  was  reported  in 
Norfolk  that  the  fleet  had  gone  up  the  Potomac. 

We  were  exceedingly  fortunate  in  our  weather,  and  lay  off 
New  Inlet  Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday,  in  very  smooth 
water  and  pleasant  weather.  The  Admiral  arrived  on  Sunday 
evening  from  Beaufort,  having  been  detained  there  from 
Wednesday  night  for  reasons  presumed  to  be  satisfactory. 
Sunday  night  the  wind  freshened  so  that  it  would  be  impossible 
to  land  troops  on  the  outside  near  Fort  Fisher.  The  Admiral 
was  desirous  to  explode  the  torpedo  vessel  that  night  at  10 
o'clock,  and  attack  the  next  morning  with  the  fleet,  although 


432   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

we  might  not  be  able  to  land.  I  sent  Gen.  Weitzel  with  Lt. 
Col.  Comstock,  who  agreed  with  me  in  opinion  that  as  the  navy 
did  not  propose  to  run  by  the  Fort  into  the  river,  whatever 
might  be  the  effect  of  the  explosion  it  would  be  useless  unless 
the  troops  could  be  landed  to  seize  the  point,  and  it  would 
specially  be  inexpedient  to  explode  the  torpedo  at  that  hour, 
giving  eight  hours  for  the  enemy  to  repair  damages  before  the  at- 
tack even  by  the  fleet  was  made.  The  Admiral,  upon  these  rep- 
resentations, countermanded  his  orders,  which  had  been  given 
for  the  explosion,  and  we  have  waited  until  now  for  a  smooth 
sea.  Meantime  I  have  sent  my  transports  into  Beaufort  to 
coal  and  water,  as  our  ten-days'  supply  is  nearly  exhausted. 
Last  evening  I  received  a  telegram  from  the  Admiral  by  signal 
saying  that  the  sea  was  so  rough  that  it  would  not  be  possible 
to  land  this  morning,  whereupon  I  steamed  to  this  port,  where 
I  am  coaling  my  ship  and  shall  return  this  afternoon.  All 
the  troops  are  well  and  comfortable,  in  good  spirits,  and  so 
far  without  casuality.  I  am  sorry  to  say  the  weather  does  not 
now  look  favorable.  I  take  leave  to  congratulate  you  upon 
General  Thomas'  victory,  which  is  very  gratifying.  We  have 
no  news  from  General  Sherman  later  than  what  is  brought  by 
the  Northern  papers. 

The  expedition  up  the  Roanoke  has  been  delayed  by  tor- 
pedoes, but  I  get  news  from  General  Palmer  that  the  torpedoes 
are  being  cleaned  out  and  that  the  movement  is  still  going  on. 
Very  respectfully,  Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Geril. 

Official  Records,  Series,  Vol.  42,  Part  1,  Page  964. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Off  Beaufort,  Dec.  iOth.  1864 

Dearest  wife:  I  got  your  note  last  night  off  Wilmington. 
I  am  now  here  coaling.  We  have  waited  and  lost  three  days, 
Friday,  Saturday  and  Sunday,  of  as  fine  weather  as  ever  was. 
The  Admiral  did  not  get  here  till  Sunday  night.  We  got  here 
Thursday.  He  stopped  at  Beaufort.  Your  note  shows  mark 
of  haste.  I  can't  understand  it.  Very  well,  suppose  you 
write  every  day  when  not  in  a  hurry,  and  then  you  will  be 
ready  when  the  opportunity  to  send  comes.  You  will  say, 
"Why  do  you  not  take  your  own  advice,  as  you  will  always 
write  in  haste."  True,  but  then  you  know  I  am  a  great  Bear 
and  you  are  a  dear  good  little  wife,  who  always  does  just  right 
except  when  she  does  wrong. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        433 

All  well  and  impatient  for  action.     Love  to  Blanche  and  the 
children.     We  leave  for  the  rendezvous  tonight. 

Yours.  Benj. 


From  General  Butler  to  his  Mother 

At  Sea  off  Wilmington,  Dec.  ilst,  1864 

My  dear  Mother:  I  got  Lizzie's  letter  about  Frank 
Butler,  and  have  appointed  him  a  lieutenant  in  the  U.  S. 
Colored  troops,  and  have  so  informed  Mrs.  Stewart.  I  think 
Frank  will  make  a  good  officer,  and  take  great  pleasure  in  grant- 
ing your  first  request  for  an  official  favor.  My  dear  Mother, 
you  will  have  heard  where  I  am  ere  this  reaches  you.  I  am 
in  the  way  of  my  duty,  and  trying  to  do  honor  to  your  care 
and  teachings  of  my  youth.  y^^^^^  ^^^^ 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Dec.  ilst.  Wed.  Eve.,  1864 

I  HAVE  written,  dearest,  four  pages,  and  no  chance  yet  to 
send  it.  We  have  not  heard  a  word  from  you.  If  you  have  a 
messenger  on  the  road  he  will  see  rough  weather  round  Cape 
Hatteras.  There  is  plenty  of  wind  and  rain  with  us  We 
begin  to  be  impatient  for  news  from  you.  There  are  victories 
by  Sherman  and  Thomas.  As  that  is  the  fashion,  we  look  for 
success  from  you.  Victories  Hke  defeats  are  apt  to  follow  in 
succession.  It  is  so  dark  I  must  look  for  a  light.  Col.  Shaffer 
is  here  —  or  rather  he  is  now  at  the  front;  will  be  back  in  the 
morning.  He  cannot  stay  to  see  you  as  there  is  an  election 
at  his  home  for  senator  that  he  must  attend.  When  it  is  over 
he  will  come  again,  as  he  wishes  much  to  see  you.  The  suit 
you  have  pending  in  N.  York  troubles  him  very  much.  He 
says  Stanton  has  denied  that  any  return  was  made  to  the 
Government  in  relation  to  the  fifty  thousand  dollars.  Shaffer 
is  after  some  papers  from  Field,  by  which  to  make  some  state- 
ments and  write  an  article  to  show  a  different  state  of  things 
from  the  one  now  given  to  the  public.  He  thinks  Pierrepont's 
speech  was  terrific  and  very  telling,  and  that  it  shows  he  means 
to  pursue  it  in  the  most  offensive  manner.  Shaffer  said  I 
had  better  write  and  say  you  must  arm  yourself  to  meet  it, 
as  it  will  do  you  vast  injury.  Not  one  of  the  Western  papers 
has  yet  copied  it,  and  all  have  treated  you  very  well;  but  the 
speech  is  having  an  effect  just  where  you  would  least  like  to 

VOL.   V — 28 


434         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

have  it.     Shaffer  is  excitable  and  I  make  allowance  for  that, 

but  still  it  is  clear  that  it  is  very  important  this  suit  should 

not  go  against  you,  if  for  no  other  reason  than  that  it  will  open 

the  way  for  many  others.     I  have  said  nothing  about  it  before 

to  you.     I  do  so  hate  to  start  unpleasant  subjects.     It  is  very 

plain  that  every  successful  move  you  make  must  and  will  be 

followed   by   some   determined   counter   action.     Well,   they 

cannot  kill,  and  in  defiance  of  all,  we  shall  be  what  Heaven 

has  made  us.     I  say  us,  for  I  believe  in  myself  as  well  as  in 

you,  believe  that  there  are  few  among  men  or  women  more  — 

I  will  not  finish  this  sentence,  lest  haply,  you  may  think 

whatever  qualities  there  may  be,  a  modest  weighing  of  one's 

own  ability  is  not  among  them. 

Now  I  will  write  you  of  something  more  agreeable.     Mr. 

Peirce,  cashier  of  a  Lowell  bank,  came  down  with  Field  as  a 

messenger  from  the  ladies  of  Lowell  who  were  on  the  committee 

for  the  Sailors'  Fair  and  the  citizens  of  Lowell,  to  present  you 

with   a   sword,   sash,   and   belt.     They   are   very   handsome. 

I  know  you  will  feel  pleased  because  the  present  comes  from 

those  who   have  known  you   longest.     As   you   were   away, 

I  wrote  a  little  note  to  Mrs.  Nesmith  (her  name  is  at  the  head 

of  the  list),  but  did  not  send  it  as  I  thought  you  might  not 

approve  it.     I  will  forward  it  to  you.     If  it  is  not  worth 

while  to  send  it,  some  of  it  might  be  of  use  in  your  reply. 

Enough  to  save  a  few  minutes'  thought.     You  cannot  send  your 

reply  until  you  have  seen  the  present  and  read  the  note  of 

presentation.  i^  o 

^  Yours  as  ever,  oarah 

There  has  not  been  a  word  from  you  since  you  left.  There  is 
great  wonder  where  you  are. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

Beaufort  Habbor,  Dec.  9tSrd,  1864 

My  dearest  wife:  We  have  been  here  three  days  during 
a  most  terrible  storm  in  which  we  have  lost  many  horses  but 
no  lives.  It  is  highly  providential  that  we  are  so  fortunate. 
I  was  very  much  opposed  to  taking  any  but  first-class  sea 
vessels  for  my  troops,  and  the  storm  has  shown  that  I  thought 
right,  and  we  are  all  safe  with  our  ships  because  they  were  good. 

We  start  again  tomorrow  morning,  and  day  after  we  hope  to 
make  the  attack. 

All  are  well.     I  send  you  a  little  slip  from  the  Tribune  that 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        435 

you  may  see  upon  what  stuff  the  English  are  fed.  If  you  will 
look  at  the  description  of  Mr.  Dayton's  death  in  the  American 
Consul's  letter  to  Weed  in  the  Times,  New  York,  of  the  21st, 
you  may  see  something  that  will  interest  you,  and  will  be  a 
guarantee  of  the  facts  of  a  certain  narrative.  Not  that  you 
ever  doubted  them.  If  we  have  fine  weather  now  for  a  day  or 
two,  I  hope  to  return. 

This  death  of  Dayton  may  make  a  place  for  Stanton. 

Yours,  Benj. 

P.  S.  Tell  Blanche  she  must  perfect  herself  in  French,  and 
I  think  you  would  amuse  yourself  by  studying  it. 

From  General  Butler  to  Admiral  Porter 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft  Va.  &  N.  C,  December  iUh,  1864,  10  p.m. 

Admiral:  We  will  endeavor  to  effect  a  landing  above  Flag 
Pond  Hill  battery,  between  that  and  Half  Moon,  at  such  an 
hour  as  [may]  be  fixed  upon  by  consultation  between  yourself 
and  General  Weitzel,  who  will  have  command  of  the  troops, 
and  who  will  meet  you  at  any  hour  you  choose  to  arrange 
details. 

To  do  this  it  will  probably  be  necessary  that  you  should  send 
such  vessels  as  will  cover  the  landing,  and  what  those  shall  be 
is  of  course  for  your  better  judgment. 

We  design  in  the  first  place  to  send  on  shore  a  party  for  recon- 
noissance  sufficiently  strong  to  hold  the  landing  if  we  gain  a 
foothold,  and  then  to  land  as  rapidly  as  possible  our  whole 
force,  and  if  from  the  reconnoissance  it  is  deemed  practi- 
cable to  attempt  an  assault  on  Fort  Fisher,  the  assault  will  be 
made. 

We  have  boats  enough  of  our  own  to  land  the  first  detach- 
ment. We  shall  ask  you  for  any  spare  boats  you  may  have, 
with  their  crews  to  pull  them,  to  aid  in  the  landing  of  our  forces. 
A  half  dozen  armed  with  howitzers  had  also  better  be  sent. 
Will  you  allow  these  boats  to  report  to  General  Graham  .^^ 
We  can  take  them  in  tow  from  such  points  as  you  may 
designate. 

It  would  seem  to  be  best  that  the  naval  attack  should  be 
continued  with  spirit  and  effect  upon  the  fort,  and  endeavor  to 
silence  it  and  keep  it  silent. 

The  messenger  who  bears  this  will  take  back  an  answer  and 
notify  General  Weitzel  when  you  will  desire  to  see  him. 

It  is  suggested  that  the  landing  takes  place  about  eight  (8) 


436        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

o'clock,  after  the  navy  have  been  engaged  with  the  fort  an 
hour  or  more.     I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Christmas  Eve.,  Dec.  24,  '64 

Another  Christmas  and  you  away.  The  children  are  happy 
with  presents.  You  ought  to  be  here  for  the  dinner  tomorrow. 
We  are  going  on  as  every  day.  Sometimes  I  am  dull,  then  I 
walk  round  the  ramparts  till  tired  and  fall  asleep.  It  is  strange 
we  get  no  word  from  you.  It  is  thought  by  some  that  the  rebels 
have  learned  so  much  of  your  movements  by  the  delay  that  the 
expedition  will  return.  Shaffer  is  still  here.  He  is  very  erratic. 
I  am  still  of  opinion  his  health  and  all  considered  that  he  did  well 
to  resign  and  go  home.  His  brother  has  gone  to  N.  Orleans 
again.  It  is  well.  I  have  many  new  things  to  tell  you.  I  am 
in  doubt  if  I  ought  to  write  them,  because  engaged  as  you  are 
now  I  think  you  should  not  act  on  them.  Still  my  habit  is  to 
tell,  you  must  judge  what  is  best.  Before  Porter  left,  he  wrote 
to  Fox  that  the  movement  would  prove  a  failure,  that  the  army 
had  delayed  and  troubled  him,  that  the  force  was  too  small,  — 
that  if  successful  he  should  be  more  fortunate  than  the  prospect 
indicated.  Fox  showed  this  letter,  so  that  if  anything  adverse 
chanced,  the  navy  might  be  blameless.  Whitely  was  one  of 
the  persons  shown  the  letter,  that  the  papers  might  be  ready 
to  give  credit  to  the  navy  if  we  win  —  to  blame  the  army  if 
defeated.  You  know  how  Porter  behaved  at  N.  Orleans. 
He  is  the  same  man  still.  Do  not  act  on  this  to  your  own 
disadvantage  where  you  are.  I  do  not  like  to  irritate  by  writ- 
ing these  things.  But  it  may  be  important  for  you  to  know 
them.  Shaffer  says,  Stanton  will  trouble  you  any  where  he 
can  about  the  exchange  of  prisoners.  Mulford  is  true  to  you. 
I  believe  he  goes  to  Washington.  If  there  is  anything  that 
need  be  thought  of,  you  could  order  him  to  where  you  are. 
There  are  other  things,  but  they  may  wait  till  I  see  you,  or 
until  I  write  again.  There  is  a  rumor  that  Fort  Fisher  is  taken 
and  Wilmington.  It  is  not  likely  that  they  are,  but  I  hope 
it  may  be  so.     We  have  word  that  the  rebels  are  reinforced. 

Dec.  ilth 

A  note  from  you  dated  the  23rd.  I  was  delighted  to  get  it. 
Sorry  for  the  loss  of  horses,  the  storm  and  the  delay.     Stackpole 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        437 

came  from  Newbern  with  the  report  that  you  had  lost  six 
hundred  men.  If  you  do  not  win  I  know  the  pack  that  will  be 
yelping.  If  successful  we  shall  hear  much  of  the  fleet  from 
that  kind.  They  irritate  but  cannot  wound  deeply.  Yes, 
I  read  the  article  in  the  N.  York  Times  with  a  strangely  painful 
sinking  at  the  heart  —  a  doubt,  if  evil  is  not  the  course  to 
follow  rather  than  good.  A  wretch  like  that  is  kept  in  state, 
a  man  in  high  position  dies  in  the  very  room,  speaking  the  last 
words  his  tongue  can  utter  to  one  who  lives  by  iniquity,  and 
yet  he  escapes  the  ignominy  that  should  attach  to  such  an  end- 
ing. No  matter,  there  are  some  who  will  know.  Knowing 
where  he  died  I  should  be  in  doubt  of  what  he  died.  Should 
I  ever  meet  his  family,  or  hear  his  name  mentioned,  it  would 
only  remind  me  in  whose  room  he  died,  who  repeated  his  last 
words  to  his  wife  and  children.  I  have  written  too  much  about 
it,  and  ought  to  ask  your  pardon  for  writing  so  much  on  such 
a  subject.  Your  new  boat  is  here.  Do  not  order  her  to 
Beaufort.  I  do  not  believe  she  could  be  safe  round  Hatteras. 
Besides,  I  hope  you  will  be  back  directly.  We  shall  take  a 
sail  on  the  Bay  and  leave  Mrs.  Heard  at  Mr.  Webster's  the 
first  day  it  is  warm  and  she  can  bear  the  moving.  She  has  not 
been  quite  so  well  for  a  few  days.  I  would  write  this  over  and 
leave  out  a  portion,  but  they  have  sent  for  the  letter,  and  I 

have  room  only  left  to  say  ,^  770 

•^  "^  Yours  very  dearly,  Sarah 

From  General  Butler  to  Admiral  Porter 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  December  iSth,  1864 

Admiral:  Upon  landing  the  troops  and  making  a  thorough 
reconnoissance  of  Fort  Fisher,  both  General  Weitzel  and  myself 
are  fully  of  the  opinion  that  the  place  could  not  be  carried  by 
assault,  as  it  was  left  substantially  uninjured  as  a  defensive 
work  by  the  navy  fire.  We  found  seventeen  (17)  guns  pro- 
tected by  traverses,  two  (2)  only  of  which  were  dismounted, 
bearing  up  the  beach  and  covering  a  strip  of  land,  the  only 
practicable  vault  not  more  than  wide  enough  for  a  thousand 
men  in  line  of  battle.  Having  captured  Flag  Pond  Hill  Bat- 
tery, the  garrison  of  which  sixty-five  (65)  men  and  two  (2) 
commissioned  officers  were  taken  off  by  the  Navy,  we  also 
captured  Half  Moon  Battery  and  seven  (7)  officers  and  two 
hundred  and  eighteen  (218)  men  of  the  3rd  N.  C.  Junior 
Reserves,  including  the  commander,  from  whom  I  learn  that 
a  portion  of  Hoke's  Division,  consisting  of  Kirkland's  and 


438   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Haygood's  brigades,  had  been  sent  from  the  lines  before  Rich- 
mond on  Tuesday  last,  arriving  at  Wilmington  on  Friday  night. 

General  Weitzel  advanced  his  skirmish  line  within  fifty 
(50)  yards  of  the  fort,  while  the  garrison  were  kept  in  their 
bomb  proofs  by  the  fire  of  the  Navy,  and  so  closely  that  three 
(3)  or  four  (4)  men  of  the  picket  line  ventured  upon  the  parapet 
and  through  the  sally  port  of  the  work,  capturing  a  horse  which 
they  brought  off,  killing  the  orderly  who  was  the  bearer  of 
a  dispatch  from  the  Chief  of  Artillery  of  General  Whiting  to 
bring  a  light  battery  within  the  fort,  and  also  brought  away 
from  the  parapet  the  flag  of  the  fort.  This  was  done  while 
the  shells  of  the  Navy  were  falling  about  the  heads  of  the  daring 
men  who  entered  the  fort,  and  it  was  found  as  soon  as  the  fire 
of  the  Navy  ceased  because  of  darkness,  that  the  fort  was  fully 
manned  again,  and  opened  with  grape  and  canister  upon  our 
picket  line. 

Finding  that  nothing  but  the  operations  of  a  siege,  which  did 
not  come  within  my  instructions,  would  reduce  the  fort,  and 
in  view  of  the  threatening  aspect  of  the  weather,  wind  arising 
from  the  south-east  rendering  it  impossible  to  make  further 
landings  through  the  surf,  I  caused  the  troops  with  their  prison- 
ers to  be  re-embarked,  and  see  nothing  further  that  can  be  done 
by  the  land  forces.  I  shall  therefore  sail  for  Hampton  Roads 
as  soon  as  the  transport  fleet  can  be  got  in  order. 

My  engineers  and  ofiicers  report  Fort  Fisher  to  me  as  sub- 
stantially uninjured  as  a  defensive  work.  I  have  the  honor  to 
be.  Very  respectfully,  y^^^  ^^^^^.^^^  ^^^^^^^^ 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 
From  General  Butler 

Head  Qrs.  Depi.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Dec.  i5th,  1864 

As  soon  as  the  troops  are  re-embarked,  all  the  transports 
and  supply  vessels  will  sail  for  Fort  Monroe.  Any  vessel 
not  having  coal  or  water  enough  to  reach  there  will  put  in  to 
Beaufort,  N.  C.  to  procure  the  supplies  and  thence  proceed  to 
Hampton  Roads  with  all  possible  despatch. 

All  the  transports  having  troops,  except  the  "Empire  City," 
will  at  once  go  up  James  River  and  land  the  troops  at  Varina 
or  Deep  Bottom. 

The  "Empire  City"  will  lighter  her  troops  and  land  them  at 
Beaufort.  Vessels  will  be  sent  down  to  take  her  troops  to  the 
Army  of  the  James. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        439 

As  soon  as  coal  enough  can  be  put  on  the  "Empire  City" 
to  take  her  to  Port  Royal,  she  will  report  there  for  full  coal 
to  proceed  to  New  Orleans. 

The  "Winants"  will  remain  at  the  anchorage  to  see  that  all 
vessels  get  off  and  communicate  these  instructions,  and  she 
will  then  proceed  to  Beaufort  and  give  them  to  the  Command- 
ing OflScer  there. 

The  "Chamberlain"  and  "Porter"  (tug)  will  sail  with  the 
fleet,  the  "Chamberlain"  keeping  in  communication  with  the 
"Benj.  Deford."     The  tug  will  accompany  the  "Baltic." 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  and  N.  C,  December  %6th,  1864 

In  consequence  of  the  troops  left  on  shore,  the  order  of  sailing 
will  be  in  so  far  amended  that  the  "Chamberlain"  will  remain 
behind  assisting  in  reembarking  the  troops,  reporting  to  General 
Ames. 

As  soon  as  that  duty  is  performed  she  will  proceed  at  once 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 
From  Lieutenant  DeKay 

Mead  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  December  31st,  1864 

[^Not  in  chronological  orderj 

Major  Gen'l.  Butler,  Comd'g. 

I  HAVE  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report:  On  the 
evening  of  the  25th  of  December,  the  troops  under  Gen'l. 
Curtis  being  ordered  to  reembark,  I  was  ordered  to  attend  to 
the  embarkation.  The  "Chamberlain"  and  the  "Winants" 
ran  in  as  near  to  the  breakers  as  they  safely  could  and  came  to 
anchor. 

The  Navy  sent  off  their  boats,  and  Captain  Fitch  superin- 
tended the  embarkation  in  his  own  boats  manned  by  his  oflScers 
and  men. 

After  working  till  about  11  o'clock  p.m.  in  getting  the 
soldiers  off,  the  surf  was  so  heavy  that  every  boat  which 
came  inside  the  breakers  got  swamped,  and  most  of  them 
stoven  in,  in  trying  to  get  outside  again. 

Captain  Fitch,  who  was  in  a  small  boat,  and  had  himself 
narrowly  escaped  swamping  two  or  three  times,  concluded 
no  more  boats  should  go  inside,  but  that  we  must  wait  until 
morning. 


440   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

With  no  shelter — raining  fiercely  and  blowing  a  cold  strong 
wind,  with  no  fires  and  nothing  to  eat  —  the  men  lay  on  the 
wet  sand  all  night  —  every  moment  expecting  an  attack  from 
a  large  force  of  the  enemy  on  both  flanks  and  in  front. 

The  wind  did  not  abate  much  the  next  morning,  but  as  we 
wished  to  communicate  with  Gen'l.  Ames  and  the  fleet  it  was 
determined  to  try  our  luck. 

A  boat  was  patched  up,  and  a  Master  Haines  of  the  "Nereus" 
volunteered  to  go  with  one  or  two  of  us,  and  the  boat  was 
brought  to  the  water's  edge.  Here  he  backed  out  on  consul- 
tation with  his  crew.     Another  of  the  stranded  boats  was  by  this 

time  ready,  and  Ensign with  a  crew  of  12  negroes,    LaRoss 

of  Gen'l.  Curtis  staff,  and  I  started  for  the  "Chamberlain." 
When  half  way  out  we  swamped.  Once  more  I  persuaded  some 
sailors  farther  up  the  beach  to  try,  and  again  we  swamped. 

By  this  time  Master  Haines  determined  to  try  it,  and  by 
good  luck  we  got  through  the  breakers  and  reached  dry  deck. 

Word  was  sent  to  Com.  Glisson  of  the  state  of  affairs,  and  he 
said  he  would  do  all  in  his  power.  The  "Winants"  had  gone 
off  to  the  "Baltic,"  and  on  its  return  I  sent  word  to  Gen'l. 
Ames  asking  what  Gen'l.  Curtis  was  to  do,  stay  where  he  was 
till  the  wind  slackened  or  blow  off  shore,  or  march  up  to  Maren- 
boro.     He  said,  "Hold  on  where  you  are  at  all  hazards." 

The  sea  did  not  go  down  during  that  day  —  the  26th  —  but 
Lt.  Hart  of  Gen'l.  Graham's  command  went  ashore  in  a  small 
boat  with  a  hawser,  and  although  his  boat  swamped  he  got  in 
safe  with  the  rope.  By  passing  a  loop  over  the  hawser  it  w^as 
made  fast  on  shore  and  on  the  "Chamberlain"  —  at  both  ends 
of  a  lifeboat.  The  crew  could  pull  themselves  through  the 
breakers,  and  in  this  way  some  came  out.  Gen'l.  Curtis,  how- 
ever would  not  trust  his  men  in  it  in  such  a  surf,  hence  Gen'l. 
Ames'  order.  In  the  afternoon,  finding  the  wind  as  strong  as 
ever,  we  got  some  provisions,  bread,  coffee,  pork,  whiskey, 
and  sent  them  off  by  fastening  the  casks  to  the  life-boat,  and 
then  one  man  pulling  them  ashore.  By  this  time  we  had  a 
very  long  hawser,  so  that  at  a  signal  from  us  the  men  on  shore 
could  pull  the  boat  ashore,  and  vice  versa. 

After  some  difficulty  I  procured  a  signal  sergeant  with  his 
traps  and  sent  him  ashore.  Lt.  Carpenter  of  Gen'l.  Graham's 
staff  attended  untiringly  all  night  long  to  his  duties.  We 
arranged  signals  by  lanterns  with  Capt.  Pritchard  Comd'g. 
in  Glisson's  absence,  so  the  men  ashore  were  comparatively" 
safe  as  they  could  direct  the  firing. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   441 

The  second  mate  of  the  transport  "Gen'l.  Lyons"  took  all 
the  provisions  through  the  surf  to  Gen'l.  Curtis,  and  although 
his  boat  was  often  bottom  uppermost  he  still  persevered  until 
the  rations  were  all  ashore.  He  is  a  brave  man  and  deserves 
great  thanks. 

Capt.  Blaedenheisen  and  his  crew  behaved  admirably,  and 
were  at  work  all  night  at  the  hawser  and  at  their  guns,  which 
were  ordered  to  be  fired  at  intervals  all  night. 

At  one  time  Gen'l.  Curtis  reported  6000  men  advancing 
on  his  left  and  front.  The  navy  was  instantly  advised,  and 
a  brisk  fire  kept  up  for  some  time  in  the  direction  indicated. 

The  next  morning  opened  unpropitiously,  but  later  in  the  day 
the  wind  blew  from  shore,  the  sea  moderated,  and  as  requested, 
the  navy  sent  their  boats  and  men  in  plenty. 

Two  more  hawsers  were  successfully  carried  ashore  from  two 
gunboats,  and  the  embarkation  went  on  rapidly. 

About  700  soldiers  and  200  prisoners  were  taken  off  in  two 
or  three  hours,  and  although  every  man  was  wet  to  the  skin, 
only  one  man  was  drowned  and  one  injured  by  the  swamping 
of  a  boat. 

Much  praise  is  due  to  the  navy  for  their  energy  and  willing- 
ness to  help,  as  well  as  to  Capt.  Fitch  and  Lts.  Hart  and  Swift 
of  the  Naval  Brigade. 

I  will  mention  Ensign  Master  Haines  and  Ensign  Smith  of 
the  Navy  as  deserving  most  credit. 

About  a  dozen  boats  were  destroyed,  launches,  cutters,  and 
small  boats.  Gen'l.  Curtis  burned  them  before  he  left.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  Very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
Sidney  B.  DeKay,  Lt.  and  A. B.C. 

From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Deft.  Va.  &  N.  C.  December  ilih,  1864 

Rear  Admiral  Porter,  Comd'g.  N.  A.  B.  S. 

Admiral:  In  my  note  to  you  on  the  evening  of  the  25th 
I  made  the  statement  as  it  was  reported  to  me  that  "while  the 
garrison  were  kept  in  their  bomb  proofs  by  the  fire  of  the  Navy, 
three  (3)  or  four  (4)  men  of  the  picket  line  ventured  upon  the 
parapet  and  through  the  sally  port  of  the  work,  capturing  a 
horse  which  they  brought  off,  killing  the  orderly  who  was  the 
bearer  of  a  despatch  from  the  Chief  of  Artillery  of  General 
Whiting  to  bring  a  light  battery  within  the  fort,  and  also  brought 


442        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

away  from  the  parapet  the  flag  of  the  fort.  This  was  done  while 
the  shells  of  the  Navy  were  falling  about  the  heads  of  the 
daring  men  who  entered  the  fort." 

I  find  upon  further  examination  that  I  was  incorrectly 
informed,  and  of  course  incorrectly  reported  the  fact  to  you. 
The  men  did  not  enter  the  fort.  They  came  upon  the  outer 
edge  of  the  ditch  and  there  obtained  the  flag  which  was  shot 
away  the  day  before  by  the  Navy  fire.  The  orderly  was  killed 
outside  the  fort,  and  the  horse  taken  there. 

I  believe  the  truth  is  now  upon  further  examination  that 
nobody  went  into  the  fort.  We  had  some  twelve  (12)  men 
wounded  on  the  picket  line  from  the  shells  of  the  fleet.  I  make 
this  correction  because  I  think  it  is  due  to  the  truth  of  the  nar- 
ration of  the  events  of  the  movement.     I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  tt  t  j  •    ^  ^ 

•^       ^  '"      .  lour  obedient  servant, 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 
From  General  Butler 

Ed.  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Foet  Monroe,  December  ilth,  8  p.m.,  1864 

Lieut.  Gen'l.  U.  S.  Grant,  City  Point,  Va. 

I  HAVE  just  returned  from  the  expedition.  We  had  a  storm 
from  Monday  until  Friday,  which  was  the  earliest  hour  I 
could  get  out  of  Beaufort  where  I  had  put  in  for  coal,  most 
of  the  transport  fleet  having  got  out  of  coal  and  water. 

Without  waiting  for  my  return.  Admiral  Porter  exploded  the 
torpedo  at  one  (1)  o'clock  on  Friday  morning  and  commenced 
his  attack  at  twelve  fifty-five  (12.55)  in  the  afternoon,  twelve 
(12)  hours  afterwards.  He  continued  the  bombardment  of 
the  fort  until  night.  I  arrived  in  the  evening  and  commenced 
landing  on  the  beach  the  next  morning.  Got  a  portion  on 
shore  about  two  (2)  o'clock.  Weitzel  moved  down  upon  the 
works,  capturing  three  hundred  (300)  men,  and  ten  commis- 
sioned officers.  He  brought  his  picket  line  within  fifty  (50) 
yards  of  the  work,  where  he  was  opened  upon  by  canister  and 
musketry.  He  found  seventeen  (17)  guns  bearing  upon  the 
beach,  which  was  only  wide  enough  for  an  assault  of  a  thousand 
men  in  line,  the  guns  protected  by  traverses  and  but  one  (1) 
dismounted,  notwithstanding  the  fire  of  the  fieet  had  been 
opened  upon  them  for  five  (5)  hours.  In  the  meanwhile, 
the  surf  had  so  arisen  as  to  render  further  landing  nearly 
impracticable.  After  a  thorough  reconnaissance  of  the  work, 
finding  it  utterly  impracticable  for  a  land  assault,  and  that  at 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   443 

least  two  (2)  brigades  of  Hoke's  Division  from  before  Richmond 
had  arrived  there,  and  that  the  rest  was  on  the  road,  I  with- 
drew the  forces  and  ordered  a  reembarkment,  and  had  got  on 
board  all  of  the  troops  with  the  exception  of  about  three 
hmidred  (300)  when  the  surf  was  so  high  as  to  prevent  either 
getting  on  or  off  the  shore.  I  lay  by  until  morning  and  took 
measures  for  their  relief  as  soon  as  the  sea  might  go  down. 
They  were  under  cover  of  the  gunboats,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
they  were  all  safely  off. 

Our  loss  when  I  left  was  but  twelve  (12)  wounded,  ten  (10) 
of  whom  were  by  the  shells  of  the  Navy  on  our  picket  line  near 
the  fort.     I  will  be  up  on  the  morning. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  3Iaj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  President  Lincoln  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  9.20  a.m.,  December  28iA,  1864 

I  THINK  you  will  find  that  the  Provost  Marshal  on  the  eastern 
shore  has  by  your  authority  issued  an  order  not  for  a  meeting 
but  for  an  election.  The  order  printed  in  due  form  was 
shown  to  me,  but  as  I  did  not  retain  I  cannot  give  you  a  copy. 
If  the  people  on  their  own  motion  wish  to  hold  a  peaceful 
meeting  I  suppose  you  need  not  hinder  them 

A.  Lincoln 

From  General  Butler 

Cipher.     Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  Dec.  i9th,  1864 

The  President  of  the  United  States 

I  HAVE  just  received  your  note  relating  to  the  election  on  the 
eastern  shore.  The  President  is  incorrectly  informed.  I 
have  not,  nor  has  any  officer  under  my  command,  ordered 
election  on  that  shore. 

The  inhabitants  asked  of  me  leave  to  hold  a  meeting  to 
take  into  consideration  their  relations  to  the  State  Government 
of  Virginia.  I  replied  that  I  would  not  order  such  a  meeting, 
but  that  if  the  people  chose  to  assemble  in  an  orderly  meeting 
to  petition  for  a  redress  of  supposed  grievance,  or  to  consider 
any  question  of  civil  orders,  I  could  see  no  military  obections 
to  their  doing  so.  I  should  not  issue  any  order  against  it  but 
would  permit  it.  I  have  heard  nothing  on  the  subject  since,  and 
do  not  know  even  when  the  meeting  is  to  be.  Shall  I  issue  an 
order  to  prevent  their  assembling  to  vote  on  civil  affairs  .^^ 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 


444        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Colonel  Frank  J.  White  to  General  Butler 

Hd.  Quarters,  Provost  Marshal's  Office,  Eastern  Shore  of  Va.,  Eastville,  Va., 

December  30th,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

General:  In  obedience  to  your  telegram  received  this 
morning,  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  the  only  order  issued  by 
me  concerning  an  election  upon  this  shore.  This  order  was 
issued  by  me  in  obedience  to  what  I  supposed  to  be  your  instruc- 
tions during  my  last  interview  with  you  at  Head  Quarters. 

I  also  enclose  a  notice  calling  for  meetings  which  explains 
itself.  No  public  meetings  of  any  kind  whatever  were  either 
held  or  authorized  by  me  upon  the  question  of  an  election; 
all  my  officers  were  instructed  to  carefully  avoid  any  dis- 
cussion whatever  upon  the  subject  in  order  that  the  vote  might 
be  entirely  unaffected  by  any  military  influence. 

If  this  election  had  been  held,  the  vote  would  have  been 
unanimous  for  a  military  government. 

Before  issuing  the  order  for  election,  I  had  held  meetings 
at  the  principal  towns  on  the  shore  for  the  purpose  of  encour- 
aging the  citizens  to  employ  during  the  coming  year  the  un- 
employed colored  people  of  this  shore. 

At  these  meetings  no  other  subject  was  discussed,  and  they 
had  a  very  beneficial  effect.     I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 
Very  respectfully  your  ohdt.  servant, 
Frank  J.  White,  Lt.  Col.  and  Provost  Marshal. 

From  General  Shepley 

Head  Quarters  District  of  Eastern  Virginia,  Norfolk,  Va.,  Dec.  iSth,  1864 

Major  Gen' I.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Dept.  of  Va.  &  N.C. 

General  :  I  went  to  the  fort  to-day  to  see  you  but  you  had 
left.  I  enclose  copy  of  letter  of  Secy,  of  Treasury  to  Secy, 
of  War  referred  to  me  with  copy  of  my  reply  to  Secy,  of  War. 

This  action  of  the  Secretary  of  War  dispenses  with  military 
permits  for  importation  into,  or  exportation  from  Norfolk 
of  articles  not  contraband  of  war  and  consequently  does  away 
with  the  collection  of  the  one  per  cent.     I  think  he  has  made  a 

Respectfully,  Your  obedient  Servant 

G.  F.  Shepley,  Brig.  Genl.  Com. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        445 

From  General  Shepley 

Head  Quarters,  District  of  Eastern  Virginia,  Norfolk,  Va., 

Dec.  26th,  1864     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

The  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  upon 
the  endorsement  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  referring  to  me  the 
communication  of  the  Hon.  Wm.  P.  Fessenden,  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury,  dated  December  the  15th,  1864. 

The  proclamation  of  the  President,  opening  the  port  of  Nor- 
folk, proclaimed  commercial  intercourse  with  that  port,  except 
as  to  the  persons  and  things  and  information  contraband  of  war, 
subject  (among  other  things)  to  such  military  and  naval 
regulations  as  are  now  in  force,  or  may  hereafter  be  found 
necessary. 

The  military  regulations  then  in  force,  under  the  orders  of 
the  Commanding  General  of  the  Department,  required  a 
military  permit  for  the  importation  into,  or  exportation  from, 
the  Department  of  all  articles  of  merchandise. 

When  the  proclamation  of  the  President  took  effect,  upon 
a  full  conference  between  the  military  oflScers  of  the  Depart- 
ment and  the  officers  of  the  Treasury,  represented  here  by 
Mr.  Risley  and  Mr.  Hudson,  it  was  admitted  on  all  sides  to  be 
necessary,  in  order  to  prohibit  contraband  trade,  that  these 
regulations  should  for  the  present  be  continued  in  force.  This 
course  was  supposed  to  be  not  only  not  in  violation  of  the 
proclamation,  but  in  express  accordance  with  its  terms. 

Special  Orders,  No.  198,  referred  to  in  the  communication  of 
John  H.  Hudson,  acting  Collector  of  Customs  at  Norfolk, 
and  complained  of  by  him  and  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
and  which,  upon  their  complaint,  I  am  ordered  by  the  Secretary 
of  War  to  revoke,  was  written  in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Hudson, 
read  to  and  approved  by  him,  and  published  at  his  suggestion 
and  request. 

The  first  intimation  that  I  have  received  that  there  was  any 
objection  on  the  part  of  the  agents  of  the  Treasury  to  that 
order  or  to  any  military  supervision  over  the  importations  into 
this  port,  was  on  the  receipt  of  his  communication  referred 
to  me  by  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  War 

The  repeal  of  that  order  will  relieve  me  from  an  arduous 
and  irksome,  although  it  is  believed  a  necessary,  duty,  so  far 
as  the  importations  into  this  port  are  concerned ;  but  I  respect- 
fully submit  that  if  the  Commanding  General  of  this  District 


446   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

be  deprived  of  all  supervision  and  control  over  the  quantity 
of  goods  not  strictly  contraband  of  war  imported  into  the 
District,  that  it  will  require  not  only  the  greatest  vigilance  to 
prevent  these  goods  from  being  forwarded  as  supplies  to  the 
enemy,  but  a  greater  force  thoroughly  to  close  my  exterior 
lines  than  the  exigencies  of  the  service  elsewhere  would  now 
allow  to  be  detailed  for  this  purpose. 

Medical  supplies,  for  instance,  are  not  contraband  of  war 
by  the  circular  of  the  Treasury  Department  dated  November 
23rd,  1864.  If  no  military  permit  is  required  for  the  importa- 
tion of  these  articles  into  Norfolk,  the  collectors  of  the  different 
ports  of  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  New  York,  and  Boston 
may  allow  to  be  shipped  any  quantity  of  these  articles  to  the 
port  of  Norfolk. 

Neither  of  these  officers  knowing  what  quantity  has  been 
permitted  to  be  shipped  from  either  of  the  other  ports,  has  any 
knowledge  by  which  he  could  limit  or  regulate  the  supply; 
but  if  a  military  permit  is  previously  required  from  the  Com- 
manding General  here,  he  has  the  means  of  determining  at 
a  glance  whether  or  not  the  amount  desired  is  disproportionate 
to  the  wants  of  the  District. 

In  practice,  the  application  of  every  dealer  for  the  impor- 
tation of  such  supplies  has  not  been  granted  until  it  has  first 
been  referred  to  the  Medical  Director  of  the  District,  and  there 
endorsed  with  his  certificate  that  the  amounts  applied  for  are 
not  greater  than  are  necessary  for  the  legitimate  supply  of  the 
regular  customers  of  the  applicant. 

It  is  easy  to  limit  the  quantity  of  such  supplies  allowed  to 
come  in  to  the  port;  it  is  extremely  difficult,  not  to  say  im- 
possible, when  an  excessive  amount  is  allowed  to  come  in,  to 
prevent  some  of  it  finding  its  way  into  the  rebel  lines. 

Not  more  than  one-tenth  part  of  salted  provisions  for  which 
application  has  been  made  for  importation  into  the  port  of 
Norfolk  has  been  permitted  at  these  Head  Quarters,  yet  the 
quantity  permitted  is  believed  to  have  been  amply  sufficient 
to  supply  the  legitimate  wants  of  the  District. 

These  illustrations  could  be  extended  almost  indefinitely, 
but  I  have  referred  to  them  only  for  the  purpose  of  showing 
that  the  abatement  made  in  the  communication  of  Mr.  Hudson, 
that  the  military  permit  was  issued  only  to  collect  the  tax 
of  one  per  cent,  was  made  by  him  in  entire  ignorance  of  the 
necessity  or  the  reason  for  such  a  regulation. 

The  tax  of  one  per  cent  is  collected  at  Fort  Monroe  by  an 


LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN    F.  BUTLER      447 

officer  of  tlie  Commanding  General  of  the  Department  of 
Virginia  and  North  CaroHna,  in  accordance  with  General  Orders 
No.  40  from  the  Department  Head  Quarters,  dated  November 
26th,  1863,  a  copy  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

I  have  no  means  of  knowing  what  amounts  have  been 
collected  under  that  order,  as  the  officer  who  has  received 
them  has  accounted  to  the  Commanding  General  of  the  De- 
partment, and  is  not  accountable  to  me.  The  Commanding 
General  of  the  Department  is  now  absent  at  Wilmington, 
and  when  he  returns  I  will  submit  the  communication  of  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  him  for  such  action  and  report 
as  he  may  deem  necessary. 

For  a  few  days  subsequent  to  the  1st  of  December  the 
Collectors  at  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  and  New  York,  did 
allow  shippers  to  forward  their  goods  to  Norfolk  without  pro- 
ducing a  military  permit,  as  stated  by  Mr.  Hudson;  these 
goods,  thus  shipped  in  good  faith,  were  detained  for  a  short 
time  at  this  port  for  the  reason  that  they  had  not  the  proper 
military  permits,  but  upon  the  representations  of  the  parties 
that  they  were  informed  by  the  Collectors  that  such  permits 
were  not  necessary,  the  goods  were  released,  the  military 
permits  were  given  to  land  them,  and  the  parties  were 
allowed  to  pay  here  the  one  per  cent  which  was  required, 
by  the  order  of  Major  General  Butler,  to  be  collected  at  Fort 
Monroe. 

This  was  done  in  a  few  instances  only  for  the  convenience 
of  the  parties,  and  the  amounts  thus  collected  have  been  ac- 
counted for  to  the  officer  charged  by  General  Butler  with  the 
collection  of  this  tax  at  Fort  Monroe.  The  names  of  the  per- 
sons from  whom  these  amounts  were  received  and  the  amounts 
themselves  are  contained  in  the  annexed  list. 

I  have  the  honor  further  to  report  that  the  order  requiring 
military  permits  for  the  importation  or  exportation  of  goods 
from  the  port  of  Norfolk  has  been  rescinded,  as  required 
by  the  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  a  copy  of  the  order 
of  revocation  is  herewith  respectfully  submitted.  With  great 
respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  Geo.  F.  Shepley,  Brig.  GerCl.  Comdg. 


448        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

For  Information  of  Head  Quarters  Department 

Head  Quarters,  District  of  Eastern  Virginia,  Norfolk,  Va., 

December  iQth,  1864  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Special  Orders,  No.  213  Extract 

.  .  .  By  command  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  military  permits 
will  not  hereafter  be  required  for  the  importation  into,  or 
the  exportation  from,  the  port  of  Norfolk,  of  merchandise 
not  contraband  of  War. 

By  order  of  Brig.  Gen'l.  Shepley, 
WiCKHAM  Hoffman,  Assistant  Adjutant  Gen'l. 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monhoe,  Dec.  29th,  1864 

Dearest:  What  freak  do  you  think  possessed  us  after  you 
left.'^  Webster  came  over,  being  Wednesday,  and  finally 
urged  Mrs.  Read  and  myself  to  go  over  to  the  play.  You 
know  I  should  not  be  likely  to  go  on  my  own  account,  but 
Mrs.  Read  gets  nervous  with  seeing  Harriet,  so  do  I  too,  and 
we  go  out,  and  run  about  as  much  as  we  can;  our  suffering  is 
light  compared  to  hers,  and  so  to  say  no  more  of  this,  we  con- 
sented to  go.  It  was  foggy  and  wet.  The  boat  was  delayed 
half  an  hour;  it  was  dark  when  we  started.  Within  two 
or  three  miles  of  Norfolk  we  ran  on  to  the  wreck  of  the  "Merri- 
mack," or  the  obstructions  driven  down  by  the  rebels.  There 
we  hung  by  one  end,  three  fathoms  of  water  at  the  other. 
I  felt  anxious  and  vexed  that  I  started  and  in  doubt  if  we  ever 
got  back.  We  were  pulled  off  in  time,  and  finally  went  to  the 
play.  There  our  feeling  must  be  stirred  and  harrassed  by  that 
abomination,  Camille.  I  never  saw  it  before,  never  wish  to 
again.  It  was  very  well  represented.  But  it  is  sickening 
that  all  the  attractive  and  noblest  qualities  that  could  grace 
a  woman  (always  excepting  the  one  that  is  scarcely  worthy 
to  be  named,  virtue  or  chastity)  should  be  lavished  on  a  wanton 
to  show  the  admiring  audience  that  among  abandoned  women 
they  may  find  an  object  worthy  their  deepest  devotion.  We 
meant  to  return  last  night,  but  I  was  so  wearied  and  nervous 
with  it  all,  that  we  stayed  at  Webster's  and  returned  at  eight 
this  morning.  You  are  again  in  your  tent.  Are  the  fires 
all  burning,  the  hearths  swept  and  the  table  garnished  with 
meats,  fresh  wheaten  loaves,  fragrant  coffee,  laced  with  cream 
and  honey  from  a  thousand  flowers?  If  not  you  had  better 
come  down,  for  I  have  all  these,  sometimes,  and  I  should  enjoy 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        449 

them  if  eaten  in  your  company.  You  cannot  answer  your 
Lowell  friends  unless  I  send  their  note.  Shall  I  send  it?  If 
you  can  make  no  use  of  mine,  send  it  down,  and  I  will  alter, 
and  send  it  to  Mrs.  Nesmith.  I  suppose  you  enjoyed  that 
downy  bed  of  yours,  and  thought  it  luxury  to  be  at  home  again. 
Your  often  ship-wrecked  but  never  to  be  castaway,  Wife 

From  President  Lincoln  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  Dec.  i9th,  1864 

There  is  a  man  in  Co.  I,  11th  Conn.  Vols.,  1st  Brigade, 
3rd  div.  24  A.C.,  at  Chaffin's  farm,  Va.,  under  the  assumed 
name  of  Wm.  Stanley,  but  whose  real  name  is  Frank  R.  Judd, 
and  who  is  under  arrest  and  probably  about  to  be  tried  for 
desertion.  He  is  the  son  of  our  present  Minister  to  Prussia, 
who  is  a  close  personal  friend  of  Lieut.  Trumball  and  myself. 
We  are  not  willing  for  the  boy  to  be  shot,  but  we  think  it  is  well 
that  trial  go  regularly  on,  suspending  execution  until  further 
orders  from  me  and  reporting  to  me.  *     y 

From  James  W.  White  to  General  Butler 

Confidential.    Washington,  Willard's  Hotel,  10,  p.m.,  Dec.  iQth,  1864 

My  dear  General:  I  arrived  here  an  hour  or  two  since, 
and  am  informed  that  the  military  portion  of  the  expedition 
against  Wilmington  has  returned  to  Fort  Monroe,  and  that  the 
fleet  will  probably  return  also,  or  cease  operating.  I  am  fur- 
ther told  that  Admiral  Porter  got  up  a  quarrel,  and  refused 
to  co-operate  with  you. 

Admiral  Porter's  report  of  the  expedition  is  published  here 
this  evening  in  an  extra  or  4th  edition  of  the  Republican  of 
this  city.  I  have  tried  to  procure  a  copy  but  could  not.  I  do 
not  know  the  character  of  the  report,  but  will  send  you  a  copy 
in  the  morning,  although  I  presume  that  the  report  will  be 
furnished  to  you  from  other  sources  before  the  copy  I  can  send 
can  reach  you.  You  will  have  it,  no  doubt,  in  the  Chronicle 
of  to-morrow  morning. 

There  doubtless  are  those  who  will  desire  and  may  attempt 
to  turn  this  affair  to  your  disadvantage.  I  write  for  the  pur- 
pose of  saying  that  I  wish  to  help  in  defeating  any  such  attempt; 
and  with  that  view  I  request  all  such  information  as  you  can 
properly  give  me  that  will  enable  me  to  accomplish  more  effec- 
tually the  object  I  propose.  I  will  not  (of  course)  let  it  be 
vol.  V— 29 


450        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

known  that  I  have  had  any  communication  with  you  on  the 
subject,  nor  will  it  necessarily  be  known  that  I  am  the  writer 
of  such  comments  as  I  may  choose  to  publish,  although  I  shall 
say  nothing  that  I  will  not  be  ready  to  stand  by  openly  if  occa- 
sion requires;  but  in  no  event  will  I,  without  your  sanction, 
permit  any  one  to  know  that  you  have  given  me  any  information 
on  the  subject.  Whatever  you  may  write  shall  be  regarded  as 
strictly  confidential. 

I  had  a  long  conversation  with  the  President  on  the  subject  of 
the  Cabinet  the  day  after  I  last  saw  you  here.  He  was  very 
non-committal,  or  rather  reticent  as  to  his  purposes;  but  very 
friendly  personally  in  his  mention  of  you,  although  I  could 
discern  that  an  idea  had  taken  possession  of  him  that  he  would 
no  longer  be  master  if  you  were  in  the  Cabinet;  and  he,  at  one 
time,  laughed  in  a  manner  that  seemed  to  say  "that  he  saw 
how  it  would  be,  and  knew  a  little  too  much  to  be  caught  in 
that  way."  I  saw  his  apprehensions,  and  tried  to  dispel 
them;  but  I  do  not  think  I  succeeded  fully.  I  spoke  afterward 
to  old  Mr.  Blair  about  bringing  you  into  the  Cabinet,  and  he 
approved  very  warmly  of  the  proposition.  But  it  is  exceedingly 
doubtful  whether  any  improvement  will  be  made  in  the  Cabinet. 
I  assured  the  President  that  you  desire  no  appointment  that 
would  involve  the  displacement  of  Mr.  Stanton;  and  I  told  him 
how  sensibly  you  appreciate  the  courtesies  for  which  you  stood 
indebted  to  him  and  to  Mr.  Stanton  and  to  General  Grant. 

I  might  add  here  some  other  things;  but  during  the  past 
year  I  have  not  found  that  it  was  well  to  put  too  much  into 
letters. 

Please  to  address  any  answer  to  this  note  that  you  may  be 
able  to  send  to  365  Fifth  Avenue,  New  York,  as  I  intend  to 
leave  Washington  either  Saturday  morning  or  Saturday 
evening.     I  am,  dear  General, 

Most  sincerely  yours,  James  W.  White 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Fbeeport,  Dec.  i9th,  1864 

Dear  Gen'l.  :  I  arrived  home  this  morning,  and  start  this 
evening  for  Springfield.  As  soon  as  the  Senatorial  election  is 
over  I  will  come  and  see  you.  Bro.  James  is  here.  He  has 
had  an  operation  performed  for  fistula,  and  my  Doctor  says  he 
is  unfit  for  duty,  but  that  he  will  soon  be  better  than  he  has 
been  for  years.     I  have  advised  him  to  remain  until  I  go,  but. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        451 

he  would  not  consent  unless  I  would  write  you.     I  expected 

Porter  would  fail,  d-m  him.         ,^         ^     r     t  -ixr  o 

Yours  truly,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

Enclosed  find  private  letter  from  Richardson,  Jim  gave  it 
to  me.  He  says  West  gave  it  to  him  in  New  York,  and  he 
wished  you  to  see  it.     J.  W.  S. 

From  D.  W.  C.  Farringlon 

Norfolk,  Va.,  Dec.  Z9th,  1864 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Dept.  of  Va.  and  N.C. 

General:  Enclosed  please  find  a  permit  for  Mr.  D.  Fergu- 
son to  bring  to  Norfolk  one  thousand  bales  of  cotton,  and  also 
one  to  take  out  a  certain  quantity  of  goods.  If  you  grant 
them,  please  return  the  same  to  me  under  seal. 

I  propose  to  send  with  Mr.  Ferguson  an  agent  for  the  Treas. 
Dept.  who  will  not  deliver  said  permits  to  Ferguson  until  he 
shall  first  receive  the  cotton. 

I  have  sent  him  to  you  for  your  own  signature,  as  you  know 
more  about  the  matter  than  any  one  here.  I  received  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Risley,  dated  Dec.  24th,  in  which  he  desires 
me  to  do  all  I  can  to  assist  Mr.  Ferguson  in  his  undertaking. 
Cotton  comes  in  rather  slowly.  If  proper,  I  should  like  to 
have  you  direct  General  Palmer  to  endorse  the  permits  which 
emanate  from  this  Agency,  and  which  may  extend  into  his 
department,  if  you  have  not  already  done  so. 

I  shall  soon  be  able  to  render  an  account  of  my  cotton  pur- 
chases under  your  direction,  and  will  forward  the  same  to  you 
soon  as  completed.  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Very  respectfully,, 
Your  ohdt.  servant,  D.  W.  C.  Farrington 

From  Colonel  Kensel  to  General  Butler 

FoBT  Monroe,  Dec.  SOtk,  1864 

The  board  of  enquiry  commenced  by  your  orders  has 
examined  quite  a  number  of  witnesses  belonging  to  the  steamers 
"Florida,"  "Alliance,"  and  "Atlanta,"  also  oflScers  and  men 
of  the  navy  who  were  cognizant  of  the  occurrence,  and  it  seems 
necessary  in  order  to  come  at  all  the  facts  that  Admiral  Porter 
should  appear  as  a  witness,  he  being  commander  of  the  whole 
fleet  at  the  time  of  the  sinking.  Do  you  not  think  it  would  be 
proper  to  summon  him  and  place  his  testimony  on  the  record.? 

Geo.  a.  Kensel,  Lt.  Col.  &c. 


452   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hd.  Qrs.  Army  James,  December  30th,  1864,  8  p.m. 

Lt.  Col.  G.  A.  Kensel,  Recorder  of  Military  Commission  upon 
the  casualty  to  the  "Florida" 
Your  telegram  in  relation  to  the  summoning  of  Rear  Admiral 
Porter  as  a  witness  before  the  commission  is  received.  I 
approve  the  suggestion.  I  have  no  doubt  Admiral  Porter  would 
be  glad  to  put  his  testimony  on  record  in  the  affair.  I  think 
it  would  be  more  courteous,  however,  to  write  him  a  note  enclos- 
ing the  summons,  and  asking  him  to  come  as  soon  as  his  public 

P  '     Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comdg. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

CiTT  Point,  Dec.  30,  1864,  9.30 

A  sealed  letter  to  Mr.  Davis  will  leave  here  in  a  few  minutes. 
Please  have  an  officer  at  Aikens'  Landing  to  receive  &  pass 
it  through  outer  lines  &  into  the  hands  of  a  commissioned 
Confederate  Officer  without  delay,     tt  c    p  Tf   C    'J 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  January  1,  1865 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Herewith  I  submit  a  statement  lately  drawn  up  by  Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Comstock,  of  my  staff,  who  was  with  the  expedition 
which  moved  against  Fort  Fisher.  It  was  his  views  of  the 
situation,  and  no  one  had  a  better  opportunity  of  seeing 
than  he  had,  and  no  one  is  more  capable  of  judging.  The  fact 
is  there  are  but  two  ways  of  taking  Fort  Fisher,  operating 
from  the  water:  one  is  to  surprise  them  whilst  there  is  but  a 
small  garrison  defending  the  place;  the  other  is  for  the  navy 
to  send  a  portion  of  their  fleet  into  Cape  Fear  River  whilst 
the  enemy's  batteries  are  kept  down  by  the  fire  from  the  bal- 
ance. Troops  can  then  land  and  hold  the  point  until  the 
troops  in  the  fort  surrender.  With  Cape  Fear  River  in  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,  they  have  the  same  command  over  the  sand 
spit  on  which  Fort  Fisher  is  built  that  we  have.  In  the 
three  days  of  good  weather  which  elapsed  after  the  army  had 
reached  the  scene  of  action,  before  the  navy  appeared,  our 
troops  had  the  chance  of  capturing  Fort  Fisher  whilst  it  had 
an  insufficient  garrison  to  hold  it;    the  delay  gave  the  enemy 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   453 

time  to  accumulate  a  force.     Every  preparation  is  now  going 

on  to  get  troops  back  to  the  mouth  of  Cape  Fear  River  as  soon 

as  possible.     The  enemy  may  by  that  time  have  withdrawn 

Hoke's  division,  which  went  from  here  to  Wilmington.     If  not. 

Admiral  Porter  will  have  to  run  a  portion  of  his  fleet  by  the 

batteries,   as  suggested  before,   or  there  will  be  no  earthly 

use  in  landing  troops.     The  failure  before  was  the  result  of 

delays  by  the  navy.     I  do  not  say  unavoidable,  for  I  know 

nothing  of  the  cause,  since  the  work  to  be  done  is  likely  to 

require  much  greater  risk  on  their  part  than  if  the  delay  had 

not  occurred.     I  know  Admiral  Porter  to  be  possessed  of  as 

fine  judgment  as  any  other  officer,  and  capable  of  taking  as 

great  risks.     It  will  be  necessary,  however,  that  he  should  know 

and  appreciate  the  situation  in  all  its  bearings,  and  be  ready 

to  act  according  to  the  emergency.     I  will  write  to  him  fully 

or  send  him  a  copy  of  this,  and  also  send  the  same  staff  officer 

that   accompanied   the  expedition   before,   who   will  lay   the 

whole  thing  before  him.     It  seems  to  me  proper  that  these 

views  should  be  laid  before  Admiral  Porter  by  the  Secretary 

of  the  Navy  also.  tj    a    r->  t  •    ^        *  n         i 

•^  U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  II,  Page  3. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Headquarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  January  1,  1865 

Lieut.  Col.  T.  S.  Bowers,  Assistant  Adjutant-General 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  some  considerations  on  the 
recent  failure  at  Wilmington,  and  on  the  chances  of  success 
of  any  future  attempt.  In  my  opinion  the  cause  of  the  failure 
was  the  delay  in  making  the  attack,  giving  ample  time  to  the 
enemy  to  put  a  force  at  Wilmington  larger  than  the  land  force 
sent  by  us.  The  land  forces  embarked  at  Bermuda  Hundred 
on  the  8th  of  December,  in  the  expectation  of  a  very  short 
delay  at  Fort  Monroe.  Owing  to  the  weather  and  the  powder- 
boat  they  did  not  go  to  sea  until  the  14th,  arriving  off  Wil- 
mington the  night  of  the  15th.  Three  days  of  good  weather 
then  ensued,  on  any  of  which  the  army  could  have  landed,  the 
enemy,  as  we  afterward  were  informed,  having  at  that  time 
but  400  men  in  Fort  Fisher  and  about  2,500  in  the  vicinity  of 
Wilmington.  If  an  attack  had  been  made  it  would  have  had 
every  chance  of  success  that  could  have  been  expected. 

On  the  evening  of  the  third  of  these  three  days  of  fine  weather 
Admiral  Porter  arrived,  but  a  breeze  sprang  up  the  same  night 


454        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

(December  18),  making  a  landing  impracticable.  From  this 
time  till  December  25  the  army  force  could  not  land  from  bad 
weather,  and  the  necessity  of  going  into  Beaufort,  N.  C,  for 
coal  and  water.  On  the  25th  a  landing  was  effected.  Pris- 
oners captured  from  Hoke's  division  of  Lee's  army  informed 
General  Butler,  as  he  told  me,  that  Kirkland's  and  Hagood's 
brigades  were  there  as  re-enforcements.  Seventeen  days  had 
elapsed  since  the  embarkation  at  Bermuda  Hundred  and  eleven 
since  the  departure  from  Fort  Monroe;  both  army  and  navy 
had  shown  themselves  at  Beaufort;  all  chance  of  a  surprise 
was  gone ;  a  reconnaissance  of  Fort  Fisher  from  the  land  showed 
it  uninjured;  a  few  skirmishers  went  up  to  the  work,  but  when 
a  body  of  about  300  men  showed  themselves  1000  yards  away 
from  the  work,  they  were  fired  on  by  the  work;  an  assault 
of  the  work  in  its  uninjured  condition,  with  sixteen  or  seventeen 
heavy  guns  sweeping  the  ground  over  which  the  assault  would 
be  made,  was  deemed  impracticable,  and  the  troops  were 
re-embarked.  Prisoners  who  left  the  work  in  the  morning 
reported  the  garrison  to  be  1000  men  and  gave  the  regiments. 

The  proper  method  of  defense  of  a  work  like  Fort  Fisher 
under  such  circumstances  would  be  to  keep  its  garrison  in  its 
bombproof s  to  avoid  loss,  firing  a  few  guns  to  prevent  the  navy 
from  running  by,  and  only  manning  the  parapets  at  the  moment 
of  an  assault.  If  there  were  more  troops  than  were  needed  for 
the  defense  of  the  work,  or  than  could  be  sheltered  in  its  bomb- 
proofs,  they  should  be  kept  out  of  the  work  in  the  day  to  avoid 
loss  from  the  navy  fire,  and  brought  back  at  night  to  resist 
any  night  attack.  This  seems  to  have  been  the  method  fol- 
lowed. The  artillery  fire  of  the  fort  was  very  slight,  as  was 
the  musketry  fire  on  our  skirmishers  during  daylight,  but  heavy 
after  dark.  We  captured  200  men  who  had  left  the  fort  in  the 
morning  for  want  of  bombproof  shelter  on  their  way  back  to  it 
at  night. 

As  to  future  operations,  I  think  if  an  equal  force,  say  600(0) 
men,  could  be  placed  before  Fort  Fisher  under  the  same  cir- 
cumstances as  our  force  was  in  from  the  15th  to  the  18th  of 
December,  it  would  have  a  good  chance  of  success.  This 
supposes  that  the  enemy  will  at  once  diminish  the  garrison 
of  Fort  Fisher  to  400  men,  and  take  away  whatever  re-enforce- 
ments were  sent,  and  in  addition,  that  within  a  week  from  the 
embarkation  here  a  landing  can  be  effected  there.  At  the 
present  season  this  is  a  matter  of  much  doubt.  For  a  siege 
of  Wilmington  or  Fort  Fisher,  the  force  should  in  my  opinion. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   455 

not  be  less  than  15,000  men.  Supplying  this  force  from 
the  open  beach  or  from  Masonborough  Inlet  at  this  season  of 
the  year  is,  I  think,  very  uncertain.  If  we  had  continued  the 
landing  begun  on  the  25th  it  would  have,  from  bad  weather, 
taken  three  days  to  get  the  men  all  ashore.  I  may  add  that 
at  the  time  we  were  at  Fort  Fisher  the  "Tallahassee,"  an  iron- 
clad, and  another  small  armed  vessel  were  reported  in  the 
Cape  Fear  River,  and  would  suggest  that  if  the  navy  is  able 
to  silence  Fort  Fisher  so  that  it  cannot  interfere  with  an  assault 
on  shore,  it  would  also  be  able  to  send  some  vessels  past  Fort 
Fisher,  in  case  another  attempt  was  made,  to  prevent  troops 
being  annoyed  by  the  fire  of  those  vessels, 

C.  B.  CoMSTOCK,  Lieutenant  Colonel  and  Aide-de-Camp 

Official  Records„Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  4. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

CiTT  Point,  Jan.  2,  1865 

Please  send  Maj.  Gen.  Terry  to  City  Point  to  see  me  this 
^ovmng.  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt.  Gen. 

From  General  Grant 

Head  Quarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  January  ind,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Com'd.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.C. 
Special  Orders,  No.  2 

1.  Eight  thousand  infantry,  with  two  batteries  of  artillery 
(without  horses)  from  the  24th  and  25th  Army  Corps  will  be 
got  in  immediate  readiness  to  embark  on  transports,  with  orders 
to  report  to  Maj.  Gen.  W.  T.  Sherman,  at  Savannah,  Georgia. 

2.  They  will  be  provided  with  four  days'  cooked  rations  in 
haversacks. 

3.  The  troops  and  artillery  of  the  late  expedition  against 
Wilmington,  having  experience  in  embarking  and  disembark- 
ing, will  be  selected,  and  to  make  up  the  balance  of  the  eight 
thousand,  good  and  tried  soldiers  of  the  2nd  Brig.  1st  Division 
24th  Army  Corps  will  be  taken. 

4.  Brevet  Maj.  Gen,  A.  H.  Terry,  U.  S.  V.,  is  assigned  to  the 
command  of  these  forces. 

5.  Every  practicable  precaution  will  be  observed  to  prevent 
information  of  any  movement  of  troops  getting  to  the  enemy. 

By  Command  of  Lieut.  General  Grant 

T.  S.  Bowers,  Asst.  Adjt.  Gen'l. 


456   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

CiTT  Point,  Jan.  2,  1865 

I  WILL  be  at  home  all  day.  When  you  were  in  New  York 
I  promised  Gen.  Weitzel  a  leave  of  absence  from  the  first  of 
the  year  for  thirty  days.  Does  he  desire  to  go?  If  so,  he  had 
better  start  at  once.  ^    g    ^^^^^^  ^^   ^^^ 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler  ^ 

City  Point,  JarCy  id,  1865 

F.  P.  Blair,  Sr.  left  here  yesterday  to  return  home,  thinking 
no  reply  would  be  made  to  his  letter.  I  forwarded  Mr.  Led- 
don's  letter,  and  I  think  Mr.  B.  may  be  looked  for  back  again 
by  Friday  next. 

You  may  say  so  if  any  inquiries  are  made  by  Rebel  au- 

t^^^^^^^^-  U.  S.  Grant,  Lt  Gen. 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  January  2,  1865,  3  p.m.     ' 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

General  Sheridan  proposed  sending  another  division  of 
troops  here,  but  I  suspended  his  action.  Let  him  get  them 
to  Baltimore  now  as  soon  as  possible,  and  all  the  infantry  on 
vessels  that  can  go  to  Wilmington  ready  for  orders.  Should 
I  send  his  troops  there  I  will  send  him  with  them.  I  cannot 
go  myself  so  long  as  General  Butler  would  be  left  in  command. 
I  will  state  that  the  former  expedition  was  put  under  Weitzel 
by  order,  and  I  never  dreamed  of  Butler  going  until  he  stopped 
here  on  his  way  down  the  river.  The  operations  taking  place 
within  the  geographical  limits  of  his  department,  I  did  not  like 

to  order  him  back.  tt   o    r^  t  •    ^         ^  n  i 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  9. 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  January  3rd,  1865 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

The  expedition  against  Wilmington  will  commence  their 
embarkation   to-morrow  morning,   and,   if  the  weather   will 

>  See  letter  of  General  J.  W.  Turner  to  General  Butler,  Jan.  30th,  1865,  p.  529. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   457 

permit  going  to  sea,  will  be  with  Admiral  Porter  on  Friday. 
Here  there  is  not  the  slightest  suspicion  where  troops  are 
going.  The  orders  to  officers  commanding  enjoin  secrecy, 
and  designate  Savannah,  and  to  report  to  Sherman  as  their 

destination.  tt    c    /-i  t  •     ^         4  n     •'i 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-Gen  I. 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  18. 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  January  Srd,  1865 

Admiral  D.  D.  Porter,  Commanding  North  Atlantic 
Blockading  Squadron 

I  SEND  Maj.  Gen.  A.  H.  Terry,  with  the  same  troops  General 
Butler  had,  with  one  picked  brigade  added,  to  renew  the 
attempt  on  Fort  Fisher.  In  addition  to  this,  I  have  ordered 
General  Sheridan  to  send  a  division  of  infantry  to  Baltimore 
to  be  put  on  sea-going  transports,  so  that  they  can  go  also, 
if  their  services  are  found  necessary.  This  will  augment  Gen- 
eral Terry's  force  from  4000  to  5000  men.  These  troops  will 
be  at  Fort  Monroe,  if  the  transportation  can  be  obtained 
(there  is  but  little  doubt  it  can)  ready  to  sail  at  an  hour's 
notice.  General  Terry  will  show  you  the  instructions  he  is 
acting  under.  My  views  are  that  Fort  Fisher  can  be  taken 
from  the  water  front  only  in  two  ways  —  one  is  to  surprise 
the  enemy  when  they  have  an  insufficient  force;  then  the  other 
is  for  the  navy  to  run  into  Cape  Fear  River  with  vessels  enough 
to  contend  against  anything  the  enemy  may  have  there.  If 
the  landing  can  be  effected  before  this  is  done,  well  and  good; 
but  if  the  enemy  are  in  very  strong  force,  a  landing  may  not 
be  practicable  until  we  have  possession  of  the  river. 

General  Terry  will  consult  with  you  fully,  and  will  be  gov- 
erned by  your  suggestions  as  far  as  his  responsibility  for  the 
safety  of  his  command  will  admit  of. 

Hoping  you  all  sorts  of  good  weather  and  success,  I  re- 

'       *'  U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol  46,  Part  2,  Page  19. 


458       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  Admiral  Porter 

North  Atlantic  Squadron,  Flag-ship  "Malvern," 

Beaufort,  N.  C,  January  3rd,  1865 

Lieut.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  Commanding  Armies  of  the 
United  States,  City  Point 

Dear  General:  I  hold  it  to  be  a  good  rule  never  to  send 
a  boy  on  a  man's  errand,  and  we  must  now  calculate  that  the 
rebels,  having  ascertained  their  weakness,  will  take  measures 
to  strengthen  themselves.  The  great  thing  was  to  effect  a 
landing,  which  being  done  everything  else  was  easy.  The 
troops  could  have  fortified  themselves  where  they  landed  against 
100,000  men,  covered  as  they  were  by  over  eighty  heavy  guns, 
on  the  gun-boats,  strung  all  along  the  beach.  There  is  no  use 
fretting  over  the  past;  we  must  endeavor  to  avoid  mistakes 
in  the  future,  and  if  any  expedition  fails  now  to  take  the  works, 
which  were  comparatively  weak  ten  days  ago,  the  sagacity 
of  the  leaders  of  the  late  expedition  will  be  applauded.  The 
failure  to  assault  the  works  so  battered,  and  the  people  so 
demoralized  by  the  dreadful  bombardment,  will  set  the  rebels 
to  work  making  themselves  much  stronger,  and  this  is  what 
I  wish  to  draw  your  attention  to.  We  cannot  stop  their  work 
without  bringing  the  whole  squadron  into  play,  and  firing  away 
all  our  ammunition  before  the  time  comes  for  work.  It  is  no 
joke  getting  in  coal  and  ammunition,  lying  outside.  The  ships 
can  only  carry  ten  hours'  firing.  Now  I  propose  (if  it  is  pos- 
sible) that  you  send  every  man  you  can  spare  here,  with  in- 
trenching tools  and  fifteen  30-pounders ;  the  last  party  had  not 
even  a  spade.  An  army  can  intrench  themselves  at  Mason- 
borough,  and  stay  as  long  as  they  like,  if  a  typhoon  blows  the 
ships  to  sea.  I  have  received  a  letter  from  Sherman.  He  wants 
me  to  time  my  operations  by  his,  which  I  think  a  good  plan. 
We  will  make  a  sure  thing  of  it,  but  t  he  troops  and  the  navy 
must  be  ready  to  strike  at  a  moment's  notice,  and  when  the 
enemy  least  expects  us.  We  will  have  the  report  spread  that 
the  troops  are  to  co-operate  with  Sherman  in  the  attack  on 
Charleston.  I  hope  Sherman  will  be  allowed  to  carry  out  his 
plans;  he  will  have  Wilmington  in  less  than  a  month,  and 
Charleston  will  fall  like  a  ripe  pear.  I  expect  you  understand 
all  this  better  than  I  do.  I  have  made  arrangements  to  keep 
communication  open  with  Sherman  from  the  time  he  starts. 
Captain  Breese  will  give  you  all  the  latest  news.     I  am,  general, 

Very  truly  and  sincerely,  David  D.  Porter,  Rear-Admiral 

Ofladal  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  20. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        459 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  January  3,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  A.  H.  Terry,  Commanding  Expedition 

The  expedition  intrusted  to  your  command  has  been  fitted 
out  to  renew  the  attempt  to  capture  Fort  Fisher,  N.  C,  and 
Wilmington  ultimately,  if  the  fort  falls.  You  will  then  proceed, 
with  as  little  delay  as  possible,  to  the  naval  fleet  lying  off  Cape 
Fear  River,  and  report  the  arrival  of  yourself  and  command 
to  Rear-Admiral  D.  D.  Porter,  commanding  North  Atlantic 
Blockading  Squadron,  It  is  exceedingly  desirable  that  the 
most  complete  understanding  should  exist  between  yourself 
and  the  naval  commander.  I  suggest,  therefore,  that  you 
consult  with  Admiral  Porter  freely,  and  get  from  him  the  part 
to  be  performed  by  each  branch  of  the  public  service,  so  that 
there  may  be  unity  of  action.  It  would  be  well  to  have  the 
whole  programme  laid  down  in  writing.  I  have  served  with 
Admiral  Porter,  and  know  that  you  can  rely  on  his  judgment 
and  his  nerve  to  undertake  what  he  proposes.  I  would, 
therefore,  defer  to  him  as  much  as  is  consistent  with  your  own 
responsibilities.  The  first  object  to  be  attained  is  to  get  a 
firm  position  on  the  spit  of  land  on  which  Fort  Fisher  is  built, 
from  which  you  can  operate  against  that  fort.  You  want  to 
look  to  the  practicability  of  receiving  your  supplies,  and  to 
defending  yourself  against  superior  forces  sent  against  you  by 
any  of  the  avenues  left  open  to  the  enemy.  If  such  a  position 
can  be  obtained,  the  siege  of  Fort  Fisher  will  not  be  abandoned 
until  its  reduction  is  accomplished,  or  another  plan  of  cam- 
paign is  ordered  from  these  headquarters.  My  own  views 
are,  that  if  you  effect  a  landing,  the  navy  ought  to  run  a  portion 
of  their  fleet  into  Cape  Fear  River,  whilst  the  balance  of  it 
operates  on  the  outside.  Land  forces  cannot  invest  Fort  Fisher, 
or  cut  it  off  from  supplies  or  re-enforcements  whilst  the  river  is 
in  possession  of  the  enemy.  A  siege  train  will  be  loaded  on 
vessels  and  sent  to  Fort  Monroe,  in  readiness  to  be  sent  to  you 
if  required.  All  other  supplies  can  be  drawn  from  Beaufort  as 
you  need  them.  Keep  the  fleet  of  vessels  with  you  until  your 
position  is  assured.  When  you  find  they  can  be  spared,  order 
them  back,  or  such  of  them  as  you  can  spare,  to  Fort  Monroe, 
to  report  for  orders.  In  case  of  failure  to  effect  a  landing, 
bring  your  command  back  to  Beaufort  and  report  to  these 
headquarters  for  further  instructions.  You  will  not  debark 
at  Beaufort  until  so  directed.     General  Sheridan  has  been 


460        LETTERS  OF   GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ordered  to  send  a  division  of  troops  to  Baltimore  and  place  them 
on  sea-going  vessels.  These  troops  will  be  brought  to  Fort 
Monroe,  and  kept  there  on  the  vessels  until  you  are  heard  from. 
Should  you  require  them  they  will  be  sent  to  you. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  25. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Cipher.    JarCy  3rd,  1865,  10  a.m. 

I  HAVE  seen  my  Chief  Quartermaster  at  Fortress  Monroe, 
whom  I  have  ordered  here  for  consultation  on  another  matter. 
I  think  the  boats  will  not  be  ready  at  Fortress  Monroe  till 
to-morrow  morning.     Is  that  so  understood  by  you? 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  Field,  January  3rd,  1865 

Lieut.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  commanding  Armies 
of  the  United  States 

General:  On  the  7th  of  December  last,  in  obedience  to 
your  orders,  I  moved  a  force  of  about  6,500  effective  men, 
consisting  of  General  Ames'  division,  of  the  Twenty-fourth 
Corps,  and  General  Paine's  division,  of  the  Twenty-fifth 
Corps,  under  command  of  Major-General  Weitzel,  to  an 
encampment  near  Bermuda.  On  the  8th  the  troops  embarked 
for  Fortress  Monroe.  On  the  9th,  Friday,  I  reported  to  Rear- 
Admiral  Porter  that  the  army  portion  of  the  conjoint  expedi- 
tion directed  against  Wilmington  was  ready  to  proceed.  We 
waited  there  Saturday  the  10th,  Sunday  the  11th,  and  Mon- 
day the  12th.  On  the  12th  Rear- Admiral  Porter  informed 
me  that  the  naval  fleet  would  sail  on  the  13th,  but  would  be 
obliged  to  put  into  Beaufort  to  take  on  board  ammunition  for 
the  monitors.  The  expedition  having  become  the  subject  of 
remark,  fearing  lest  its  destination  should  get  to  the  enemy, 
in  order  to  direct  from  it  all  attention,  on  the  morning  of 
Tuesday,  the  13th,  at  3  o'clock,  I  ordered  the  transport  fleet 
to  proceed  up  the  Potomac  during  the  day  to  Mathias  Point, 
so  as  to  be  plainly  visible  to  the  scouts  and  signal  men  of  the 
enemy  on  the  Northern  Neck,  and  to  retrace  their  course  at 
night  and  anchor  under  the  lee  of  Cape  Charles. 

Having  given  the  navy  thirty-six  hours'  start,  at  12  o'clock 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        461 

noon  of  the  14th  (Wednesday)  I  joined  the  transport  fleet  oflF 
Cape  Henry  and  put  to  sea,  arriving  at  the  place  of  rendezvous 
off  New  Inlet,  near  Fort  Fisher,  on  the  evening  of  the  15th 
(Thursday).  We  there  waited  for  the  navy  Friday  the  16th, 
Saturday  the  17th,  and  Sunday  the  18th,  during  which  days 
we  had  the  finest  possible  weather  and  the  smoothest  sea.  On 
the  evening  of  the  18th  Admiral  Porter  came  from  Beaufort 
to  the  place  of  rendezvous.  That  evening  the  sea  became 
rough,  and  on  Monday,  the  19th,  the  wind  sprang  up  freshly, 
so  that  it  was  impossible  to  land  troops,  and  by  the  advice  of 
Admiral  Porter  (communicated  to  me  by  letter)  I  directed  the 
transport  fleet  to  rendezvous  at  Beaufort.  This  was  a  matter 
of  necessity,  because  the  transport  fleet  being  coaled  and 
watered  for  ten  days  had  already  waited  that  time,  to  wit, 
from  the  9th,  the  day  on  which  we  were  ready  to  sail,  to  the 
19th. 

On  the  20th  (Tuesday),  21st  (Wednesday),  22nd  (Thursday), 
and  23rd  (Friday),  it  blew  a  gale.  I  was  occupied  in  coaling 
and  watering  the  transport  fleet  at  Beaufort.  The  "Baltic," 
having  a  large  supply  of  coal,  was  enabled  to  remain  at  the 
place  of  rendezvous  with  a  brigade  on  board  of  1,200  men, 
and  General  Ames  reported  to  Admiral  Porter  that  he  would 
co-operate  with  him.  On  the  23rd  I  sent  Captain  Clarke,  of 
my  staff,  from  Beaufort  on  the  fast-sailing  armed  steamer 
"Chamberlain"  to  Admiral  Porter,  to  inform  him  that  on 
the  evening  of  the  24th  I  would  again  be  at  the  rendezvous 
with  the  transport  fleet  for  the  purpose  of  commencing  the 
attack,  the  weather  permitting.  At  4  o'clock  on  the  evening 
of  the  24th  I  came  in  sight  of  Fort  Fisher,  and  found  the 
naval  fleet  engaged  in  bombarding  it,  the  powder  vessel 
having  been  exploded  on  the  morning  previous  about  1  o'clock. 
Through  General  Weitzel  I  arranged  with  Admiral  Porter  to 
commence  the  landing  under  the  cover  of  the  gun-boats,  as 
early  as  8  o'clock  the  next  morning  if  possible  —  as  soon  as 
the  fire  of  the  Half-Moon  and  Flag-Pond  Hill  Batteries  had 
been  silenced.  These  are  up  the  shore  some  two  or  three 
miles  above  Fort  Fisher.  Admiral  Porter  was  quite  sanguine 
that  he  had  silenced  the  guns  of  Fort  Fisher.  He  was  then 
urged  if  that  were  so  to  run  by  the  fort  into  Cape  Fear  River 
and  then  the  troops  could  land  and  hold  the  beach  without 
liability  of  being  shelled  by  the  enemy's  gunboats  (the  "Tala- 
hassee"  being  seen  in  the  river).  It  is  to  be  remarked  that 
Admiral  Farragut  even  had  never  taken  a  fort  except  by 


462   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

running  by  and  cutting  it  off  from  all  prospect  of  re-enforce- 
ment (as  at  Fort  Jackson  and  Fort  Morgan),  and  that  no 
casemated  fort  had  been  silenced  by  naval  fire  during  the  war; 
that  if  the  admiral  would  put  his  ships  in  the  river  the  army 
could  supply  him  across  the  beach  as  we  had  proposed  to  do 
Farragut  at  Fort  Saint  Philip;  that  at  least  the  blockade  of 
Wilmington  would  be  thus  effectual  even  if  we  did  not  capture 
the  fort.  To  that  the  Admiral  replied  that  he  should  probably 
lose  a  boat  by  torpedoes  if  he  attempted  to  run  by.  He  was 
reminded  that  the  army  might  lose  500  men  by  the  assault, 
and  that  his  boat  would  not  weigh  in  the  balance  even  in  a 
money  point  of  view  for  a  moment  with  the  lives  of  the  men. 
The  Admiral  declined  going  by,  and  the  expedition  was  de- 
prived of  that  essential  element  of  success. 

At  12  o'clock  noon  of  the  25th  (Sunday),  Captain  Glisson, 
commanding  the  covering  division  of  the  fleet,  reported  the 
batteries  silenced  and  his  vessels  in  position  to  cover  our 
landing.  The  transport  fleet  following  my  flag-ship  stood  in 
within  800  yards  of  the  beach  and  at  once  commenced  de- 
barking. The  landing  was  successfully  effected.  Finding 
that  the  reconnoitering  party  just  landed  could  hold  the 
shore,  I  determined  to  land  a  force  with  which  an  assault 
might  be  attempted.  Brevet  Brigadier  General  Curtis,  who 
deserves  well  for  his  gallantry  and  conduct,  immediately 
pushed  up  his  brigade  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  Fort 
Fisher,  capturing  the  Half-Moon  Battery  and  its  men,  who 
were  taken  off  by  the  boats  of  the  navy.  This  skirmish  line 
advanced  to  within  seventy-five  yards  of  the  fort,  protected 
by  the  glacis,  which  had  been  thrown  up  in  such  form  as  to 
give  cover,  the  garrison  being  completely  kept  in  their  bomb- 
proofs  by  the  fire  of  the  navy,  which  was  very  rapid  and 
continuous,  their  shells  bursting  over  the  work  with  very 
considerable  accuracy.  At  this  time  we  lost  10  men  wounded 
on  the  skirmish  line  by  the  shells  from  the  fleet.  Quitting 
my  flag-ship,  I  went  on  board  the  "Chamberlain"  and  ran  in 
within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  fort,  so  that  it  was  plainly 
visible.  It  appeared  to  be  a  square  bastioned  work  of  very 
high  relief,  —  say  fifteen  feet,  surrounded  by  a  wet  ditch 
some  fifteen  feet  wide.  It  was  protected  from  being  en- 
veloped by  an  assaulting  force  by  a  stockade,  which  extended 
from  the  fort  to  the  sea  on  the  one  side  and  from  the  marshes 
of  Cape  Fear  River  to  the  salient  on  the  other.  No  material 
damage  to  the  fort  as  a  defensive  work  had  been  done.     Seven- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        463 

teen  heavy  guns  bore  up  the  beach,  protected  from  the  fire 
of  the  navy  by  traverses  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  which  were 
undoubtedly  bomb-proof  shelters  for  the  garrison.  With 
the  garrison  kept  within  their  bomb-proofs,  it  was  easy  to 
maintain  this  position,  but  the  shells  of  the  navy,  which  kept 
the  enemy  in  their  bomb-proofs  would  keep  my  troops  out. 
When  those  ceased  falling,  the  parapet  was  fully  manned. 
Lieutenant  Walling,  of  the  One  hundred  and  forty-second 
New  York,  pressed  up  to  the  edge  of  the  ditch  and  captured 
a  flag,  which  had  been  cut  down  by  a  shell  from  the  navy. 
It  is  a  mistake,  as  was  at  first  reported  to  me,  that  any  soldier 
entered  the  fort.  An  orderly  was  killed  about  a  third  of  a 
mile  from  the  fort,  and  his  horse  taken.  In  the  meantime 
the  remainder  of  Ames'  division  had  captured  218  men  and  10 
commissioned  officers  of  the  North  Carolina  Reserves,  and 
other  prisoners.  From  them  I  learned  that  Kirkland's  and 
Hagood's  brigades,  of  Hoke's  division,  had  left  the  front  of 
the  Army  of  the  James  near  Richmond,  and  were  then  within 
two  miles  of  the  rear  of  my  forces,  and  their  skirmishers  were 
then  actually  engaged,  and  that  the  remainder  of  Hoke's 
division  had  come  the  night  before  to  Wilmington  and  were 
then  on  the  march,  if  they  had  not  already  arrived.  I  learned 
also  that  these  troops  had  left  Richmond  on  Tuesday,  the 
20th.  KJnowing  the  strength  of  Hoke's  division,  I  found  a 
force  opposed  to  me  outside  of  the  works  larger  than  my  own. 
In  the  meantime,  the  weather  assumed  a  threatening  aspect. 
The  surf  began  to  roll  in  so  that  the  landing  became  difficult. 
At  this  time  General  Weitzel  reported  to  me  that  to  assault 
the  work,  in  his  judgment  and  in  that  of  the  experienced 
oflBcers  of  his  command  who  had  been  on  the  skirmish  line,  with 
any  prospect  of  success  was  impossible.  This  opinion  coin- 
cided with  my  own,  and  much  as  I  regretted  the  necessity  of 
abandoning  the  attempt,  yet  the  path  of  duty  was  plain. 
Not  so  strong  a  work  as  Fort  Fisher  had  been  taken  by  assault 
during  this  war,  and  I  had  to  guide  me  the  experience  of  Port 
Hudson,  with  its  slaughtered  thousands  in  the  repulsed  as- 
sault, and  the  double  assault  of  Fort  Wagner,  where  thousands 
were  sacrificed  in  an  attempt  to  take  a  work  less  strong  than 
Fisher  after  it  had  been  subjected  to  a  more  continued  and 
fully  as  severe  fire;  and  in  neither  of  the  instances  I  have 
mentioned  had  the  assaulting  force  in  its  rear,  as  I  had,  an 
army  of  the  enemy  larger  than  itself.  I  therefore  ordered 
that  no  assault  should  be  made,  and  that  the  troops  should 


464        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

re-embark.  While  superintending  the  preparations  for  this 
the  fire  of  the  navy  ceased.  Instantly  the  guns  of  the  fort 
were  fully  manned,  and  a  sharp  fire  of  musketry,  grape,  and 
canister  swept  the  plain  over  which  the  column  must  have 
advanced  and  the  skirmish  line  was  returning.  Working  with 
what  diligence  we  could,  it  was  impossible  to  get  the  troops 
again  on  board  before  the  sea  ran  so  high  as  to  render  fur- 
ther re-embarkation,  or  even  the  sending  of  supplies  ashore, 
impossible. 

I  lay  by  the  shore  until  11  o'clock  the  next  day,  Monday, 
the  26th,  when  having  made  all  proper  dispositions  for  getting 
the  troops  on  board,  I  gave  orders  to  the  transport  fleet,  as 
fast  as  they  were  ready,  to  sail  for  Fortress  Monroe,  in  obedi- 
ence to  my  instructions  from  the  lieutenant-general.  I  learned 
from  deserters  and  prisoners  captured  that  the  supposition 
upon  which  the  lieutenant-general  directed  the  expedition  — 
that  Wilmington  had  been  denuded  of  troops  to  oppose  General 
Sherman  —  was  correct;  that  at  the  time  when  the  army 
arrived  off  Wilmington  there  were  less  than  400  men  in  the 
garrison  of  Fort  Fisher  and  less  than  1,000  within  twenty 
miles.  But  the  delay  of  three  days  of  good  weather  (the 
16th,  17th,  and  18th),  waiting  for  the  arrival  of  the  navy, 
and  the  further  delay  from  the  terrible  storm  of  the  21st, 
22nd,  and  23rd,  gave  time  for  troops  to  be  brought  from 
Richmond,  three  divisions  of  which  were  either  there  or  on 
the  road.  The  instructions  of  the  lieutenant-general  to  me 
did  not  contemplate  a  siege.  I  had  neither  siege  trains  or 
supplies  for  such  a  contingency.  The  exigency  of  possible 
delay,  for  which  the  foresight  of  the  commander  of  the  armies 
had  provided,  had  arisen,  to  wit;  the  large  re-enforcement 
of  the  garrison.  This,  together  with  the  fact  that  the  navy 
had  exhausted  their  supply  of  ammunition  in  the  bombard- 
ment, left  me  with  no  alternative  but  to  return  with  my 
troops  to  the  Army  of  the  James.  The  loss  of  the  oppor- 
tunity of  Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday  (the  16th,  17th,  and 
18th)  was  the  immediate  cause  of  the  failure  of  the  expedi- 
tion. It  is  not  my  province  even  to  suggest  blame  to  the 
navy  for  their  delay  of  four  days  at  Beaufort.  I  know  none 
of  the  reasons  which  do  or  do  not  justify  it.  It  is  to  be 
presumed  they  are  sufficient. 

I  am  happy  to  bring  to  the  attention  of  the  lieutenant- 
general  the  excellent  behavior  of  the  troops,  both  officers  and 
men,  which  was  all  that  could  be  desired.     I  am  under  special 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   465 

obligations  to  Captain  Glisson,  of  the  "Santiago  de  Cuba," 
for  the  able  and  eflacient  manner  in  which  he  covered  our 
landing;  to  Captain  Alden,  of  the  "Brooklyn,"  for  his  prompt 
assistance  and  the  excellent  gunnery  with  which  the  Brooklyn 
cleaned  the  shores  of  all  opposers  at  the  moment  of  debarka- 
tion. Lieutenant  Farquhar,  of  the  Navy,  having  in  charge 
the  navy  boats  which  assisted  in  the  landing,  deserves  great 
credit  for  the  energy  and  skill  with  which  he  managed  the 
boats  through  the  rolling  surf.  Especial  commendation  is 
due  to  Brigadier-General  Graham  and  the  officers  and  men 
of  his  naval  brigade  for  the  organization  of  his  boats  and 
crews  for  landing,  and  the  untiring  energy  and  industry  with 
which  they  all  labored  in  re-embarking  the  troops  during  the 
stormy  night  of  the  25th  and  the  days  following.  For  this  and 
other  meritorious  services  during  the  campaign  since  the  1st  of 
May,  which  have  heretofore  been  brought  to  the  notice  of  the 
lieutenant-general  in  my  official  reports,  I  would  respectfully 
but  earnestly  recommend  General  Graham  for  promotion. 

The  number  of  prisoners  captured  by  us  was  300,  including 
12  officers,  2  heavy  rifled  guns,  2  light  guns,  and  6  caissons. 

The  loss  of  the  army  was  1  man  drowned,  2  men  killed,  1 
officer  captured,  who  accidentally  wandered  through  our 
pickets,  and  10  men  wounded  while  upon  the  picket-line  by 
the  shells  of  the  navy. 

Always  chary  of  mentioning  with  commendation  the  acts 
of  my  own  personal  staff,  yet  I  think  the  troops  who  saw  it 
will  agree  to  the  cool  courage  and  daring  of  Lieut.  Sidney 
B.  De  Kay,  aide-de-camp,  in  landing  on  the  night  of  the  25th 
and  remaining  aiding  in  re-embarkation  on  the  27th,  For 
the  details  of  the  landing  and  the  operations,  I  beg  leave  to 
refer  you  to  the  reports  of  Major-General  Weitzel,  command- 
ing the  troops,  and  Brigadier-General  Ames,  commanding 
the  division  landed,  which  are  hereto  appended.  Trusting 
my  action  will  meet  with  the  approval  of  the  lieutenant- 
general,  this  report  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Benj.  F,  Butler,  Major-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  966. 

From  Assistant  Secretary  G.  V.  Fox 

Confidential.    Navy  Department,  January  ith,  1865 

{General  U.  S.  Grant) 

My  dear  Sir:  To-day  we  received  despatches  from  Porter, 
dated  the  29th  ultimo,  stating  that  the  enemy  are  removing 

VOL.   V — 30 


466       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  guns  from  Fort  Fisher,  preparatory  to  changing  the 
arrangement  of  their  defenses.  The  Philadelphia  Inquirer  of 
to-day  has  all  the  information  contained  in  the  documents 
that  have  just  come  from  Richmond  through  General  Butler's 
headquarters.  I  think  last  summer,  after  my  visit  to  you 
with  General  Gillmore,  that  you  were  under  the  impression 
that  one  of  us  gave  publicity  to  the  object  of  our  visit.  I 
trusted  to  time  to  enable  you  to  discover  all  the  leaks  in  the 
vicinity  of  your  headquarters.  Mr.  Blair  Sr.,  alone,  will 
leave  Washington  Saturday,  and  arrive  off  City  Point  about 
noon,  in  the  screw  steamer  "Don,"  Captain  Parker,  com- 
manding the  Potomac  Flotilla.  As  he  goes  by  consent  of  the 
President,  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Davis,  I  ask  for  Mr.  Blair 
that  you  will  make  arrangements  to  get  him  through  com- 
fortably as  early  as  practicable,  and  as  secretly.  I  have 
suggested  to  him  to  lay-to  off  City  Point,  and  let  an  officer 
go  on  shore  from  the  vessel  and  receive  your  directions  as  to 
the  best  method  of  going  through.  The  "Don"  can  go  up  as 
far  as  desired,  and  remain  until  Mr.  Blair  returns,  and  I  will 
direct  Captain  Parker  to  report  to  you  and  receive  any  direc- 
tions you  may  give. 

Please  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  this  letter  by  telegraph. 

I  got  the  President  to  put  into  the  old  capitol  the  man  who 
caused  to  be  published  the  Wilmington  expedition.  Yesterday 
the  Baltimore  American  sent  me  word  that  they  had  informa- 
tion that  another  expedition  was  fitting  out.  I  sent  them 
word  that  the  Government  would  deal  very  summarily  with 
the  first  party  who  published  it.  To-night  Mr.  Gobright, 
the  agent  of  the  Associated  Press,  informed  me  that  he  had 
such   news   from   Hampton   Roads,   but   had   suppressed   it. 

'  ^'       '  Your  obedient  servant,  G.  V.  Fox 

The  country  will  not  forgive  us  for  another  failure  at  Wil- 
mington, and  I  have  so  informed  Porter. 

OfBcial  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  29. 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Va.,  January  ith,  1865 

Rear-Admiral  D.   D.   Porter,    Commanding   North  Atlantic 
Blockading  Squadron 
Your  letter  brought  by  the  hands  of  Lieutenant  Porter  is 
received.     The    instructions    to    General    Terry    were    given 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        467 

before  its  receipt,  but  you  will  see  that  General  Terry  has 

not  only  been  instructed  to  consult  with  but  to  be  guided  by 

your  counsel,  as  far  as  is  consistent  with  his  responsibilities. 

In  my  letter  of  instructions,  and  also  in  my  letter  to  you 

written  at  the  same  time,  I  state  that  a  division  of  troops 

numbering  from  4,000  to  5,000  men  will  be  in  readiness  at 

Fort  Monroe  to  sail  to  you  at  an  hour's  notice.     In  addition 

to  this,  if  it  becomes  necessary  to  our  success,  I  will  send  all 

the  men  that  can  be  used,  tt  o   /-.  r  ■     .         .  ^ 

U .  b.  (jrRANT,  Lieutenant-General 

OflScial  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  29. 

From  General  Grant 

Hdqrs.  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  January  4,  1865 

Special  Orders  No.  3 

I,  Lieut.  Col.  C.  B.  Comstock,  aide-de-camp,  will  report 
to  Maj.  Gen.  A.  H.  Terry,  and  accompany  him  as  chief  en- 
gineer of  the  expedition  under  his  command.  .  .  . 

By  command  of  Lieutenant-General  Grant 

T.  S.  Bowers,  Assistant  Adjutant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  30. 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  835  Broadway,  Jan.  Uh,  1865 

My  dear  General:  With  this  I  send  a  copy  of  the  Daily 
Telegraph  of  London,  containing  a  letter  from  America  and 
an  editorial  upon  America,  both  of  which  have  something  to 
say  about  you.  I  received  it  from  Boston,  from  an  unknown 
hand,  with  the  writing  on  it  which  you  will  see,  and  marked 
as  you  will  find  it.  I  send  the  wrapper,  and  it  is  possible 
you  may  recognize  the  writing.  Whether  the  "Gen.  Augustus 
Salor"  at  the  bottom  of  the  letter  was  placed  there  by  the 
proprietor  of  that  odious  name,  I  have  no  means  of  knowing. 

The  people  of  New  York,  my  dear  General,  were  disap- 
pointed this  morning  in  opening  their  Herald,  Times,  and 
Tribune,  not  to  find  therein  your  report  of  the  Wilmington 
expedition.  The  reasonable  part  of  that  public  seem  to  me 
well-disposed  to  believe  that  the  withdrawal  of  the  troops 
was  necessary,  but  they  all  desire  to  know  the  facts  more 
fully.  The  malign  bluster  of  that  incomparable  ass  who 
commanded  the  fleet  has  harmed  no  one  but  himself.  One 
of  the  Harper  Brothers  made  this  remark  on  the  day  of  the 
publication  of  his  report:     "To  withdraw  the  troops  without 


468        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

making  an  assault  was  a  much  braver  action  than  to  have 
ordered  an  assault."  Wherefore,  another  person  said,  "Porter 
was  just  the  man  to  have  sacrificed  a  thousand  men  rather 
than  have  it  said  that  he  went  away  without  trying."  But 
of  course,  the  heathen  rage  and  the  copperheads  pretend  to 
imagine  a  vain  thing.  I  hope  your  report  will  not  contain 
the  word  "Porter,"  nor  even  small  beer,  not  any  illusion  to 
malt.  Your  silence  has  half  quelled  him  already;  even  with 
those  who  consider  it  their  mission  to  villify  you. 

Excuse  my  meddling  with  these  high  matters.  To  come 
to  safer  ground,  I  wish  you  a  happy  and  triumphant  1865. 
May  you  pass  your  next  Fourth  of  July  at  Richmond,  and 
your  next  Christmas  at  Lowell. 

Mrs.  Parton  would  kill  me  if  I  omitted  to  say  in  conclusion 

that  she,  as  w^ell  as  I,  wishes  you  and  Mrs.  Butler,  and  your 

daughter,  a  Very  Happy  New  Year.     She  would  fly  to  the 

mantel-piece,  and  taking  up  the  long  piece  of  iron  which  we 

brought  from  camp,  cry  out :   "  The  bolt  is  drawn ;  made  from 

the  shaft."  r<  ^     ?     t  ti 

Lver  yours,  very  truly,  James  Parton 

From  General  Butler 

January  7th,  1865 

My  dear  Parton:  I  send  you  a  confidential  copy  of  my 
report.  The  War  Department  do  not  allow  me  to  publish 
it  as  yet.  I  have  given  Mr.  G.  W.  Findly  of  the  Tribune 
leave  to  publish  it,  but  his  information  says  it  must  not  be 
published.  I  have  done  my  duty.  Mr.  Harper  is  right;  it 
gave  me  much  more  pain  to  order  the  retirement  of  the  troops 
than  it  would  to  have  lead  the  assaulting  columns. 

My  best  love  to  Mrs.  Parton  for  her  continued  kindness. 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Grant 

City  Point,  Virginia,  January  Uh,  1865 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

I  AM  constrained  to  request  the  removal  of  Major  General 
B.  F.  Butler  from  the  command  of  the  Department  of  Virginia 
and  North  Carolina.  I  do  this  with  reluctance,  but  the  good 
of  the  service  requires  it.  In  my  absence.  General  Butler 
necessarily  commands,  and  there  is  a  lack  of  confidence  felt 
in  his  military  ability,  making  him  an  unsafe  commander  for 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   469 

a  large  army.     His  administration  of  the  affairs  of  his  Depart- 
ment is  also  obiectionable.  tt  o   /-<  t  -    ^  n  ? 
•*                             U.S.  (jrRANT,  Lieut.  General 

From  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Townserid 

Head  Qrs.,  Jan'y.  ith,  1865,  8.15  p.m. 

Telegram  in  relation  to  exchange  correspondence  received. 
It  shall  be  forwarded  as  soon  as  copied.  The  recent  cor- 
respondence has  been  between  Gen.  Grant  and  Gen.  Lee,  and 
of  this  I  have  no  copies.  I  do  not  know  how  far  correspondence 
has  been  published.     To  what  date  shall  I  go  back? 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Comd'g. 

From  General  Grant 

Head  Quarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  January  5th,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Comd'g.  Dept.  Va.  and  N.  Carolina 
General:     The    following    communication  has    just    been 
received  by  telegraph: 

Washington,  12.50  Jan'y  5th,  1865 
Lt.  Gen.  Grant 

The  Secretary  of  War  desires  you  to  forward  as  soon  as  convenient  copies  of  cor- 
respondence conducted  by  yourself  on  the  subject  of  the  following  resolution  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  "Resolved  that  if  not  incompatible  with  the  public  interest, 
all  communications  in  reference  to  the  exchange  of  prisoners  not  heretofore  published 
be  communicated  to  this  House  by  the  Secretary  of  War." 

E.  D.  TowNSEND,  A.  A.G 

You  will  please  forward  to  these  Headquarters,  at  the 
earliest  possible  moment,  all  communications  between  your- 
self as  Agent  of  Exchange,  and  Judge  Ould,  Agent  on  the 
part  of  the  Confederacy,  on  the  subject  of  exchange  of  prisoners, 
and  especially  in  all  matters  touching  the  same  referred  to 
you  from  these  Headquarters. 

By  command  of  Lieut.  General  Grant, 

Jno.  a.  Rawlins,  Brig.  Gen.  &  Chief  of  Staff 

From  General  Butler 

Office  Commissioner  of  Exchange,  Jan.  19th,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  Sec.  of  War 

In  obedience  to  the  telegram,  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit 
herewith  copies  of  all  the  correspondence  that  remains  in  the 
oflSce  of  the  Commissioner  of  Exchange  of  Prisoners  relating 
to  that  subject. 

Action  having  been  taken  thereon  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Navy,   by  the  Lieutenant   General,  by   General   Hitchcock, 


470        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

and  by  Colonel  Hoffman,  there  is  other  correspondence  neces- 
sary to  give  a  complete  history  of  the  matter  of  exchange  of 
prisoners  since  I  have  had  the  honor  to  be  Commissioner  of 
Exchange.     I  have  the  honor  to  be  very  respectfully, 
Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler, 

Major  General  and  Commissioner  of  Exchange. 

From  James  W.  White  to  General  Butler 

Fort  Monroe,  Jan.  5th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  send  you  the  note  to  say  that  I 
think  it  quite  important  that  your  oflScial  report  should  be 
published  as  soon  as  possible  and  to  urge  you  to  obtain  Gen. 
Grant's  permission  to  do  so,  with  as  little  delay  as  practicable. 

I  spent  an  hour  with  Gen.  Grant  at  his  Headquarters  on 
my  way  down  last  afternoon;  but  our  friend,  Gen.  Vogdes, 
was  excited  to  so  much  loquaciousness  by  the  sight  of  his  old 
West  Point  pupil  that  I  could  not  say  all  that  I  desired  to 
Gen.  Grant.  I  got  in  a  few  words,  however,  and  could  gather, 
notwithstanding  the  reserve  imposed  by  circumstances,  that 
the  Lieutenant  General  acquitted  you  of  responsibility  for 
the  failure  at  Wilmington. 

If  you  get  authority  to  publish  your  report  of  the  affair,  I 
will,  if  you  say  so,  hand  the  copy  which  you  promised  to  send 
me  to  the  Tribune  for  publication  upon  your  telegraphing  to 
me  at  New  York,  that  I  can  do  so.  Until  you  do  telegraph  or 
write  to  me  to  publish  it,  the  copy  which  you  send  me  shall 
not  leave  my  hands,  nor  be  used  in  any  manner  that  would 
be  irregular  or  improper. 

I  intended  yesterday,  but  it  escaped  my  memory  in  the 
discussion  of  more  interesting  things,  to  ask  you  about  the 
case  of  a  Doctor,  or  Mr.  Nabig,  who  has  been  for  some  months 
in  the  military  prison,  here  at  the  fort,  as  I  understand.  I 
believe  him  to  be  an  unconscionable  liar,  and  deserving  of 
punishment;  but  his  wife,  who  is  a  very  worthy  respectable 
young  German  woman,  and  very  well  thought  of,  I  believe, 
among  her  people,  has  repeatedly  solicited  me  in  the  most 
earnest  manner  to  say  a  word  to  you  for  her  husband.  I 
know  nothing  of  him  further  than  I  have  said,  except  that  in 
1858  and  '59  I  employed  him  to  teach  Frank  German,  and 
he  was  one  of  the  best  teachers  I  ever  knew,  and  was  employed 
to  give  German  lessons  in  several  of  the  most  respectable 
families  in  New  York;  and  some  of  the  gentlemen  of  those 
families  have  also  requested  me  (at  his  wife's  solicitation)  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        471 

speak  to  you  on  the  subject.  I  must  say,  that,  beyond  his 
abilities  as  a  teacher,  my  opinion  of  him,  especially  on  the 
point  of  veracity  and  honesty,  was  not  favorable;  but  he  has 
had  his  first  lesson,  now,  in  the  discipline  of  retributory  justice, 
and  perhaps  you  may  think  that  his  imprisonment  may  be 
brought  to  a  close  now,  or  soon,  without  injury  to  him  or  to 
the  people.  I  only  call  your  attention  to  the  case,  so  that 
you  may  exercise  clemency  if  you  think  that  it  can  be  properly 
exercised  in  his  behalf;  and  of  course  it  would  be  gratifying 
to  me  to  be  at  all  instrumental  in  leading  to  the  proper  exercise 
of  that  attribute  of  authority. 

Please  to  present  my  most  kind  respects  to  Mrs.  and  Miss 
Butler.     I  am,  dear  General,  with  much  esteem. 

Very  sincerely  yours,  James  W.  White 

From  General  Butler 

Telegram.    Head  Qrs.  Dept.  Va.  &  N.  C,  Jan.  5th,  1865 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War,  Washington,  D.  C. 

I  HAVE  made  my  report  to  Lt.  General  Grant  of  the  opera- 
tions of  the  army  in  conjunction  with  the  navy  against  Wil- 
mington. General  Grant  thinks  it  should  be  published,  and 
will  forward  it  with  that  request.  I  respectfully  request 
leave  to  have  it  published.       g^^^  ^  ^^^^^^^  j^^^.  ^^^,^ 

From  General  Grant 

Telegram  in  Cipher.     City  Point,  Va.,  January  6,  1865 

President  A.  Lincoln,  Washington 

I  WROTE  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  which  was  mailed 
yesterday,  asking  to  have  General  Butler  removed  from 
command.  Learning  that  the  Secretary  left  Washington 
yesterday,  I  telegraph  you  asking  that  prompt  action  may  be 
taken  in  the  matter.  ^  g   ^^^^^^  j^.^^^  g^^^^^i 

General  Grant's  Endorsement  upon  General  Butler's  Report 

Headquarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  January  1th,  1865 

Respectfully  forwarded 

To  avoid  publicity  of  the  time  of  sailing  and  destination  of 
the  expedition  against  Fort  Fisher,  my  orders  to  General 
Butler  to  prepare  it  were  given  verbally,  and  the  instructions 
to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  expedition  were  made  by 


472   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

him  and  submitted  to  me.  I  append  to  the  report  a  copy  of 
General  Butler's  instructions  to  General  Weitzel,  together 
with  copies  of  my  written  despatches  and  instructions  to 
General  Butler,  relating  to  the  expedition.  It  will  be  per- 
ceived that  it  was  never  contemplated  that  General  Butler 
should  accompany  the  expedition,  but  that  Major  Gen.  G. 
Weitzel  was  specially  named  as  the  commander  of  it.  My 
hopes  of  success  rested  entirely  on  our  ability  to  capture  Fort 
Fisher  (and  I  had  even  a  hope  of  getting  Wilmington)  before 
the  enemy  could  get  troops  there  to  oppose  us.  I  knew  that 
the  enemy  had  taken  nearly  the  entire  garrison  of  Wilmington 
and  its  dependencies  to  oppose  Sherman.  I  am  inclined  to 
ascribe  the  delay,  which  has  cost  us  so  dearly,  to  an  experi- 
ment —  I  refer  to  the  explosion  of  gunpowder  in  the  open  air. 
My  despatches  to  General  Butler  will  show  his  report  to  be  in 
error  where  he  states  that  he  returned  after  having  effected  a 
landing  in  obedience  to  my  instructions.  On  the  contrary,  these 
instructions  contemplated  no  withdrawal,  or  no  failure  after  a 

landing  was  made.  tt   o    r-i  t  •    ±         ±  n  ? 

U.  b.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  1,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  970. 

From  General  Grant 

Headquarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  January  7th,  1865 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:  Herewith  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  Major  Gen.  B,  F. 
Butler's  and  subordinate  reports  of  the  expedition  against  Fort 
Fisher,  N.  C,  As  the  report  of  Rear- Admiral  D.  D.  Porter 
has  been  published  in  the  papers,  I  would  respectfully  request 
that  General  Butler's  report,  with  all  the  papers  accompany- 
ing it,  be  also  given  to  the  public.     Very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 
U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  966. 

From  General  Halleck 

Washington,  D.  C,  January  1th,  1865,  11  a.m. 

Lieutenant-General  Grant,  City  Point 

I  SEND  you  by  telegraph  General  Orders,  No.  1,  relieving  Gen- 
eral Butler  from  his  command.     It  will  not  be  entered  on  the 
files  or  published  here  till  you  have  delivered  it  to  him.    Please 
answer  by  telegraph  the  date  that  General  Butler  is  relieved. 
H.  W.  Halleck,  Major-General  and  Chief  of  Staff 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  60. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   473 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  Adjutant  General's  Office,  Washington,  January  1th,  1865 

General  Order,  No.  1 

I.  By  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
Major  General  Benjamin  F.  Butler  is  relieved  from  the  com- 
mand of  the  Department  of  North  Carolina  and  Virginia. 
Lieut.  Gen.  Grant  will  designate  an  officer  to  take  this  com- 
mand temporarily. 

II.  Maj.  Gen.  Butler  on  being  relieved,  will  repair  to 
Lowell,  Mass.,  and  report  by  letter  to  the  Adjutant  General 
of  the  Army. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War 

W.  A.  Nichols,  Asst.  Adjt.  Gen  I. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  January  7th,  1865 

Special  Orders,  Orders,  No.  5 

I.  In  pursuance  of  General  Orders  No.  1,  War  Depart- 
ment, Adjutant  General's  OflSce,  Washington,  D.  C.  January 
7th  1865,  Maj.  Gen.  E.  O.  C.  Ord  U.  S.  Vols.,  will  relieve 
Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler  in  the  command  of  the  Department 
of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  temporarily. 

II.  Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler  will  turn  over  to  Maj.  Gen. 
E.  O.  C.  Ord  the  records  and  orders  of  the  Department,  and 
all  public  money  in  his  possession,  or  subject  to  his  order, 
collected  by  virtue  of  rules  and  regulations  which  he  may 
have  established. 

III.  The  Department  Staff  will  report  to  Maj.  Gen.  Ord 
for  duty. 

By  command  of  Lieut.  General  Grant 

T.  S.  Bowers,  Asst.  Adjt.  Gen  I. 

From  Colonel  Comstock  to  General  Rawlins 

MoREHEAD  City,  N.  C,  January  8th,  1865 

Dear  Rawlins:  We  arrived  here  this  morning  after  a  bad 
gale,  which  kept  us  knocking  about  off  Hatteras  without 
making  any  headway.  We  have  just  been  aboard  the  ad- 
miral's ship.  He  says  there  has  not  been  a  day  fit  for  landing 
since  the  day  we  landed  at  Fort  Fisher,  December  25.  He 
thinks  a  northeast  gale  is  about  to  set  in,  and  strongly  urges 
that  all  our  fleet  be  brought  in  to  wait  for  good  weather,  as 


474        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

he  thinks  it  impossible  for  them  to  stand  a  gale  twenty-five 
miles  out.  General  Terry  will  follow  his  advice,  but  will 
keep  the  transports  away  from  here  and  out  of  sight  as  long 
as  possible,  giving  them  orders  to  run  in  at  the  last  moment. 
The  admiral  thinks  we  will  have  good  weather  in  four  or 
five  days  at  the  change  of  the  moon,  and  does  not  expect  it 
before.  General  Terry  is  at  once  ordering  ten  days'  additional 
coal  and  rations  for  our  fleet.  This  bad  weather  is  very 
unfortunate,  but  I  don't  see  that  we  can  do  anything  but 
trust  to  the  admiral's  judgment  in  that  respect.  He  says  the 
rebels  abandoned  Fort  Fisher  the  night  of  the  25th,  entirely. 

hi  haste,  yours,  C.  B.  Comstock 

OflSicial  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  69. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  Jan.  8th,  1865 

To  the  President 

Abraham  Samuels  was  arrested  in  January,  1864,  when 
endeavoring  to  make  his  way  through  my  lines  across  the 
Potomac.  Upon  examination  he  confessed  that  the  para- 
graph in  the  Richmond  Examiner,  December  28th,  1863, 
herewith  furnished,  was  furnished  to  that  paper  by  himself  in 
answer  to  a  paragraph  in  a  former  issue  saying  in  substance 
that  Samuels  had  endeavored  to  escape  to  the  Yankees. 
He  farther  confessed  that  when  he  left  Richmond  he  had  the 
list  of  medical  stores  which  is  mentioned  in  the  Examiner, 
which  he  recovered  from  the  medical  purveyor  of  the  Con- 
federate Army,  and  that  he  had  engaged  to  run  the  blockade 
and  bring  back  the  stores:  that  he  had  destroyed  this  paper. 
From  all  the  surroundings  and  his  story  I  was  satisfied  that  he 
was  in  the  interest  of  the  Confederates,  and  I  caused  him  to 
be  held  as  a  dangerous  and  disloyal  person,  and  confiscated 
the  money  he  had  with  him  amounting  when  reduced  to  the 
U.  S.  Currency  to  some  ($350),  and  placed  it  to  the  credit  of 
the  United  States  where  it  remains. 

A  great  number  of  applications  were  made  for  his  release, 
to  all  of  which  I  would  not  listen  until  after  we  had  so  con- 
structed our  lines  about  Richmond  that  I  was  satisfied  that 
Samuels'  vocation  as  blockade  runner  was  gone,  and  then 
upon  an  intimation  from  the  President  I  released  him,  not 
because  of  his  innocence,  for  he  had  confessed  enough  to  me 
to  condemn  him,  but  because  he  was  no  longer  dangerous. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        475 

He  now  claims  through  his  counsel  the  money  with  which  he 
was  carrying  on  his  business,  only  a  small  part  of  which  we  got, 
be  restored  to  him.  This  was  the  instrument  of  his  guilt.  His 
counsel  demands  the  money  shall  be  returned  to  Samuels.  I 
have  now  stated  the  facts  to  the  President:  if  he  chooses  to 
make  the  order  I  can  have  no  objection.  I  have  done  my  duty 
in  the  matter  by  submitting  this  report  to  his  judgment.  I 
have  no  doubt  the  money  ought  to  be  retained  or  else  every 
farthing  captured  in  running  the  blockade  at  Wilmington  and 
elsewhere  should  be  given  up  to  the  Blockade  Runner. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  very  respectfully, 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  Com'd. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  Dept.  Va  &  N.  C,  Army  of  the  James,  Jan.  Sth,  1865 

Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  James 

Your  Commander,  relieved  by  the  order  of  the  President, 
takes  leave  of  you. 

Your  conduct  in  the  field  has  extorted  praises  from  the 
unwilling. 

You  have  endured  the  privations  of  the  camp  and  the  march 
without  a  murmur. 

You  have  never  failed  in  attack  when  ordered. 

You  have  stormed  and  carried  works  deemed  impregnable 
by  the  enemy. 

You  have  shown  the  position's  to  be  so  by  holding  them 
against  the  fiercest  assaults  in  the  attempt  to  retake  them. 

Those  skilled  in  war  have  marvelled  at  the  obstacles  over- 
come by  your  valor. 

Your  line  of  works  have  excited  the  wonder  of  officers  of 
other  nations,  who  have  come  to  learn  defensive  warfare  from 
the  monuments  of  your  skilled  labor. 

Your  deeds  have  rendered  your  name  illustrious. 

In  after  times  your  General's  proudest  memory  will  be  to 
say  with  you,  "I,  too,  was  of  the  Army  of  the  James." 

To  share  such  companionship  is  pleasure. 

To  participate  in  such  acts  is  honor. 

To  have  commanded  such  an  Army  is  Glory. 

No  one  could  yield  it  without  regret. 

Knowing  your  willing  obedience  to  orders:  witnessing  your 
ready  devotion  of  your  blood  in  your  country's  cause,  I  have 
been  chary  of  the  precious  charge  confided  to  me. 


476   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  have  refused  to  order  the  useless  sacrifice  of  the  lives  of 
such  soldiers,  and  I  am  reheved  from  your  command. 
The  wasted  blood  of  my  men  do  not  stain  my  garments. 
For  my  action  I  am  responsible  to  God  and  my  Country. 

To  the  Colored  Troops  of  the  Army  of  the  James. 

In  this  Army  you  have  been  treated  not  as  laborers  but  as 
soldiers. 

You  have  shown  yourselves  worthy  of  the  uniform  you 
wear. 

The  best  officers  of  the  Union  seek  to  command  you. 

Your  bravery  has  won  the  admiration  even  of  those  who 
would  be  your  masters. 

Your  patriotism,  fidelity,  and  courage  have  illustrated  the 
best  qualities  of  manhood. 

With  the  bayonet  you  have  unlocked  the  iron-barred  gates 
of  prejudice,  opening  new  fields  of  freedom,  liberty,  and 
equality  of  right  to  yourselves  and  your  race  forever. 

Comrades  of  the  Army  of  the  James,  I  bid  you  farewell! 
farewell!  g^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Comd'g. 

B.  C.  Clarke,  Capt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  General  Grant 

CiTT  Point,  Va.,  January  8th,  1865,  10  P.M. 

Capt.  George  K.  Leet,  Assistant  Adjutant-General, 
Washington,  D.  C. 
Send   back    General    Butler's    report    of    the   Wilmington 
expedition  to   me;    I   wish   to   change  the  indorsement.     If 
you  have  already  delivered  it  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  please 
call  for  it  in  my  name  and  return  it. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  68. 

From  Captain  Leet 

Washington,  D.  C,  January  9th,  1865,  11.30  a.m. 

Lieutenant-General  Grant,  City  Point,  Va. 

General  Butler's  report  of  the  Wilmington  expedition 
will  be  returned  by  to-day's  mail. 

George  K.  Leet,  Captain  and  Assistant  Adjutant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  75. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   477 

From  Colonel  Comstoch  to  General  Rawlins 

Steamer  "  McClellan,"     Moeehead  City,  January  9th,  1865 

Dear  Rawlins:  Wind  is  still  northeast  and  fresh;  weather 
not  good  -  -  cloudy  —  and  looks  as  if  it  might  be  worse.  A 
vessel  loaded  with  supplies  for  Butler's  expedition  which  got 
driven  off  in  a  gale  turned  up  here  last  night,  so  we  are  well 
rationed.  General  Terry  has  sent  to  Old  Point  for  coal. 
General  Terry  has  been  making  every  exertion  to  keep  our 
destination  a  secret,  allowing  nobody  to  go  ashore;  indeed, 
only  one  or  two  on  this  vessel  knew  of  its  destination  until 
yesterday,  when  the  navy  oflScers  who  came  on  board  spoke 
of  it  freely  before  anybody,  and  Captain  Terry,  meeting  some 
acquaintances  on  shore,  was  told  it  was  known  there  three 
days  before  our  arrival  —  that  is  on  the  5th  —  that  another 
expedition  against  Wilmington  was  coming,  and  under  Terry's 
command.  How  long  we  shall  have  to  lie  here  for  the  weather. 
Heaven  knows.  Coming  down  it  was  bad  enough.  The 
machinery  of  two  of  the  vessels  was  disabled  in  the  storm, 
and  two  others  were  injured  by  it.  I  wish  you  would  say  to 
Abbot  that  I  am  not  sure  we  will  be  able  to  get  any  gabion 
or  revetting  material  on  shore,  and  think  the  quantity  men- 
tioned in  my  memorandum  should  be  increased;  also  that  he 
should  bring  a  lot  of  iron  wire,  telegraph  or  smaller.  General 
Terry  speaks  very  highly  of  the  New  York  Volunteer  En- 
gineers (Serrell's),  and  of  their  experience  in  siege  work  at 
Fort  Wagner,  and  would  like  to  have  some  of  them.  The 
memorandum  I  left  mentioned  one  company  of  engineers. 
If  Abbot  has  not  started  when  this  reaches  you,  it  would 
probably  be  best  to  make  the  selection  from  them,  sending 
100  or  150,  but  not,  by  no  manner  of  means,  including  Colonel 
Serrell. 

There  is  no  hope,  at  least  at  present,  of  the  admiral's  trying 
to  run  by  Fort  Fisher,  but  it  may  be  that  if  we  get  a  foothold 
we  can  haul  boats  across  into  Cape  Fear  River  and  establish 
a  boat  blockade  of  the  fort. 

To-night  weather  is  worse;  vessels  are  coming  in  from 
outside  to  escape  the  northeaster  which  all  the  old  sea-dogs 
are  predicting.  To-day  the  wind  has  been  fresh  all  day. 
The  truth  is,  nothing  can  be  done  in  the  way  of  landing  or 
of  navy  fire  without  either  a  dead  calm  or,  better  still,  a  little 
breeze  off  shore  to  keep  down  the  rollers  which  come  in  on  this 
coast  even  when  there  is  no  wind.     General  Terry  has  told 


478   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  admiral  that  he  is  at  his  disposal  when  the  weather  will 
do.  There  are  rumors  at  Newbern  that  the  rebs  are  collecting 
a  force  at  Kingston  to  make  an  attack  on  the  latter  place. 
These  may  very  likely  come  from  the  movements  of  troops 
to  the  south,  and  from  the  fact  that  they  attack  it  every 
winter;  still,  if  its  garrison  is  small,  it  might  be  increased 
from  Norfolk  or  the  Army  of  the  James  for  the  winter,  as  it 
would  be  a  very  important  base  for  Sherman  if  he  went  to 
Raleigh.  I  will  try  to  find  out  more  about  these  stories  and 
let  you  know.  y^^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^  ^   Comstock 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  79. 

From  General  Butler 

Telegram.    Head  Qrs.,   &c.    Fort  Monroe,  Jan'y.  9th,  1865 

PresH  of  the  United  States,  Washington,  D.  C. 

I  HAVE  telegraphed  to  the  Secretary  of  War  for  leave  to 
publish  my  report  of  the  Wilmington  affair.  I  have  received 
no  answer.  He  is  absent.  In  his  absence  I  respectfully 
ask  your  leave  to  publish  it.  It  is  but  justice.  Please  answer 
by  telegraph.  -g^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l 

From  President  Lincoln 

By  Telegraph  Jrom  Washington,  12  m..  Dated  Jan.  10,  1865 

To  Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler 

No  principal  report  of  yours  on  the  Wilmington  Expedition 
has  ever  reached  the  War  Department,  as  I  am  informed 
there.  A  preliminary  report  did  reach  here,  but  was  returned 
to  Gen.  Grant  at  his  request.  Of  course,  leave  to  publish 
cannot  be  given  without  inspection  of  the  paper,  and  not 
then  if  it  should  be  deemed  to  be  detrimental  to  the  public. 

A.  Lincoln 

From  William  H.  Duckworth 

Philadelphia,  lOth  January,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  Beast  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

Now  you  appear  to  be  appreciated.  May  a  just  God  damn 
you  to  eternal  perdition. 

Now  I  can  endorse  the  administration  fully  —  while  they 
kept  you  in  pay  I  never  could. 

From  now  henceforth  while  you  and  I  exist  you  shall  be 
persecuted,  robbed,  maligned  in  every  way,  and  finally,  with 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        479 

the  assistance  of  a  just  God,  I'll  one  day  hope  to  cut  your 
throat  from  ear  to  ear. 

Curses  on  you ! ! ! ! !  You  have  ruined  me  financially  — 
almost  —  disturbed  all  my  family  connections,  and  I  am 
left  now  in  the  world  a  single  individual  being  whose  every 
effort  shall  be  made  to  produce  discomfort  to  you  and  yours 
forever. 

I  never  raised  my  hand  against  man  before,  but  now  I 
have  no  other  aim  in  this  world  than  to  make  you  tired  of 
life  by  such  means  as  shall  suit  my  purpose,  but  you  may  rest 
assured  that  you  shall  one  day  die  by  having  your  throat  cut 
by  my  hand.     May  God  damn  you! 

/  am  your  enemy  forever,  Wm.  H.  Duckworth 

P.  S.  You  may  think  this  the  effort  of  a  fool  but  you  are 
mistaken. 

From  Colonel  Comstock  to  General  Rawlins 

Steamer  "  McClellan,"  Beatjfoet,  N.  C,  January  11,  1865 

Dear  Rawlins:  We  had  a  very  violent  gale  all  day  yester- 
day, which  now  is  over,  and  the  admiral  proposes  to  start 
to-night.  We  are  to  land  where  we  did  before,  the  navy 
taking  charge  of  the  debarkation,  and  the  admiral  says  he 
can  put  the  whole  force  ashore  in  an  hour.  He  is  rather  too 
sanguine  about  most  things,  and  we  shall  do  well  if  we  are 
all  ashore  in  three  or  four  hours  from  the  commencement. 
In  case  there  is  nothing  to  prevent  an  assault,  the  admiral 
proposes  making  one  in  boats  on  the  sea  front  at  the  same  time 
we  try  it  on  the  land  front.  I  trust  we  may  have  good  weather 
now,  for  the  fleet  of  transports  now  is  down  to  five  days' 
coal,  no  more  having  arrived,  and  bad  weather  would  force 
them  to  come  back  here  and  wait  for  it.  I  see  the  papers 
state  that  a  privateer  ran  out  from  Wilmington  on  the  night 
of  December  25,  and  the  admiral  says  the  iron-clad  they  had 
is  sunk,  and  that  now  there  is  nothing  inside.  I  trust  this 
is  so,  for  it  will  be  a  great  convenience  to  have  them  out  of 
the  way.  I  wrote  to  General  Palmer,  asking  about  the  rebs 
having  a  force  at  Kingston,  but  have  received  no  reply  yet. 
Now,  if  you  will  quit  swearing  for  two  days  and  pray  half  as 
hard,  I  think  we'll  have  good  weather  and  good  luck. 

Yours,  very  truly,  C.  B.  Comstock 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  93. 


480        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Grant 

Telegram.  Head  Qrs.  Foht  Monroe,  Jan.  11th,  1865,  10.45  a.m. 
I  HAVE  asked  the  President  for  permission  to  publish  my 
report  of  the  Wilmington  affair.  He  answers  that  no  report 
has  ever  been  received  at  the  War  Department.  You  told 
me  you  had  forwarded  it.^*  Has  it  been  lost  again.^  If  so,  I 
have  a  copy.  ^^^^  p  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

B.  C.  Clarke,  Capt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  General  Rawlins  to  General  Butler 

City  Pofnt,  Va.,  January  11,  1865 

General  Grant  telegraphed  to  Captain  Leet  to  return  your 
report  to  enable  him  to  revise  his  endorsement  on  it.  It  will 
arrive  here  probably  to-day,  and  will  be  returned  by  special 
messenger  to-morrow.     He  has  requested  its  publication. 

Jno.  a.  Rawlins,  Brigadier-General  and  Chief  of  Staff 

OflBcial  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  98. 

From  General  Ord  to  General  Grant 

Headqrs.  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James,  January  11,  1865 

General  Butler  sends  up  700  of  his  parting  order  printed. 
I  told  him  before  he  left  there  was  no  objection  to  his  taking 
leave  in  an  order,  but  it  contains  these  words: 

"I  have  refused  to  order  the  sacrifice  of  such  soldiers,  and 
I  am  relieved  from  your  command.  The  wasted  blood  of 
my  men  does  not  stain  my  garments.  For  my  actions  I  am 
responsible  to  God  and  my  Country." 

Shall  I  send  this  out?  j,   q   ^   ^^^  Major-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol,  46,  Part  2,  Page  98. 

From  General  Grant  to  General  Ord 

City  Point,  Va.,  January  11th,  1865,  10.45  p.m. 

General  Grant  directs  me  to  say  to  you  that  General 
Butler's  parting  orders  may  be  sent  out. 

T.  S.  Bowers,  Assistant  Adjutant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  98. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   481 

From  Estwick  Evans  to  General  Butler 

Washington  City,  January  Wth,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  I  have  just  noticed  in  the  papers  the  order  of 
the  Government  in  relation  to  you. 

Hold  on!  —  rest  on  your  integrity !  —  still  be  the  whole 
patriot !  —  Times  will  come  round  —  perhaps  very  unex- 
pectedly and  suddenly.  Rome  hid  her  Belisarius.  Again 
I  say,  hold  on!  Be  patient,  retired,  quiet,  let  public  senti- 
ment operate  and  operate  for  you:  unless  you  have  been 
grossly  and  plainly  wronged;  and  then  come  out  with  plain 
facts  —  and  keep  back  your  holy  indignation. 

If  all  the  Generals  had  been  of  your  patriotism,  and  courage, 
and  stern  spirit,  the  rebellion  would  have  been  swept  away  in 
6  months. 

May  God  —  a  just  God  —  bless  you. 

Estwick  Evans 

From  Fred  Manning 

Waterloo,  New  York,  January  Xith,  1865 

To  Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Massachusetts 

General:  It  was  not  until  I  saw  your  farewell  address 
that  I  could  believe  the  report  of  your  removal  from  the 
army  you  have  made,  and  you  can  hardly  know  with  what 
pain  I  received  the  unwelcome  truth. 

I  will  not  have  to  tell  you,  General,  how  deeply  I  respect 
and  how  earnestly  I  regard  you,  and  that  my  connection  with 
you  will  always  be  the  source  of  proud  and  pleasant  memories. 
I  regret  most  my  absence  at  the  time  you  left,  and  as  I 
could  not  speak  a  farewell,  I  send  these  few  words  of  heartfelt 
parting,  for  among  your  many  friends  and  believers  I  doubt 
if  there  is  one  more  sincere  and  devoted  than. 

Very  truly  yours,  Fred  Manning 

From  Colonel  Wardrop 

Norfolk,  Va.,  Jan.  I'ith,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Ft.  Monroe,  Va.,  or  Lowell,  Mass. 
General:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  that  you  will  absolve 
me  from  my  promise  of  accepting  the  command  of  the  regi- 
ment you  offered  me,  as  I  supposed  at  that  time  it  would  be 
under  your  command,  and  would  not  have  accepted  it  from 
another.     Permit  me  to  thank  you  for  your  many  kind  acts 

VOL.   V — 31 


482       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

in  my  behalf,  and  allow  me  to  number  myself  among  your 
friends,  bumble  and  of  no  great  influence  it  is  true,  but  when- 
ever you  need  or  wish  the  services  of  a  true  heart,  clear  head, 
or  strong  arm,  publicly  or  privately,  you  can  command  me, 
and  believe  me  there  are  thousands  of  the  same  who  will  not 
forget  the  great  services  that  you  have  rendered  the  country 
in  her  hour  of  need.  I  have  the  honor  to  subscribe  myself. 
Your  grateful  friend  and  servant, 

W.  W.  Wardrop,  Col  99th  N.  Y.  V. 

From  R.  McMurdy  to  General  Butler 

Washington  City,  January  llth,  1865 

My  dear  Sir:  We  are  disappointed  in  not  seeing  you  here, 
but  your  infinite  wisdom  decided  it  best  to  go  by  a  more 
direct  route  to  Lowell. 

We  were  anxious  to  consult  you  and  had  arranged  a  quiet 
meeting.  We  feared  to  correspond  lest  we  might  compromise 
you.  Your  friends  are  devoted  to  you  with  an  admiration 
never  exceeded.  Your  bearing  at  the  last  makes  your  whole 
career  consistent.  Your  address  to  the  army  has  never  been 
equalled,  either  by  any  address  of  Cromwell  or  Napoleon. 
We  are  yours  forever  —  but  a  truce  to  such  thoughts. 

To  give  you  an  idea  of  one  of  our  interviews  with  the  mem- 
bers of  the  House  of  Rep,,  I  refer  to  the  conversation  with 
Gen.  Smith,  Lee,  Luderson  and  Randall,  members  from 
Kentucky.  They  said  to  me  that  they  desired  you  in  Ky. 
imtrammelled  by  Stanton  or  Grant,  that  Grant  had  been 
in  their  way  in  Ky.,  this  occurred  this  A.M.  I  called  Judge 
Carter  to  our  interview  and  he  promised  to  give  you  the 
result.  Many  here  are  ready  to  act  in  certain  directions, 
but  all  hesitate  without  seeing  you,  deferring  to  your  superior 
judgment. 

We  are  desirous  of  doing  what  ought  to  be  done,  and  yet 
hesitate  beyond  a  bold  and  manly  expression  of  our  senti- 
ments. 

We  wish  there  were  some  one  at  Lowell  who  could  and 
would  give  us  free  suggestions,  without  compromising  you. 

Our  most  profound  sentiments  of  regard  for  Mrs.  Butler, 
and  our  unlimited  admiration  of  your  wisdom  and  power  and 
goodness,  and  trust  the  time  may  come  when  the  only  very 
great  man  of  the  times  will  govern.     In  behalf  of  multitudes. 

Yours  truly,  R,  McMurdy 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        483 

From  B.  Maillefert  to  General  Butler 

Dutch  Gap,  Jan.  lith,  1865 

Sir:  Presuming  you  will  be  glad  to  hear  of  the  progress  of 
the  work  in  which  you  have  taken  such  an  important  part, 
I  have  to  say  that  by  your  permission  through  Brig,  Gen. 
Ludlow  on  the  3rd  inst.  I  fired  2  submarines  charges  which 
made  such  a  gap  into  the  mass  of  debris  that  I  was  able  to 
pass  through  in  a  small  boat,  —  on  the  5th  I  fired  3  more 
charges  which  deepened  and  widened  the  channel  considerably, 
finally  on  the  night  of  the  10th  I  fired  3  more  which  thoroughly 
made  it  about  35  feet  wide,  and  the  strong  current  passing 
through  it  made  visible  change,  and  best  of  all,  a  strong 
freshet  in  the  James  river  came  to  my  assistance  to  such  an 
extent  that  there  is  now  no  sign  of  bulkliead  ever  having  been 
there.  At  this  moment  there  is  a  perfect  torrent  rushing 
through  at  least  70  feet  wide  and  apparently  to  the  required 
depth  —  I  feel  very  confident  that  it  is  a  complete  success, 
and  will  be  a  permanent  one.  I  cannot  close  this.  Sir,  without 
returning  you  my  sincere  thanks  for  allowing  me  a  chance  to 
finish  this  work,  and  thus  keeping  my  engagement  with  certain 
parties  which,  you  may  recollect,  doubted  the  practicability 
of  giving  them  enough  water.  With  high  respects,  I  am.  Sir, 
Your  very  ohdt.  Servant,  B.  Maillefert 

From  General  Butler 

Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  January  IStk,  1865 

To  the  President 

I  RESPECTFULLY  ask  permission  to  visit  Washington  upon 
personal  business,  to  adjust  some  accounts,  to  get  some 
vouchers  and  evidence  in  a  suit  commenced  against  me, 
which  I  cannot  obtain  without  personal  attention. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Major-General,  Commanding 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  120. 

From  President  Lincoln 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  January  13th,  1865,  3.35  p.m. 

Major-General  Butler,  Fort  Monroe,  Va. 

Yours,  asking  leave  to  come  to  Washington,  is  received. 
You  have  been  summoned  by  the  Committee  on  the  Conduct 
of  the  War  to  attend  here,  which,  of  course,  you  will  do. 

A.  Lincoln 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  120. 


484        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Terry 

Headquarters,  Expeditionary  Forces,  before  Wilmington,  N.  C,  January  13th,  1865 

Brig.  Gen.  John  A.  Rawlins,  Chief  of  Staff,  City  Point,  Va. 

General:  After  consultation  with  Colonel  Comstock,  and 
in  view  of  what  I  think  is  the  ascertained  fact  that  the  whole, 
or  nearly  the  whole,  of  Hoke's  force  is  still  here,  I  think  that 
it  would  be  advisable  to  send  the  balance  of  the  troops  which 
Lieutenant-General  Grant  spoke  of  sending  forward.  It 
seems  indispensable  to  hold  strongly  the  line  toward  Wilming- 
ton, and  for  this  purpose  at  least  four  of  my  brigades  are 
necessary,  leaving  only  two  brigades  for  operations  against 
the  fort.  In  case  an  assault  should  be  tried  and  be  unsuc- 
cessful, the  losses  which  would  be  incurred  would  leave  an 
entirely  insuflScient  force  for  further  operations.  I  suggest 
that  these  troops  should  be  sent  in  vessels  capable  of  standing 
a  storm  at  their  anchors  here,  and  should  be  provisioned, 
coaled,  and  watered  for  at  least  fifteen  days,  so  that  in  case 
the  weather  should  prevent  the  landing  of  supplies  for  more 
troops  than  we  now  have,  they  could  remain  on  the  vessels. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  general,  very  respectfully,  your 
obedient  servant, 

Alfred  H.  Terry,  Brevet  Major-General, 

Commanding  Expedition 

P.  S.     Please  send  me  twenty  paulins  to  cover  stores  and 

A.  H.  Terry,  Brevet  Major-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  122. 

From  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Dept.  of  Virginia  and  N.  Carolina, 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  Jan.  13th,  1865 

Brig.  Gen'l.  J.  J.  Wistar,  Philadelphia,  Penn. 

My  dear  Wistar:  I  trust  the  formal  certificate  I  send  you 

will  be  sufficient  to  get  you  the  pension  you  have  so  richly 

earned.     You  see  I  am  retiring  from  active  service  from  a 

cause  which  will  not  get  me  a  pension.     The  best  reward  I 

have,  however,  is  in  the  belief  that  I  retain  the  respect  of  the 

gallant  officers  who  have  served  with  me,  and  their  conviction 

that  I  have  endeavored  to  do  my  duty.     Commend  me  to 

your  amiable  wife,  and  believe  me  ,r         .     »     t>   -n.  t. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        485 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Rawlins 

Private.    Fort  Montioe,  Jan'y  13,  1865 

My  dear  Rawlins:  You  know  that  I  like  to  see  a  thing 
well  done  if  done  at  all,  and  I  must  say  my  enemies  about 
your  headquarters  are  very  bungling  in  their  malice,  and  will 
bring  the  General  into  remark.  Take  the  article  in  the  Herald 
by  Cadwallader,  and  it  will  appear  to  have  been  dictated  at 
Head  Qrs.,  where  I  know  the  General  had  nothing  to  do  with 
it.  It  was  not  telegraphed,  and  to  have  reached  Tuesday's 
Herald  must  have  left  in  the  mail  boat  at  10  a.m.,  when  the  order 
for  my  removal  was  not  served  on  me  till  12  M.  of  the  same 
day,  Sunday.  Unless  the  orders  of  the  General  are  disclosed  be- 
fore they  are  made  pubhc,  how  could  the  "news  of  Gen'l. 
Butler's  removal  excite  much  comment,  but  as  far  as  I  can 
learn  but  little  or  no  animadversion."  It  could  not  have  been 
known  beyond  Gen'l.  Grant's  personal  staff,  and  whatever  may 
have  been  the  feelings  of  some  of  those  gentlemen  towards 
myself,  I  should  not  expect  much  if  any  animadversion  with 
them.  Again,  Cadwallader  could  never  have  written  this  sen- 
tence:—  "It  has  been  Gen'l.  Butler's  misfortune  to  appoint  too 
many  of  [these]  selfish  and  irresponsible  persons  to  official  posi- 
tions of  trust  and  responsibility.  Their  indiscretions  have  cost 
him  dearly,  &c."  Now,  as  I  appointed  Cadwallader  myself 
as  a  Lieutenant  in  the  U.  S.  Vols.,  as  I  supposed  and  believed 
at  the  wish  of  Gen'l.  Grant,  for  the  selfish  reason  on  Cad- 
wallader's  part  that  he  wished  to  escape  the  draft  which  would 
take  him  away  from  General  Head  Qrs.  as  a  reporter,  and  as 
he  is  wholly  "irresponsible,"  and  as  not  only  I  but  General 
Grant  is  "suffering  from  his  indiscretion,"  although  he  had  this 
piece  of  news  in  advance  of  anybody  else,  I  do  not  believe  he 
would  wish  to  communicate  it  to  the  Herald.  Now  wasn't 
the  fellow  who  got  up  this  dispatch  a  bungler? 

Again,  to  put  the  removal  on  the  ground  that  I  was  the  last 
of  the  "civilian  generals"  brings  an  issue  between  the  regulars 
and  volunteers,  and  I  assure  you  that  the  person  who  penned 
that  does  not  love  the  General  or  else  is  as  stupid  as  a  Quarter- 
master who  would  let  the  horses  of  a  whole  army  starve  for 
want  of  forage  when  there  is  plenty  in  the  country  if  he  had  a 
little  energy  to  get  it.  Because  the  regular  army  do  not  like 
the  General.  They  did  not  before  the  war,  and  his  great 
success  since  has  not  increased  their  love,  and  his  day  of  trial 
is  coming,  and  therefore  they  seek  to  throw  off  those  of  the 


486   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

volunteers  who  would  be  his  friends.  And  it  is  of  no  conse- 
quence to  him  whether  the  injury  proceeds  from  their  enmity 
or  incapacity.  Now,  my  dear  Rawlins,  look  after  those  stupid 
fellows  a  little  or  they  will  do  mischief  to  their  chief.  They 
have  already  circulated  a  story  that  General  Grant  has  always 
been  opposed  to  me,  and  that  I  have  been  thrust  upon  him 
for  political  reasons,  so  if  possible  to  get  a  personal  issue  be- 
tween me  and  the  General.  It  will  be  his  fault  if  that  issue 
comes,  not  mine.  It  will  be  my  misfortune  and  the  work  of 
his  subordinates.  The  navy  waits  at  Beaufort  again,  and  the 
army  waits  for  them. 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l.  no  longer 

From  R.  G.  Usher 

Boston,  Massachusetts,  Jan.  Uth,  1865 

Gen.  Butler,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Dear  General:  The  Adders,  Copperheads,  jealous  republi- 
cans and  mean  men  of  the  regular  army,  with  all  their  venom 
will  not  succeed  in  this  attempt  to  poison  the  people  in  regard 
to  you  or  your  policy.     Please  fight  them  and  punish  as  you 

Yours  through  evil  as  well  as  good  report, 

R.  G.  Usher,  of  The  Nation 

From  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  JarCy  14/65 

Lt.  Gen  I.  Grant,  Com'dg. 

Chaplain  Henry  Hudson  having  forwarded  his  resignation 
after  having  been  charged  with  high  offences  and  misdemeanors, 
I  have  not  thought  proper  to  accept  the  same,  but  forward 
his  resignation  with  a  copy  of  the  charges  which  I  beg  leave 
to  present  against  him,  and  which  could  not  be  earlier  tried 
because,  being  the  prosecutor,  I  had  no  means  of  ordering  the 
Court.  I  respectfully  ask  that  these  charges  may  be  tried 
either  by  Court  Martial,  by  yourself,  or  by  the  Sec'y  of  War. 

I  take  leave  to  send  duplicate  copies  of  the  charges  and 
resignation  to  the  Chief  of  the  Bureau  of  Military  Justice. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  Gen'l.,  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   487 

From  General  Butler 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  Jan'y  14,/65 

Brig.  Gen'l.  Holt,  Office  Bu.  of  Mil.  Justice,  Washington,  D.C. 

General:  While  in  command  of  the  Department  of  Vir- 
ginia and  North  CaroHna,  and  on  or  about  the  15th  of  Sept. 
last,  I  caused  to  be  arrested  Henry  Hudson,  Chaplain  of  the 
1st  New  York  Volunteer  Engineers,  for  grave  offences  and 
misdemeanors,  which  are  set  forth  in  the  charges  and  specifi- 
cations herewith  enclosed. 

They  are  the  gravest  that  could  possibly  be  alleged  against 
a  minister  of  religion,  a  Chaplain  and  OflBcer  in  the  United 
States  Army. 

From  the  circumstances  that  one  is  an  offence  personal  to 
myself,  I  could  neither  adjudicate  the  case  as  Commander  of 
the  Department,  or  order  a  Court. 

I  have  forwarded  duplicates  of  these  charges,  and  of  the 
resignation  of  Chaplain  Hudson,  to  the  Lieut.  Gen'l.  Com'dg., 
with  the  request  for  a  Court  Martial  to  try  them. 

Being  uncertain  whether  under  the  peculiar  circumstances 
it  should  not  be  addressed  direct  to  the  Bureau  of  Military 
Justice,  I  forward  these  duplicates  to  you.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be  General,  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Head  Quarters,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  Army  of  the  James, 

Fortress  Monroe,  Va.,  Jany  id,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Charges  and  specifications  against  Chaplain  Henry  Hudson 
of  the  1st  New   York  Engineers,  serving   with   the  Army 
of  the  James 
Charge  1st.   Absence  from  his  command  without  leave 
Specification  1st.   In  this,   that   Chaplain  Henry  Hudson, 
duly  commissioned  and    serving  with   his  command  in   the 
department  of  Virginia  &  North  Carolina,  did  leave  his  com- 
mand, and  then  without  leave  or  proper  authority  therefore 
did  remain  absent  to  wit  from  the  29th  day  of  May  in  the  year 
eighteen  hundred  &  sixty-four  until  the  15th  day  of  September 
following,  when  he,  the  said  Hudson,  was  brought  back  under 
arrest. 

Specification  2d.  In  this,  that  Chaplain  Henry  Hudson, 
being  absent  from  his  command  and  as  aforesaid  in  the  city 
of  New  York  on  the  5th  day  of  July  in  the  year  eighteen  hun- 


488        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

dred  &  sixty-four,  failed  to  return  forthwith  to  the  department 
aforesaid  by  an  order  duly  issued  by  Maj.  Gen.  Benj.  F. 
Butler,  commanding  the  department  of  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina,  wherein  the  said  Chaplain  Hudson  should  have  been 
then  serving,  which  order  was  duly  made  known  to  said 
Chaplain  Hudson.  Said  Chaplain  Hudson  did  refuse  and 
neglect  to  return  to  his  duty  and  his  command,  and  did  re- 
main absent  without  proper  authority  from  said  fifth  (5th) 
day  of  July  till  the  15th  (fifteenth)  day  of  September  follow- 
ing, when  said  Chaplain  Hudson  was  brought  back  under 
arrest  to  said  Department. 

Charge  2d.  Conduct  unbecoming  an  officer  and  a  gentleman 
In  this,  that  said  Chaplain  Hudson,  being  an  officer  duly 
commissioned  and  serving  in  the  Department  of  Virginia  and 
North  Carolina,  with  his  regiment  and  near  the  defensive  lines 
of  Army  of  the  United  States  near  Bermuda  Hundreds,  and 
having  care  as  such  Chaplain  of  the  spiritual  interests  and  wel- 
fare of  his  regiment  then  lying  in  face  of  the  enemy  and 
liable  to  be  called  into  action  at  any  time,  did  leave  his  com- 
mand and  neglect  his  duty,  and  under  a  pretended  and  inoper- 
ative leave  of  absence  and  order,  did  go  to  the  city  of  New 
York  for  the  purpose  and  intent  of  doing  private  business, 
to  wit,  superintending  the  printing  and  reading  the  proof  of  a 
certain  book  report  and  private  literary  enterprise  of  Quincy 
A.  Gillmore,  Maj.  Genl.  of  Volunteers,  which  the  said  Chap- 
lain Hudson  supposed  was  being  printed  or  about  to  be  printed 
for  and  in  behalf  of  said  Gillmore  by  Van  Nostrand  &  Company, 
Book  Publishers  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  in  pursuance  of 
said  business  and  enterprise,  said  Hudson  remained  absent 
from  his  command  to  wit  from  the  29th  day  of  May  in  the 
year  eighteen  hundred  &  sixty-four  till  the  15th  day  of  Septem- 
ber following,  when  he,  said  Chaplain  Hudson,  was  brought 
back  under  arrest  to  said  Department.  He,  the  said  Hudson, 
while  waiting  on  said  private  enterprise  and  business,  actually 
drawing  his  pay  from  the  United  States  for  all  or  a  portion  of 
the  time  when  so  depriving  the  United  States  of  his  services 
in  manner  aforesaid. 

Specification  1st.  In  this,  that  said  Henry  M.  Hudson,  Chap- 
lain of  the  first  New  York  Vol.  Engineers,  being  duly  commis- 
sioned and  serving  with  his  command  near  Bermuda  Hundreds, 
Virginia,  did  corruptly  and  improperly  agree  with  Quincy  A. 
Gillmore,  Maj.  General  U.  S.  Volunteers,  then  commanding  the 
Tenth  Army  Corps  in  the  field  in  presence  of  the  enemy,  to  leave 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   489 

his,  said  Hudson's,  duty  and  command  then  in  presence  of  the 
enemy  and  the  Department  of  Virginia  &  North  CaroHna,  and 
to  go  to  the  city  of  New  York  upon  said  Gillmore's  order,  and 
there  superintend  and  aid  in  the  printing  or  publishing  a 
certain  private  Hterary  enterprise  book  and  report  made  and 
intended  to  be  published  by  said  Gillmore  for  his  private 
enterprise  and  profit  through  Van  Nostrand  and  Company, 
Book  Publishers  in  the  city  of  New  York.  And  in  pursuance 
of  said  corrupt  agreement,  said  Hudson  did  take  and  receive 
the  order  of  said  Gillmore  to  proceed  to  New  York  on  business 
for  the  Commanding  General,  to  wit,  said  Gillmore,  did  leave 
his  command  and  duty  and  go  to  said  city  of  New  York  and  did 
remain  and  wait  to  superintend  and  aid  in  the  publishing  of 
said  book  and  report  from  the  1st  day  of  June  to  the  15th 
day  of  September,  and  until  said  Hudson  was  returned  to  said 
Department  under  arrest.  Said  Hudson  taking  and  receiving 
his  pay  from  the  United  States  for  his  services  as  such  chaplain 
while  he  was  so  waiting  upon  and  attending  to  said  private 
enterprise  of  said  Gillmore,  and  while  so  deserting  his  post, 
his  duty,  and  his  command. 

This  at  Bermuda  Hundreds  Virginia  on  the  28th  of  May 
eighteen  hundred  and  sixty -four. 

Charge  3d.   Disobedience  of  order 

In  this,  that  said  Chaplain  Hudson  being  absent  in  the  city 
of  New  York  from  his  post,  duty,  and  command  in  the  depart- 
ment of  Virginia  &  North  Carolina,  was  ordered  and  did 
receive  such  order  and  due  notice  thereof,  to  return  to  said 
department  and  to  report  to  the  Head  Qrs.  thereof  without 
delay,  did  refuse,  delay,  and  neglect  to  obey  said  order,  and  did 
remain  absent  without  orders  from  his  command  for  the  space 
of  two  months,  to  wit  till  the  15th  day  of  September  following. 

This  at  New  York  on  the  fifth  day  of  July  in  the  year  eighteen 
hundred  and  sixty-four. 

Charge  Jiih.  Conduct  prejudicial  to  good  order  and  military 
discipline 

In  this,  that  said  Chaplain  Hudson,  being  then  an  ofiicer 
duly  serving  under  the  command  of  Maj.  Gen.  Benj.  F.  Butler, 
then  in  command  of  the  Department  of  Virginia  &  North 
Carolina,  did  write  a  certain  letter  and  communication  to  Parke 
Godwin,  Editor  of  the  New  York  Evening  Post,  a  newspaper 
published  in  the  city  of  New  York,  containing  a  calumnious, 
censorious,  and  defamatory  criticism  and  censure  of  his  superior 
officer,  Maj.  General  Butler  commanding,  and  did  in  said  letter 


490        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

discuss  the  acts,  orders,  and  commands  of  his  said  commanding 
officer,  which  said  letter  &  censure  was  pubHshed  in  said 
newspaper,  and  thereby  said  Hudson's  superior  officer  was 
injuriously  &  unjustly  held  up  to  public  hatred,  ridicule,  and 
contempt,  which  said  injurious  letter,  publication,  or  a  copy 
thereof  is  not  appended  or  set  forth  in  this  specification  because 
the  same  cannot  be  obtained  by  the  prosecutor. 

This  at  Bermuda  Hundreds  on  the  20th  day  of  May  eighteen 
hundred  sixty-four. 

Witnesses:  Maj.  Gen'l.  Q.  A.  Gillmore,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Benj. 
F.  Butler,  Col.  Ed.  W.  Serrell,  1st  U.  S.  Engineers,  Lt. 
John  I.  Davenport,  Lt.  A.  D.  C,  Parke  Godwin,  Esq.,  Ed. 
N.  Y.  Evening  Post,  Lt.  Col.  E.  W.  Smith,  A.  A.  G.  Dept.  of  Va. 
iScN.C. 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Freeport,  June  2ith,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order]] 

Dear  General:  I  have  just  learned  that  Hon.  D.  L., 
Hough,  a  friend  of  mine  at  Lasalle,  111.,  was  in  college  with  that 
preacher  of  Gillmore's  that  is  writing  a  pamphlet  in  New 
York  against  you.  He  says  that  the  fellow's  record  is  fearful, 
and  that  he  would  be  glad  to  furnish  it  to  you.  I  wrote  Hough 
to  write  you  and  give  you  all  the  points.  Hough  is  a  prominent 
lawyer  and  a  great  admirer  of  yours. 

Write  me  whether  you  are  coming  West  &  what  you  expect 

As  ever  yours  truly,  J.  W.  Shaffer 
From  General  Butler 

July  nth  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  D.  L.  Hough 

Dear  Sir:  A  scurrilous  attack  has  been  made  upon  me  by 
a  former  clergyman,  Henry  Hudson. 

I  am  anxious  to  learn  all  I  may  of  the  antecedents  of  the 
man.  Being  informed  that  you  were  conversant  with  Hudson's 
early  history,  I  take  leave  to  ask  of  you  such  facts  as  may  be 
within  your  knowledge  to  elucidate  his  character.  My  friend 
Col.  J.  W.  Shaffer,  of  Freeport,  111.,  is  the  source  of  my  infor- 
mation as  to  your  knowledge  of  Hudson. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   491 

From  Edward  L.  Pierce  to  General  Butler 

Third  Collection  District,  Massachusetts.     16  Summer  Street,  Boston, 
July  llth,  1865  [^Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  General:  Hudson's  letter  is  having  an  effect 
very  injurious  to  you.  I  can  see  it  among  the  men  whom  I 
meet.  On  reading  a  review  in  the  Nation  I  wrote  to  McKim, 
who  helped  to  get  it  up,  and  the  enclosed  is  the  result. 

A  few  of  us  some  months  ago  met  to  start  a  paper  especially 
for  the  freedmen.  Others  joined  who  doubted  the  policy  of 
such  a  limited  object  —  and  the  result  was  a  merely  literary 
and  political  paper.  It  is  not  therefore  our  paper  —  but  I 
felt  nevertheless  on  account  of  its  origin  troubled  to  see  the 
article  in  question  more  than  if  it  had  appeared  elsewhere. 

Yours  truly,  Edward  L.  Pierce 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  E.  L.  Pierce's  Letter 

Bureau  of  the  American  Freedmen's  Aid  Union,  69  Nassau  Street, 

New  York,  July  lOth,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  Pierce  :  The  Nation  is  not  the  organ  of  the  Freed- 
men's movements.  It  is  established  and  is  to  be  conducted  in 
the  interest  of  all  virtue.  Therefore  the  freedmen,  men  —  who 
are  also  more  than  freedmen's  men  —  favor  and  support  it. 

I  received  your  letter  {via  Phila.)  about  one  hour  ago.  I 
at  once  sent  it  without  note  or  comment  to  130  Nassau  Street  — 
to  Mr.  Godkin,  the  Ed.  in  Chief.  He  has  just  sent  me  the 
enclosed  in  reply. 

Hoping  that  will  be  satisfactory  to  you,  I  am  as  ever, 

Yours  truly,  J.  M.  McKim 

130  Nassau  Street,  New  York,  July  10  [1865]    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

J.  M.  McKim 

My  dear  Sir:  If  Mr.  Pierce  supposes  that  the  Nation 
is  anybody's  "organ"  in  the  sense  that  it  is  not  to  notice  or 
allude  to  an  illegal  act,  or  an  act  on  its  face  illegal,  because 
committed  by  somebody  who  has  done  much  for  the  freedmen, 
he  is  very  much  mistaken  both  with  regard  to  it  and  to  me. 

The  Nation  has  expressed  no  opinion  about  General  Butler's 
conduct  in  the  Hudson  case.  It  has  simply  reviewed  a  pub- 
lished pamphlet  containing  serious  charges  against  him,  which 
were  he  twice  as  great  a  friend  of  the  freedmen,  as  he  is,  I 
think  he  owes  it  to  himself  and  the  public  to  answer.     I  hope 


492   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

it  may  be  well  understood  everywhere  that  the  Nation  will  take 
no  person  of  any  party  under  its  wing,  or  be  his  organ. 

Yours  very  truly,  Edwin  L.  Godkin 

From  General  Butler 

July  12,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order]] 

My  dear  Pierce:  Your  kind  endeavors  in  my  behalf  are 
fully  appreciated.  The  article  in  the  Nation  can  easily  be 
understood.  I  declined  to  take  stock  in  the  concern.  I  had 
no  intention  of  establishing  an  independent  paper  in  New 
York.  One  hundred  is  enough  for  one  city.  One  Bennett 
for  an  age.     Hinc  illae  lachrymae. 

An  answer  will  be  made  to  Hudson  which  will  convince  those 
who  desire  to  think  well  of  me.  An  Angel  from  Heaven  will 
not  convince  those  who  do  not.  The  truth  is  the  pamphlet 
is  too  scurrilous  to  be  susceptible  of  a  reply. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler 

July  12,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Right  Reverend  Thomas  M.  Clarke,  Bishop  of  Rhode  Island 

Dear  Sir:  On  the  20th  of  November  last  you  wrote  calling 
attention  to  the  arrest  of  Chaplain  Henry  H.  Hudson,  asking 
his  release  if  consistent  with  public  duty,  at  the  same  time 
calling  my  attention  to  statements  of  supposed  facts  as  to  his 
confinement.  As  I  had  released  him  from  imprisonment  before 
your  note  was  written,  a  farther  reply  to  it  at  that  time 
seemed  not  to  be  required. 

Subsequently,  however,  a  pamphlet  has  been  published  by  him 
wherein  the  same  misstatements  are  reiterated.  Your  knowl- 
edge of  me  from  earliest  boyhood,  your  uniform  kindness  toward 
me,  your  high  position  in  that  ministry  and  church  of  which 
Hudson  rightly  classes  himself  to  be  an  "unworthy  member," 
all  concur  to  induce  me  to  lay  before  you  in  a  few  words  all  my 
connection  with  Hudson,  material  to  be  known  so  that  at  least 
I  may  have  place  in  your  good  opinion  which  I  have  long  cher- 
ished as  a  high  standard  of  criticism  of  my  conduct  in  life. 

I  therefore  send  you  copies  of  all  the  official  documents  in 
relation  to  Chaplain  Hudson  with  a  full  report  of  my  Provost. 
From  these  it  will  be  seen  that  every  charge  of  ill-treatment 
official  or  personal,  ill-conduct  toward  Chaplain  Hudson,  is 
untrue  in  fact. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        493 

You  will  not  expect  me  to  answer  or  retort  to  the  scurrilous 
language  of  the  Chaplain's  production.  Neither  shall  I  make 
use  of  the  material  so  amply  furnished  me  and  in  my  possession 
to  show  his  utter  worthlessness  of  personal  character  and  Other 
unfitness  for  the  appointment  which  Governor  Seymour  con- 
ferred upon  him,  for  if  I  have  really  done  him  wrong  it  is  no 
answer  for  me  to  show  that  he  was  a  scoundrel  before  he  was 
a  Chaplain,  as  in  the  latter  capacity  only  he  came  under  my 
supervision. 

Stripped  of  the  verbiage,  Chaplain  Hudson  complaints  are,  1st. 
That  I  confined  him  in  a  bull-pen.  2nd.  That  I  put  him  in  a 
magazine  tent,  liable  to  explosion,  to  torture  if  not  to  kill  him. 
3rd.  That  I  kept  him  so  confined  knowing  him  to  be  innocent 
of  all  wrong  for  a  length  of  time  for  the  purpose  of  oppression. 

As  to  the  first  charge  reiterated  on  every  page  of  confine- 
ment in  a  bull-pen,  you  will  be  surprised  to  learn  that  there  was 
no  enclosure  whatever  around  the  tent  or  camp  wherein 
Chaplain  Hudson  was  confined.  That  his  tent,  until  he  was 
removed  to  a  building  of  the  convalescent,  was  precisely  like 
that  of  each  of  my  staff  officers,  and  was  situated  in  the  same 
field  with  theirs,  not  sixty  yards  from  my  own  tent,  and  the 
only  restraint  the  Chaplain  suffered  was  not  being  allowed  to 
leave  the  camp.  Anybody  saw  him  that  chose;  he  received 
and  sent  away  anything  he  chose;  wrote  anything  to  anybody, 
and  the  only  request  as  to  a  change  in  his  condition  ever  made 
by  him  to  me  was  to  be  allowed  to  preach.  This  was  refused 
as  I  thought  and  I  doubt  not  the  readers  of  his  book  will  think 
that  we  had  had  enough  of  that. 

Secondly,  As  to  torturing  him  in  a  magazine  tent,  liable  to 
explosion.  This  the  Chaplain  claims  he  occupied  only  two 
days.  He  was  put  into  a  large  tent  which  contained  a  few 
shells  and  metallic  cartridges,  brought  to  me  by  the  inventor 
for  an  experiment,  as  the  only  place  he  could  be  comfortably 
sheltered  for  the  night  after  he  came.  This  was  without  my 
knowledge,  but  had  I  known  of  the  condition  of  the  tent  I 
certainly  should  have  ordered  it.  These  shells  had  stood  in  my 
own  tent  more  than  fifteen  days,  and  had  only  been  removed 
thence  because  I  needed  the  room  to  accomodate  my  business. 
A  possible  explosion  would  have  been  as  dangerous  to  myself 
and  staff  as  to  Hudson,  except  perhaps  in  our  final  destination. 

The  other  charge  is  as  easily  met. 

My  first  knowledge  of  Hudson  was  from  an  examination 
of  a  report  of  absent  officers,  July  1st,  1864,  when  I  found  the 


494   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Chaplain  of  the  1st  Engineers  was  absent  without  leave,  and 
I  ordered  his  return  to  duty  forthwith.  True,  I  had  heard  of 
a  Clergyman  of  that  name  who  had  quit  his  profession  to  give 
strolling  readings  of  Shakespeare,  but  I  did  not  know  that  Ke 
had  come  into  the  army. 

Some  time  afterwards  I  learned  that  he  had  left  his  post  of 
duty  and  gone  to  New  York  on  pretence  of  reading  proof  of 
a  book,  being  published  by  General  Gillmore  for  his  private 
emolument,  but  that  really  in  order  to  be  out  of  the  way  of 
avoiding  an  investigation  into  the  authorship  of  certain  libel- 
lous publications  in  which  the  Chaplain  and  Gillmore  were 
implicated,  and  which  Gillmore  had  denied. 

When  in  New  York  on  the  first  of  September  following,  the 
fact  was  brought  to  my  notice  that  Hudson  was  strolling  about 
the  country  having  received  my  order,  had  refused  to  obey  it. 
On  my  return  to  the  army,  as  his  pretext  for  absence  was  equally 
invalid  as  the  true  reason,  and  as  he  had  refused  to  obey 
orders  for  two  months  without  explanation,  I  issued  an  order 
for  his  arrest  and  return  under  guard  if  necessary.  Upon 
his  examination,  a  copy  of  which  taken  in  shorthand  will  be 
found  in  Lt.  Davenport's  report,  Hudson  confessed  in  substance 
that  he  wrote  a  libellous  article  upon  myself,  submitted  it  to 
Gillmore,  and  after  Gillmore's  denial  of  any  knowledge  of  the 
fact,  was  sent  by  him  out  of  the  Department  lest  his  complicity 
should  be  discovered.  That  this  was  on  the  part  of  both 
the  grossest  violation  of  law  none  need  be  told,  even  if  the 
pretence  of  business  at  New  York  was  true. 

His  guilt  being  confessed,  a  trial  to  ascertain  it  would  be  but 
a  form. 

Telling  Hudson  at  the  time  that  I  could  not  dispose  of  his 
case  because  it  was  complicated  with  an  offence  personal  to 
myself,  I  ordered  him  to  await  trial  under  close  arrest,  because 
he  had  expressly  disobeyed  orders  and  refused  to  return  to 
duty. 

The  movements  of  the  army  gave  me  no  time  to  organize 
a  court  for  his  trial  even  if  I  had  the  power,  being  in  the  light 
of  prosecutor,  and  other  and  more  important  objects  took  my 
attention  than  Chaplain  Hudson. 

In  the  meantime.  Chaplain  Hudson  was  kept  confined  with 
as  little  restraint  as  possible  until  upon  the  representation  of 
some  gentlemen  while  I  was  in  New  York,  and  because  I  had 
been  ordered  there  on  duty  for  an  indefinite  period,  I  ordered 
the  Chaplain's  release. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        495 

Afterwards,  in  my  absence  at  the  South,  Chaplain  Hudson 
obtained  leave  of  absence  from  General  Grant  and  went  home, 
when  he  resigned  a  commission  which  ought  never  to  have 
been  held,  and  the  duties  of  which  he  did  not  perform. 

You  will  not  expect  me  to  reply  farther  to  the  Chaplain 
than  by  this  plain  statement  of  the  facts.  Indeed,  I  have  grave 
doubts  whether  I  should  have  replied  at  all.  The  loyal  and 
true  men  of  the  country  who  desire  to  think  well  of  me  as  render- 
ing service  to  the  country  will  do  so  in  spite  of  the  Chaplain's 
abuse.  Those  disloyal  and  those  who  carp  at  every  act  of  those 
who  have  offered  their  labors  to  defeat  the  rebellion  would 
not  believe  in  the  integrity  of  my  actions  although  one  should 
rise  from  the  dead  to  vouch  for  them. 

Washington  was  accused  of  selecting  a  site  for  the  Capitol 
which  bears  his  name  for  a  land  speculation.  Jackson  was 
placarded  in  the  streets  of  London  as  a  "beast,"  and  a  humble 
lover  of  his  country  can  well  bear  less  inflections.  Meanwhile, 
I  rejoice  in  the  belief  that  I  am  hated  and  condemned  by  every 
rebel  and  traitor,  and  villified  and  abused  by  every  incompetent 
officer  of  my  army  whom  I  have  punished,  and  humbly  hope 
that  the  faithful  and  deserving  officers  of  my  command  will 
bear  witness  to  my  endeavor  to  do  my  duty  to  the  army  and 
to  them,  and  the  Loyal  and  Just  and  True  men  will  accord  to 
me  a  portion  at  least  of  the  high  motives  of  patriotism  and 
honor  which  inspired  their  own  hearts  to  uphold  the  Union 
in  this  bitter  struggle  for  its  life.     Believe  me. 

Most  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  John  I.  Davenport  to  General  Butler 

Private.    New  York,  Nov.  ilst,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  General:  You  will  recollect  that  before  leaving 
Lowell  I  mentioned  to  you  that  I  had  heard  that  Chaplain 
Hudson  was  about  to  sell  his  pamphlet  in  the  retail  bookstores 
of  this  city.  You  remarked  that  you  hardly  thought  he  would 
do  so,  but  that  if  he  should,  and  you  could  catch  any  one  selling 
them  who  was  worth  anything,  you  would  give  them  an  idea 
of  what  a  libel  suit  was. 

Last  Friday,  a  gentleman  and  myself  had  occasion  to  go  into 
one  of  the  largest  book  stores  on  Broadway,  and  upon  turning 
to  leave  we  discovered  Chaplain  Hudson's  pamphlet  on  the 
counter.  I  asked  if  they  were  for  sale.  The  clerk  informed 
me  they  were.  I  brought  one,  giving  fifty  cents  therefore. 
I  asked  the  clerk  if  they  had  sold  many  of  them.     He  said 


496        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

"they  had,  but  that  it  was  supposed  that  Butler  had  bought 
most  of  them  up."  After  I  got  out,  my  friend  said  to  me 
that  there  was  another  copy  of  the  pamphlet  on  the  counter, 
and  upon  that  we  went  back  and  he  bought  it,  giving  the  same 
amount  therefore.  I  have  since  heard  of  one  or  two  other  of 
the  B'way  stores  that  are  said  to  have  this  pamphlet  on  sale. 
Shall  I  push  the  matter  and  get  what  I  can.  I  think  I  can 
catch  Van  Nostrand.  The  book  I  have  was  published  by  sub- 
scription, most  of  those  Episcopal  clergymen  who  petitioned  the 
Secretary  of  War  aiding  it  by  their  money.  I  think  you  have 
a  chance.  General,  to  teach  some  of  these  scoundrels  a  lesson. 
Please  let  me  hear  from  you  in  the  matter.  Remember  me 
kindly  to  Mrs.  and  Miss  Butler  and  family  generally.  Address 
me  care  of  Hon.  E.  D.  Morgan,  54  and  56  Exchange  Place,  N.  Y.  • 
I  leave  for  Washington  with  the  Senator  on  Wednesday  next, 
so  that  if  I  am  to  hunt  any  more  of  these  fellows  up  here, 
I  must  do  it  before  then. 

Very  truly  your  friend,  John  I.  Davenport 

From  Assistant  Adjutant  General  Bowers 

City  Point,  January  Hth,  1865 

Major-General  Meade 

The  latest  intelligence  from  Wilmington  is  derived  from 
Richmond  papers  of  to-day;   they  say: 

About  fifty  vessels  are  in  sight,  mostly  opposite  the  former 
landing  of  the  enemy.  The  weather  is  fair  and  the  sea  smooth. 
There  was  a  report  last  night  that  the  enemy's  fleet  had  begun 
the  bombardment  of  Fort  Fisher.  The  War  Department  has 
no  oflficial  information  on  the  subject. 

T.  S.  Bowers,  Assistant  Adjutant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  126. 

From  George  S.  Dodge 

MoHEHEAD  City,  January  lith,  1865 

Brigadier   General   Palmer,   Commanding   District 
of  North  Carolina 
General:   I  have  just  arrived  from  Fort  Fisher.     Left  the 
fleet  3  o'clock  this  morning.     We  landed  the  troops  all  safely 
and  got  a  good  position.     We  look  forward  with  much  hope. 
I  am  sorry  to  learn  General  Butler  is  relieved.     Any  news  from 

Truly  yours,  Geo.  S.  Dodge 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  130. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        497 
From  Lieutenant  L.  L.  Buckland 

Headquarters  Army  of  the  James,  January  I5th,  1865 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Fort  Monroe,  Va. 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  you  by  telegraph 
the  soundings  at  low  tide  on  the  centre  line  of  the  Dutch 
Gap  Canal,  taken  at  1  p.m.  this  day.  Commencing  at  15  feet 
depth  in  the  river  at  lower  end  of  canal,  and  sounding  at  inter- 
vals of  18  feet  to  15  feet  depth  of  water  in  the  river  at  upper 
end  of  canal,  I  find  15,  12,  11,  13,  10,  lOf,  9|,  9,  10,  9|,  9,  9, 

"jj    y»     <2f    "5    t),    O,    O,    4,    02»    •^2»    '^2y    ^5    ^'    ^9     ^»    -^2'     '-''    "^2'    ^' 

4^,  5,  7,  10,  15.  Add  3|  feet  to  all  these  soundings  for  depth 
at  daily  high  tide,  and  8  feet  for  depth  at  highest  water  during 
recent  freshet  in  James  River.  One  hundred  and  fifty  feet  of 
the  shallowest  part  is,  at  low  tide,  53  feet  wide  on  surface  of 
water  in  narrowest  place.     Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  L.  L,  Buckland 
First  Lieut.,  First  Engrs.  New  York  State  Vols.,  Act.  Asst.  Engr. 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  137. 

From  General  Terry 

Headquarters  U.  S.  Forces,  on  Federal  Point,  N.  C,  January  15,  1865 

Brig.  Gen.  John  A.  Rawlins,  Chief  of  Staff,  City  Point,  Va. 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  Fort  Fisher  was 
carried  by  assault  this  afternoon  and  evening  by  General 
Ames'  division  and  the  Second  Brigade  of  the  First  Division 
of  the  Twenty -fourth  Army  Corps,  gallantly  aided  by  a  battal- 
ion of  marines  and  seamen  from  the  navy.  The  assault  was 
preceded  by  a  heavy  bombardment  from  the  Federal  fleet, 
and  was  made  at  3.30  p.m.,  when  the  First  Brigade  (Curtis') 
of  Ames'  division  effected  a  lodgment  upon  the  parapet,  but 
full  possession  of  the  work  was  not  obtained  until  10  p.m. 

The  behavior  of  both  officers  and  men  was  most  admirable. 
All  the  works  south  of  Fort  Fisher  are  now  occupied  by  our 
troops.  We  have  not  less  than  1200  prisoners,  including  Gen- 
eral Whiting  and  Colonel  Lamb,  the  commandant  of  the  fort. 

I  regret  to  say  our  loss  is  severe,  especially  in  officers.  I  am 
not  yet  able  to  form  any  estimate  of  the  number  of  casualties. 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  Alfred  H.  Terry 
Brevet  Major-General,  Commanding  Expedition 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  140. 


498       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Jan.  15th,  1865 

Hon.  Henry  Wilson,  U.  S.  Senator 

Dear  Sir:  I  see  a  rumor  in  the  Herald  of  the  14th  asso- 
ciating my  name  with  the  election  to  the  Senate  from  Massa- 
chusetts. Of  course  there  is  nothing  in  it,  but  if  I  were  sure 
of  the  election  to  a  position  to  be  desired  by  any  man,  high 
consideration  of  public  interest  and  no  less  binding  obligations 
of  personal  friendship  would  prompt  me  to  decline  the  honor 
and  advocate  your  election  to  the  place  you  have  so  well  filled. 
Very  truly  your  friend,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  835  Broadway,  Jan.  I5th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  After  an  absence  of  five  days  from 
home,  I  find  on  my  return  some  of  the  most  formidable  looking 
packets  awaiting  me  that  ever  startled  and  over  awed  a  family. 
For  the  copy  of  your  report,  the  interesting  Richmond  papers, 
and  your  own  brief  and  welcome  note,  pray  accept  my  warmest 
thanks.  We  needed  no  assurance  that  you  had  done  your 
duty.     We  knew  it  before. 

After  reading  and  weighing  everything,  I  am  still  totally 
in  the  dark.  They  cannot  have  removed  you  for  the  reason 
that  is  alleged.  That  cannot  be  but  the  pretext.  If  you  were 
all  in  the  wrong  in  the  Wilmington  business,  they  would  not 
have  acted  so  summarily  if  their  action  had  not  been  very 
agreeable  to  them.  It  was  too  sudden,  too  abrupt,  not  to  be 
the  work  of  ill-wishers.  Meade,  Hooker,  Burnside,  Banks, 
Grant,  have  all  made  prodigious  and  bloody  failures,  but  there 
was  no  haste  to  wound  and  damn  them.  It  was  only  because 
it  was  you,  that  they  were  in  such  a  desperate  hurry  to  strike. 

I  should  not  be  surprised  to  learn,  that  it  was  James  Gordon 
Bennett  that  was  at  the  bottom  of  it.  He  has  a  man  at 
$4000  a  year  at  Grant's  headquarters,  merely  to  manage  the 
correspondents.  Suppose  he  had  said,  "Ruin  Gen.  Butler, 
and  I  will  make  you  next  President.  Favor  him,  and  I  ruin 
you."  Bennett  is  capable  of  anything,  and  who  knows  that 
Gen.  Grant  is  not  himself  an  accident  and  a  delusion? 

I  will  confess  to  you  that  the  words  in  your  farewell  address, 
"and  I  am  relieved  from  your  command,"  seem  to  me  to  give 
them  a  handle  against  you.  I  could  wish,  even  now,  that  they 
could  be  recalled.     If  they  are  a  breach  of  discipline,  if  they 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        499 

are  a  reflection  upon  a  superior  officer,  can  you  not,  in  some  way, 
rob  your  enemies  of  the  advantage  they  give  them  over  you? 

Has  the  time  come  for  your  unworthy  scribe  to  continue 
his  chronicle?  Shall  it  be  an  appendix,  a  volume,  a  pamphlet, 
or  an  article?  I  have  sold  myself  for  two  or  three  weeks. 
I  have  offered  to  write  Admiral  Farragut.  A  few  days  will 
show  what  I  can  do,  when  I  can  do  it,  and  what  is  best  to  be 
done.     Meanwhile,  let  the  storm  rage  on,  and  blow  itself  out. 

With  our  united  respects  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  Miss  Butler, 
I  remain, 

Entirely  yours,  Jas.  Parton 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  Yobk,  835  Broadway,  Jan.  16th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  At  last,  I  know  where  you  are.  I 
was  absent  from  home  all  last  week,  and  found  on  my  return 
packages  containing  Richmond  papers,  a  copy  of  your  report, 
and  a  note  from  yourself,  which  I  at  once  acknowledged,  but 
addressed  my  letter  to  Lowell.  Yesterday  came  a  new  packet 
with  divers  documents,  which  I  conveyed  to  H.  G.  He  was 
absent,  but  expected ;  so  I  left  them  with  Mr.  Gay,  who  prom- 
ised to  hand  them  to  his  chief  as  soon  as  he  should  appear. 
I  shall  go  again  to  H.  G.  this  morning. 

The  quiet,  thinking  part  of  the  public  still  desire  further 
light.  They  agree  with  you  that  to  have  assaulted  would  have 
been  madness,  but  they  ask,  why  not  remain  and  entrench? 
I  am  sure  there  was  good  and  sufficient  reason,  which  a  full 
knowledge  of  the  circumstances  will  establish. 

But,  on  another  point,  the  feeling  seems  to  be  against  you. 
That  is,  the  passage  in  your  farewell  address  which  appears 
to  contain  a  reflection  on  a  superior  officer;  "and  I  am  relieved 
from  your  command."  Your  enemies  are  ringing  the  changes 
on  this,  and  your  friends  know  not  what  to  reply.  If  that 
passage  was  a  breach  of  discipline,  is  there  a  way  by  which, 
even  now,  it  can  be  recalled? 

I  am  yours  to  command.  Command  me.  In  two  or  three 
weeks  I  hope  to  be  free,  though  I  have  offered  to  write  the 
exploits  of  Admiral  Farragut,  and  he  has  held  out  some  signs 
of  consenting.  A  few  days  will  clear  up  much  that  is  now 
obscure,  and  will  determine  your  future  career. 

With  all  our  regards  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  Miss  Butler,  we 

remam,  Entirely  yours,  Jas.  and  every  other  Parton 


500       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  John  I.  Davenport  to  General  Butler 

Private.    Norfolk,  January  11th,  1865 

Dear  General:  The  "Baltic"  has  arrived  this  a.m.  from 
off  Wilmington  and  announces  the  capture  of  Fort  Fisher  on 
Sunday  with  from  one  to  two  thousand  prisoners. 

Please  get  me  an  order  from  Sec.  of  War  to  visit  Point 
Lookout  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  prisoners,  as  I 
believe  I  shall  be  thwarted  in  doing  so  here.  I  don't  believe  all 
I  see  in  the  papers  —  not  quite  —  I  do  not  know  as  I  shall 
want  this  pass,  as  Gen.  Barnes  might  perhaps  let  me  see  them 
without,  but  perhaps  not.  I  had  better  have  it  if  I  can  get  it. 
I  suppose  one  from  Gen.  Wessels  or  Commdg.  Gen.  of  Pris. 
would  do  as  well.  I  shall  do  all  I  can  in  this  matter,  and 
procure  all  the  evidence  possible.  Please  send  me  pass  here 
in  care  of  General  Shepley. 

Awaiting  an  answer,  I  remain  as  ever  at  your  command. 

Truly  your  friend,  John  I.  Davenport 

From  John  I.  Davenport  to  General  Butler 

Private.     Norfolk,  January  18th,  1865 

Dear  General:  Yesterday  was  a  hard  day  here  —  all  of 
your  enemies,  and  particularly  a  large  number  of  naval  officers, 
were  very  jubilant  indeed,  and  statements  that  "now  Fort 
Fisher  is  taken,  Mr.  Butler  is  gone  up,"  were  often  made. 
But  amid  it  all  I  thought  to  myself :  "  Gentlemen,  you  have  not 
examined  the  matter  very  carefully,"  and  last  evening  I  took 
occasion  to  point  out  to  some  gentlemen  various  little  discrepan- 
cies which  they  had  not  before  noticed,  such  as  these:  Gen. 
Grant  says,  "Gen.  Butler  was  not  expected  to  go,"  again, 
"I  think  Gen.  Butler  should  take  with  him  three  or  four  times 
the  number  of  entrenching  tools,"  again,  "The  expedition 
should  have  started  earlier."  Gen  Butler  says,  "I  was  not 
ordered  or  expected  to  entrench  myself  there,  or  lay  siege  to 
Fort  Fisher,"  again,  "I  arrived  there  on  the  15th  and  awaited 
for  the  navy  the  16th,  17th,  18th." 

Admiral  Porter  says,  "The  army  started  before  the  navy 
were  ready."  Admiral  Porter  also  agrees  with  Gen.  Butler 
here,  that  no  siege  or  entrenching  was  expected  to  be  done. 

Then  too,  with  regard  to  the  taking  of  the  fort.  "Before 
we  had  two  divisions  there  1000  men  in  the  fort  and  Hoke's 
division  in  our  rear. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        501 

This  time  we  had  with  us  the  same  force  (two  divisions) 
and  one  brigade  additional.  The  navy  this  time  also  assisted 
by  landing  2000  men.  Here  there  were  nearly  3000  more  men 
upon  our  side  this  time  than  before.  This  gave  an  opportunity 
to  attack  on  the  sea  face  as  well  as  on  the  land  side. 

Here  is  another  fact.  This  time  Hoke's  Division  was  at 
Charlestown,  or  South  somewhere,  reported  Charlestown. 
At  all  events,  not  at  Fort  Fisher  or  Wilmington.  Before,  they 
were  in  our  rear.  Three  thousand  odd  men  less  at  Fort  Fisher 
this  time  than  before,  and  an  attacking  force  of  three  thousand 
additional. 

If  they  can  make  anything  out  of  this  they  are  welcome  to  it. 

I  have  carefully  avoided  getting  into  any  quarrel  or  dis- 
turbance, but  when  spoken  to  directly  have  thrust  these  facts 
home  at  them.  Gibbon  is  to  command  the  24th  corps. 
Pity  the  army  of  the  James  has  no  officers  capable  of  com- 
manding a  corps,  but  must  call  on  the  army  of  the  Potomac 
for  one.  But  that  is  but  one  of  many  insults  that  are  daily 
being  offered  to  the  army  of  the  James  since  your  removal, 
and  I  tell  you.  General,  they  are  keenly  felt  by  both  officers  and 
men. 

I  am  still  here,  and  shall  remain  in  the  department  I  pre- 
sume about  a  week  longer.  I  shall  try  and  get  an  opportunity 
to  examine  the  prisoners  and  deserters  here,  but  have  little 
hopes  of  being  able  so  to  do.  Shall  go  to  Point  Lookout  then 
and  try  it  there,  if  I  receive  the  pass  I  wrote  you  in  relation  to, 
yesterday.     Please  send  it  on  to  me  at  once. 

Truly  your  friend  and  servant,  John  I.  Davenport 


From  D.  D.  Bulman  to  General  Butler 

Office  Provost  Marshal,  Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  Jan.  18, 1865 

Dear  Sir:  I  cannot  describe  my  regret  at  your  leaving  the 
Dept.  I  shall  look  forward  to,  and  pray  for  the  time  to  come, 
when  you  shall  be  reinstated  with  all  the  honor  due  your  worth, 
and  your  enemies  made  to  feel  their  meanness  —  I  say  mean- 
ness for  nothing  could  be  meaner  than  the  underhanded  way 
they  worked  to  have  you  relieved.  They  were  envious  of  you, 
therefore  resolved  to  get  you  out  of  their  way.  None  knew 
your  worth  better  than  the  poor  exiles,  who  have  had  to  fly 
from  their  homes  for  protection.  Your  enemies  in  the  South 
knew  your  worth,  and  hated  you  accordingly  —  nothing  could 
please  them  better  than  your  removal  from  the  army. 


502       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Nothing  your  enemies,  through  their  envy  and  hatred,  may 
bring  against  you  will  ever  make  me  respect,  and  esteem  you 
the  less.  When  I  heard  you  had  been  relieved,  and  was  going 
away,  I  felt  as  if  I  had  lost  one  of  my  dearest  friends  by  death. 
I  would  like  to  have  had  the  privilege  of  bidding  you  good  bye 
when  you  left  the  Point,  but  surrounded  by  the  Great,  I  was 
afraid  to  approach,  though  I  dare  say  there  was  not  one  who 
felt  deeper  regret  than  I  did. 

Let  what  may  happen,  one  true  heart  will  forever  beat  with 
gratitude  and  love  for  you. 

Your  humble,  but  devoted  friend,  D.  D.  Bulman 

From  Assistant  Secretary  of  War  Dana 

War  Department,  January  16th,  1865,  3.30  p.m.  [^Not  in  chronological  order] 

Lieutenant-General  Grant,  City  Point 

Reports  have  lately  reached  this  Department  of  an  exten- 
sive trade  with  the  rebels  carried  on  through  Norfolk.  One 
of  these  reports  estimates  the  amount  sent  out  from  within  our 
lines  there  at  $100,000  daily.  Provisions  for  Lee's  army  are 
said  to  be  the  main  article  of  export.  Boats  are  said  to  be  sent 
through  on  each  side  with  unbroken  cargoes.  General  Butler, 
who  has  just  arrived  here,  renews  the  general  statement  without 
specifying  any  amount  of  business.  He  says  the  trade  is 
carried  on  under  the  recent  orders  of  the  Treasury  Department 
for  buying  the  products  of  the  rebel  States,  and  allowing  one- 
fourth  of  the  value  to  go  back  in  supplies.  He  has  shown  me 
a  memorandum,  which  he  says  is  in  the  handwriting  of  a  rebel 
quartermaster,  respecting  proposals  to  exchange  cotton  for 
provisions  upon  this  basis.  It  is  also  reported  from  the  West 
that  extensive  arrangements  have  been  made  to  supply  the 
rebel  armies  there  with  food  and  other  necessaries  from  within 
our  lines  under  cover  of  the  same  Treasury  orders.  Please 
cause  the  facts  at  Norfolk  to  be  investigated,  and  advise  this 
Department  what  action  you  deem  to  be  necessary  in  the  prem- 
ises upon  military  grounds. 

C.  A.  Dana,  Assistant  Secretary  of  War 

OflBcial  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  144. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        503 

From  General  Ord  to  General  Grant  ^ 

Private.     Hdqrs.,  Department  of  Va.  and  N.  C,  Army  of  the  James, 

in  the  field,  Va.,  January  19, 1865 

General:  I  propose,  after  thinking  the  matter  over  about 
the  huge  iUicit  trade  reported,  to  order  a  military  commission,^ 
with  power  to  call  for  papers  and  persons;  have  them,  after 
investigating  thoroughly,  try  and  sentence  parties  they  may 
deem  guilty.  General  Gordon,  shrewd  and  fond  of  such 
hunting,  and  Colonel  Potter,  of  the  Twelfth  New  Hampshire, 
and  Major  Read,  assistant  adjutant-general,  late  of  Brooks' 
staff,  I  propose  as  members.  I  think  this  report  of  $100,000 
a  day  food,  &c.,  sent  to  rebels  is  a  sword  with  two  edges,  and  if 
not  guarded  against  may  be  used  by  politicians.  Butler  is  not 
the  only  one  aimed  at  by  it.  Hence  I  propose  taking  the  bull 
by  the  horns.  If  we  can  fasten  the  matter  upon  either  Treasury 
or  Benjamin  F.'s  agents,  clap  them  in  the  guard  house,  [and] 
the  politicians  will  find  they  have  started  the  wrong  rabbit, 
with  a  bushy  tail;  and  as  soon  as  some  Treasury  scamp  is  in 
the  guard  house  or  prison  they  will  have  to  let  him  out.  I 
write  to  you  in  regard  to  this  matter  rather  than  telegraph. 


1  Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  181. 

2  References  to  the  conduct  of  this  military  commission  suggested  to  General 
Grant  by  General  Ord,  will  be  found  in  the  letters  of  the  following  dates. 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  Feb.  1,  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  Feb.  8,  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  Feb.  15,  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  Feb.  23,  1865 

John  Clark  to  General  Butler  Feb.  26,  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  Feb.  26.  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  Mrs.  Read  March  4,  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  March  6,  1865 

General  Butler  to  W.  P.  Webster  March  20,  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  March  8,  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  March  23,  1865 

Geo.  W.  Lane  to  General  Butler  March  25,  1865 

Geo.  W.  Lane  Petition  Jan.  18,  1866 

Mrs.  Butler  to  F.  A.  Hildreth  March  26,  1865 

General  Butler  to  General  Gordon  April  2,  1865 

General  Butler  to  Mr.  Rockwell  April  5,  1865 

General  Gordon  to  General  Butler  April  5,  1865 

General  Gordon  to  General  Butler  April  8,  1865 
Charles  Whitlock,  Ezra  Baker  and  W.  H.  Turner 

to  President  Lincoln  March  31,  1865 

President  Lincoln  to  General  Gordon  April  11,  1865 

General  Birney  to  General  Butler  April  19,  1865 

General  Birney  to  General  Butler  April  23,  1865 

W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler  June  22,  1865 

John  Clark  to  General  Butler  July  9,  1865 


504       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

for  all  our  telegrams  are  viseed  at  Washington.  What  do  you 
think  of  my  proposition.?  I  am  not  afraid  to  try  it,  and  think 
the  commission  will  do.  If  you  can  suggest  a  better  man  than 
Gordon  for  the  leader,  please  do  so.  He  was  in  conversation 
with  me  before  the  second  Wilmington  expedition  started,  very 
emphatic  in  his  statements  of  what  Curtis  told  him  might  and 
ought  to  have  been  done  by  the  first  expedition.^ 

Very  respectfully,  E.  O.  C.  Ord,  Maj.  Gen'l.  &c. 

From  General  B.  Barnard 

Ed.  Qrs.  U.  S.  Armies,  Office  of  Chief  Eng.  Dt.,  City  Point,  Jan'y  IQth,  1865 

Maj.  General  Butler,  U.  S.  Volunteers 

General:  A  prolonged  absence  with  Maj.  Gen.  Sherman's 
army  at  Savannah  (having  returned  here  but  a  few  hours  since) 
has  prevented  an  earlier  acknowledgment  of  your  letter  of  the 
8th  inst.  mentioning  in  compliance  with  my  request  the  services 
of  certain  Engineer  Officers  who  have  served  under  your  com- 
mand, and  recommending  them  for  promotion  by  brevet. 

Of  three  of  the  officers  named  {viz.  Gen.  Weitzel,  Capt. 
Farquhar,  and  Lieut.  King)  I  have,  though  not  ofiicially 
connected  with  them  in  all  the  periods  your  letter  embraces, 
a  clear  appreciation  of  the  value  of  their  services,  and  concur 
with  you  in  your  eulogies  and  in  the  justice  of  your  recom- 
mendations, and  as  to  Col.  Serrell,  though  not  personally  so 
well-known  to  me,  I  shall  bring  your  recommendation  to  the 
notice  of  the  Chief  Engineer  U.  S.  A.  with  great  pleasure. 

Thanking  you  for  your  friendly  and  complimentary  allusion 
to  myself,  regretting  that  I  have  not  been  able  to  render  you 
more  effective  aid  and  assistance  during  your  command  of  the 
Army  of  the  James,  I  assure  you  that  I  have  always  found  my 
official  intercourse  with  you  pleasant  and  profitable.  I  am 
very  Respectfully, 

Your  most  obedient,  B.  Barnard,  B.  Maj.  Gen.  Vol. 

The  first  Fort  Fisher  Expedition.  From  this  letter  it  is  clear  for  what  purpose 
and  with  what  motive  this  commission  was  ordered;  and  it  is  equally  clear  that  General 
Ord  recommended  and  General  Grant  appointed  as  "leader"  of  this  commission 
General  Geo.  H.  Gordon,  because  they  knew  him  to  be  prejudiced  against  General 
Butler. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   505 

From  James  Freeman  Clarke  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  Jan.  19tk,  1865 

My  DEAR  Sir:  I  suppose  that  your  refusal  to  attack  Fort 
Fisher  was  the  noblest  action  of  your  life  —  and  yet  it  is  the 
one  which  will  bring  the  most  unpopularity  to  you.  Every 
selfish  motive  of  course  urged  you  to  run  the  risk  of  the  assault 
—  and  nothing  but  a  sense  of  responsibility  for  the  lives  of  the 
men  could  prevent  you  from  ordering  it.  But  this,  though 
self-evident,  is  what  people  will  not  see  —  so  I  write  to  say 
that  there  is  one  man  at  least  who  sees  it. 

Also  I  wish  to  call  your  attention  to  a  singular  law  of  Provi- 
dence, illustrated,  it  may  be,  in  this  case.  We  are  often  punished 
for  our  good  actions  and  not  for  our  bad.  We  do  many  bad 
things,  and  get  on  finely  —  all  goes  well  with  us  —  at  last  we 
make  up  our  mind  to  do  right,  and  immediately  we  are  made  to 
suffer  some  bad  consequence.  I  suppose  the  explanation  is 
this,  we  all  need  punishment,  but  God  does  not  send  it  when 
we  are  going  wrong,  for  to  do  wrong  is  bad  enough,  to  be 
punished  beside  would  be  too  hard.  But  when  we  are  doing 
right,  we  are  able  to  stand  anything;  and  so  the  medicine  is 
given  to  us  then.  At  any  rate,  I  have  often  noticed  the  fact, 
that  men  are  more  apt  to  suffer  for  their  good  actions  than  for 
their  bad  ones. 

I  congratulate  you  on  the  noble  record  you  have  made  in 
this  war  —  and  your  refusal  to  attack  Fort  Fisher  (if  it  was  a 
mistake)  was  one  of  the  best  things  you  ever  did. 

Truly  yours,  James  Freeman  Clarke 

From  N.  G.  Upham  to  General  Butler 

Concord,  January  19th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  You  will  of  course  know  that  I  have 
felt  the  deepest  interest  in  the  movement  on  Wilmington. 
I  was  in  Washington  at  the  time  you  sailed,  and  was  intending 
to  have  gone  on  to  have  seen  you,  which  I  very  much  wished 
to  do. 

I  have  the  same  views  as  yourself  as  to  Porter.  His  last 
letter  shows  exactly  the  calibre  and  worth  of  the  man.  It  is 
a  lasting  disgrace  to  the  navy  and  the  country. 

The  promotion  of  Weitzel  shows  his  decision  to  have  been 
correct,  the  Administration  being  judges.  The  resistance  and 
slaughter  in  the  recent  attack,  backed  by  the  1000  men  Porter 
sent  to  attack  the  "mass  of  pulp,"  and  the  utter  defeat  of 


506   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Porter's  men,  tends  the  same  way.     I  hope  the  exact  truth 
as  to  killed  and  wounded  in  this  case  may  be  known. 

The  great  disagreement  in  all  details  thus  far  is  very  singular. 
Your  enemies,  from  causes  well  known,  will  exult  at  the  failure 
of  the  first  expedition.  Your  friends,  in  my  belief,  and  those 
truly  able  to  judge  of  facts,  will  see  more  of  persecution  than 
of  justice  in  the  attack  made  on  you. 

I  hope  I  may  be  able  to  see  you  soon  after  your  return.  I 
shall  be  most  happy  to  meet  you. 

Very  truly  yours,  N.  G.  Upham 

From  General  Lockwood  to  General  Butler 

Albany,  N.  Y.,  51  Pearl  St.,  July  ilst,  1877  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Sm:  Having  never  seen  an  account  of  the  two  expeditions 
to  Fort  Fisher,  which  reflected  my  opinion  and  that  of  many 
others,  I  have  seen  fit  to  put  my  ideas  in  writing,  however 
erroneous,  imperfect,  and  commonplace  they  may  be,  and 
thinking  that  they  perhaps  might  not  be  uninteresting,  have 
taken  the  liberty  to  forward  them  to  you  for  your  perusal. 

Yours  respectfully, 
H.  C.  Lockwood,  Late  Capt.  and  Insp.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

My  dear  Major:  Many  and  grateful  thanks  for  your 
soldier-like  paper  upon  the  two  expeditions  against  Fort  Fisher. 
You  have  not  access  to  a  few  facts  which  would  make  your 
exposition  perfect.  There  was  an  agreed  day  for  sailing  from 
Fortress  Monroe  between  the  Army  and  the  Navy,  and  the 
agreed  place  and  time  of  rendezvous  off  Fort  Fisher.  I  did  not 
sail  until  all  the  fleet  had  sailed.  I  informed  Porter  of  the 
necessity  of  putting  back  into  Beaufort  after  the  storm  began, 
and  went  there  by  his  advice.  I  sent  from  Beaufort  a  staff 
officer,  Capt.  Clark,  to  Porter  to  inform  him  I  would  be  back 
as  soon  as  we  coaled  and  watered,  certainly  by  the  25th  of 
December,  and  got  there  the  24th.  Porter  sent  back  word 
that  he  should  commence  on  the  night  of  the  23rd,  before  the 
time  when  he  knew  it  was  possible  for  me  to  be  back.  He  is 
simply  a  braggart  liar  without  honesty  or  patriotism. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        507 

From  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  Jan'y  lOth,  1865 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Sir  :  The  order  of  the  President,  conveyed  through  Lieuten- 
ant General  Grant,  reheving  me  from  the  command  of  the 
Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  was  served  upon 
me  at  12  noon,  on  the  8th  day  of  January  instant,  in  a  sealed 
envelope,  at  which  hour  I  gave  a  written  receipt  therefor. 

By  the  boat  at  10  o'clock  from  City  Point  a  written  despatch 
left  Head  Quarters  of  the  Lieutenant  Gen'l.  Comdg.  at  City 
Point,  purporting  to  be  signed  by  one  Cadwallader,  reporter 
of  the  N.  Y.  Herald,  announcing  the  fact  that  I  had  been  re- 
lieved, stating  the  comments  thereon,  and  purporting  to  give 
the  reasons  therefor.  This  despatch  was  published  in  the 
Herald  of  the  10th. 

The  order  of  the  President  was  conveyed  to  General  Grant 
in  a  cipher  despatch,  so  that  the  information  could  only  have 
been  given  to  the  Herald  correspondent  from  the  staff  of  the 
Lieut.  General,  as  from  him  it  cannot  be  supposed  that  any 
such  information  would  be  derived. 

The  communication  of  an  order  by  the  staff  of  a  General  before 
its  execution  is  in  violation  of  all  regulations  and  military  usage. 

There  has  been  much  complaint  during  the  war  that  infor- 
mation of  intended  movements  has  been  prematurely  conveyed 
to  the  enemy.  There  have  been  various  attempts  to  fix  the 
responsibility  of  such  injurious  intelligence.  It  is  not  just 
to  blame  the  newspaper  man  for  the  use  of  news  which  is  given 
to  him  by  officers  of  the  army.  The  fault  should  be  corrected 
at  the  fountain. 

It  is  respectfully  requested  that,  as  in  this  case  the  exact 
facts  are  ascertainable,  due  investigation  be  had,  and  such 
example  made  as  will  put  an  end  to  so  pernicious  a  practice. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Major  General 
H.  C.  Clarke,  Capt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

From  General  Rawlins 

City  Point,  Va.,  January  iOth,  1865,  4  p.m. 

Lieut.  Gen.  U.  S.  Grant,  Washington,  D.  C. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  a  private  note  received  by  to-day's 
mail  from  General  Weitzel,  inclosing  a  copy  from  the  papers  of 
your  instructions  for  the  first  Wilmington  expedition  of  date 


508       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

December  6,  1864.     Thinking  it  might  possibly  be  of  service 
to  you  while  at  Washington,  I  forward  it. 

John  A.  Rawlins,  Brigadier-General  and  Chief  of  Staff 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  184. 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Private.     Cincinnati,  Ohio.,  January  16,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order^ 

Brigadier-General  Rawlins,  Chief  of  Staff 

Dear  Sir:  I  find  in  the  morning  papers  the  inclosed.  I 
ask  it  as  a  favor  of  you  to  say  to  Lieutenant-General  Grant  that 
I  was  surprised  and  astonished  when  I  saw  it;  that  General 
Butler  never  showed  it  to  me,  or  spoke  of  it  to  me;  and  that  his 
instructions  to  me  did  not  cover  the  requirements  of  this  docu- 
ment; and  that  he  said  to  me,  when  I  reported  an  assault 
impracticable,  that  he  would  withdraw.  If  I  had  ever  seen  a 
copy  of  the  inclosed  instructions,  I  would  have  acted  accord- 
ingly.    I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  G.  Weitzel,  Major-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  46,  Part  2,  Page  184. 

From  General  Martindale  to  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  3rd  Brigade,  ind  Division,  25th  A.  C, 

Army  of  the  James,  January  lOth,  1865 

General:  My  object  in  writing  is  to  express  my  unbounded 
regret  at  your  leaving  this  Department,  and  my  hope  that  the 
malice  of  your  enemies  will  yet  be  effectually  baflQed  and 
rebuked  by  your  triumphant  return.  This  feeling  I  am  sure 
is  shared  by  many  officers  of  your  late  command.  The  reason 
is.  General,  that  we  believe  in  you  as  one  of  the  most  efficient, 
rigorous,  and  dangerous  enemies  the  rebellion  has  ever  had  to 
fear,  and  the  most  genuine,  earnest,  and  determined  friend  of 
every  effectual  means  —  the  colored  organization  included  — 
of  putting  it  down. 

We  do  not  intend  to  let  our  faith  waver  or  fail  in  the  slightest 
degree  because  of  any  misfortune,  accident,  miscarriage,  or 
malicious  contrivance  of  which  you  may  be  the  victim. 

When  you  were  in  power  I  could  not  perhaps  with  propriety 
say  as  much  as  this,  nor  even  thank  you  as  warmly  as  I  felt 
for  the  command  you  gave  me,  but  I  shall  never  forget  your 
generous  confidence  in  me,  and  I  thank  you  now  when  you  have 
nothing  more  to  give,  more  warmly  than  my  reticent  temper 
would  then  allow  me  to  do. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       509 

You  may  remember  that  I  said  the  first  time,  and  I  believe 
the  only  time  but  once  that  I  ever  saw  you,  that  I  had  worked 
for  months,  and  travelled  some  thousands  of  miles,  to  place 
myself  vvlthin  your  command.  I  have  only  to  add  now  that, 
spite  of  Ft.  Fisher,  Admiral  Porter,  and  a  whole  crew  of  con- 
temptible and  malignant  manufacturers  of  "Public  Opinion" 
like  the  editor  of  the  New  York  Herald,  I  would  —  if  oppor- 
tunity offered,  do  it  again. 

With  the  best  wishes  for  your  welfare,  I  have  the  honor  to 
be,  General,  Very  respectfully, 

Yr.  obedient  servant,  Edward  Martindale 

From  William  Duff  Telfer 

Sixth  Avenue  and  Eighteenth  Street,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  StGth,  1865 

Major  General  Butler,  U.  S.  A. 

General:  Permit  me  to  present  you  herewith  a  copy  of  a 
pamphlet  which,  when  I  prepared  it  for  publication,  was  in- 
tended as  a  flanker  to  the  epithet  "Beast,"  by  turning  it  into 
Beast-tamer. 

Unfortunately,  it  was  published  the  day  before  you  were 
relieved,  a  coincidence  I  have  reason  to  regret,  the  more  because 
this  might  have  done  you  better  service  by  being  annotated 
with  Mr.  Boutwell's  speech  and  two  or  three  interesting  and 
now  pertinent  items. 

Trusting  you  will  quickly  again  be  placed  in  active  service, 
I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Gen., 

Yours  very  respectfully,  William  Duff  Telfer 

From  General  Butler 

Feb.  8th,  1865 

My  dear  Sir:  Who  is  it  that  said,  "Let  me  make  a  nation's 
songs,  and  I  care  not  who  makes  their  laws."  So  you  may  say, 
let  me  make  the  satire  with  which  wrong  is  to  be  attacked, 
and  I  care  not  who  makes  the  argument  to  sustain  it.  I  thank 
you  for  the  kind  attention  and  consideration  you  have  given 
to  my  public  acts.  You  have  duly  appreciated  and  defended 
an  order  for  which  I  have  been  so  much  traduced. 

The  reason  for  it  and  its  action  were  always  entirely  satis- 
factory to  myself,  and  I  had  no  doubt  that  in  time  it  would  be 
acceptable  to  all  right-minded  men  as  it  is  to  yourself.  With 
many  thanks,  believe  me,  j,^^^^  ^^^^^^  g   p  g 


510       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Commander  Blake  to  General  Butler 

R.  R.  House  Penningtonville,  Chester  Co.  Pa.,  Jan.  21sf,  1865 

My  dear  Friend:  Deeply  do  I  regret  this  unfortunate 
turn  of  affairs.  I  hope  you  do  not  permit  the  darkness  of  the 
present  hour  to  afflict  you.  I  trust  it  will  soon  pass  away,  and 
you  will  find  an  opportunity  to  obliterate  this  unpleasant 
impression  from  the  people's  mind  by  some  future  action 
untrammeled  by  others.  y^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^   ^  ^^^^^ 

From  Colonel  White  to  General  Butler 

Norfolk,  Va.,  Jan.  21s;,  1865 

General:  In  the  few  hurried  moments  that  you  granted  me 
before  your  departure,  I  could  say  to  you  but  little  of  much 
that  was  in  my  heart.  I  could  not  thank  you  for  all  your  kind- 
ness to  me,  I  could  not  tell  you  that  I  felt  the  base  injustice 
shown  you  as  bitterly  as  if  I  were  your  son.  I  could  only 
feel  myself  powerless  to  assist  you  at  a  time  when  no  sacrifice 
would  be  too  great  if  in  making  it  I  could  prove  myself  true  and 
grateful,  and  not  even  justified  by  my  claims  upon  you  in  saying 
what  I  now  write. 

To-day  I  have  seen  men  who  owe  everything  to  you  show 
themselves  in  their  true  colors,  teaching  me  a  lesson  that  I 
hoped  my  younger  years  would  not  bring  me.  I  have  come 
from  their  vile  contact  sick  at  heart,  and  feel  as  if  I  purified 
myself  by  the  hearty,  "God  bless  you,  General,"  that  is  now 
on  my  lips. 

I  shall  remain  here  until  I  have  answered  those  who  seek 
to  injure  you  through  your  Provost  Marshals,  and  shall  then 
resign  if  I  can  no  longer  serve  you. 

Very  truly  your  friend  and  servant,  Frank  I.  White 
Lt.  Col.  and  Provost  Marshal,  East  Shore,  Va. 

From  General  Graham  to  General  Butler 

Norfolk,  Virginia,  January  i%nd,  1865 

My  dear  General:  Accompanying  this  you  will  find  a 
copy  of  letter  I  intend  sending  to  Lieut.  Col.  E.  W.  Smith, 
Adjt.  Gen.  of  the  army  of  the  James,  on  Wednesday  next, 
requesting  to  be  detached  from  my  present  command  and 
ordered  into  the  field  —  on  the  same  day  I  intend  seeing  Gen. 
Grant  personally,  to  request  that  I  may  be  ordered  to  report 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        511 

for  duty  to  Maj.  Gen.  Sherman.  For  many  reasons  I  desire 
to  leave  the  Department,  feeling  convinced  that  a  very  narrow 
course  is  going  to  be  adopted  toward  all  your  friends.  Lt. 
Davenport  can  give  you  my  ideas  in  extenso. 

If  you  can  assist  me  in  the  design  I  have  to  join  Sherman 
thro'  Senator  Wilson  or  the  Senators  from  my  own  state, 
please  do  so. 

Poor  Harris  received  an  order  to-day  from  Navy  Depart- 
ment detaching  him  from  duty  with  the  army  and  directing 
him  to  report  to  Rear  Admiral  Porter,  He  wept  like  a  child, 
and  remains  inconsolable.  He  would  resign,  but  I  have  ad- 
vised against  it,  believing  that  it  would  be  made  use  of  as  a 
pretext  to  dismiss  him. 

If  you  can  do  anything  for  him,  please  do  so.  He  has  always 
been  true  as  steel.     Has  rendered  me  most  faithful  service. 

Remember  me  kindly  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  Miss  Blanche  and 

'    Respectfully  and  sincerely,  Charles  K.  Graham 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Graham 

My  dear  General  :  The  ice  prevented  your  letter  reaching 
me  as  soon  as  we  could  have  wished.  I  am  first  of  all  to  thank 
you  and  Mrs.  Graham  for  the  splendid  and  most  acceptable 
New  Year's  gift  sent  me.  That  we  are  likely  to  be  separated 
gives  it  an  additional  value  in  my  eyes.  Alas!  my  friend! 
I  fear  that  so  far  from  any  influence  of  mine  being  able  to  aid 
you  in  your  wishes,  it  would  be  a  hindrance.  There  can  be  no 
doubt  that  if  you  get  that  consideration  which  your  experience 
as  an  officer,  gallantry  in  the  field  and  services  entitled  you, 
you  will  be  assigned  to  a  division.  Among  my  regrets  that 
I  have  of  my  military  experience,  one  of  them  is  I  did  ever 
take  you  from  the  Marine  service,  where  you  did  such  efficient 
service,  and  put  you  in  the  field.  That  is  a  mistake  to  be 
rectified  if  we  ever  serve  together  again.     Believe  me. 

Most  truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Freeport,  Jan. lind,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  have  just  returned  this  morning  from 
Springfield,  and  must  go  back  this  evening.  I  can  clearly 
understand  your  situation.  It  was  not  unexpected  to  me 
when  I  learned  of  the  failure  at  Fisher.  I  was  satisfied  that 
the  Powers  were  only  waiting  for  a  pretext  to  remove  you,  and 


512        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

this  furnished  one.  I  know  it  was  not  the  cause,  but  how  to 
get  the  people  to  understand  that  point  is  the  question.  If 
I  could  see  you  I  might  make  some  suggestions.  I  see  Wilkin- 
son of  the  Tribune  stands  by  you.  You  will  do  well  to  keep 
him  posted  up  all  the  time.  I  will  as  soon  as  I  get  through 
some  private  legislation  I  have  on  my  hands  come  down  and 
see.  I  am  confident  that  if  you  play  your  role  well  you  will 
come  out  all  right.  I  wish  you  would  drop  me  a  line  and  tell 
me  how  matters  looked  to  you  at  Washington.  You  can  well 
understand  how  anxious  I  am,  as  all  the  news  I  get  is  through 
the  papers.  Give  Mrs.  Butler  my  compliments,  and  say  to 
her  that  I  have  ordered  your  portrait  by  Antrobus  sent  to  her, 
which  I  wish  her  to  accept  as  a  token  of  my  regard  for  her  and 
as  an  acknowledgement  of  her  many  kindnesses.  I  could 
think  of  nothing  that  I  preserved  would  be  more  acceptable 
than  this  painting. 

Survey  the  whole  field,  watch  every  point,  and  find  out  if 
possible  whether  Stanton  is  not  really  at  the  bottom  and 
Grant  the  tool.  I  have  no  fear  but  that  in  time  we  will  come 
out  all  right.  See  as  many  of  your  friends  as  you  can,  and 
let  them  watch  the  corners.  I  am  so  d  -  m  mad  at  the 
whole  pack  I  can  hardly  behave  prudently.  My  disposition 
is  to  make  open  war,  but  I  don't  believe  that  is  best.  Tell 
some  of  the  young  men  to  write  me.     God  bless  you. 

Yours  truly,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

WiLLARDS,  Jan'y  23,  '65 

My  Dear  Weitzel:  Accept  my  sincere  congratulations 
upon  your  happy  marriage.  Salute  the  bride  for  me,  and 
say  how  happy  Mrs.  Butler  and  myself  would  be  to  see  her 
at  Lowell  on  your  return  to  the  Army. 

I  am  afraid  you  have  been  annoyed  lest  I  might  possibly 
think  that  your  advice  at  Fort  Fisher  was  not  such  as  I  ought 
to  have  acted  upon.  Let  me  assure  you  that  I  have  never  in 
any  moment,  amid  the  delightful  stream  of  obloquy  which  is 
pouring  upon  me,  doubted  the  military  sagacity  of  the  advice 
you  gave,  or  the  propriety  of  my  action  under  it. 

Indeed,  my  friend,  I  am  glad  I  was  there  to  act  as  a  shield 
to  a  young  oflBcer  in  a  moment  of  fearful  responsibility  from 
the  consequences  of  a  proper  act,  which  might  have  injured 
him  in  his  profession  but  which  cannot  harm  me  who  have 
a  different  one.     The  judgment  of  cool  reason  hereafter  will 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       513 

applaud  it,  but  hot  passion  might  have  harmed  you  as  it  has 
done  me  for  the  hour.  Indeed,  it  was  in  view  of  this  very 
event  that  I  went  at  all. 

With  the  invocation  of  every  blessing  upon  you  and  yours, 

'  Your  Friend,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl. 

From  General  Weitzel  to  General  Butler 

Cincinnati,  January  ISth,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order^ 

My  dear  General:  For  the  first  time  my  business  here 
has  given  me  opportunity  to  write  to  you. 

I  was  so  astonished  at  your  removal,  and  so  sad  and  sorry 
for  it,  that  my  young  wife  often  called  my  attention  to  it. 
I  feel  that  in  command  of  the  25th  Corps,  I  am  now  adrift, 
and  will  have  to  fight  every  one. 

Birney  wTote  me  last  night  that  several  general  oflficers 
were  trying  their  utmost  to  get  my  position,  that  the  East 
wind  was  blowing  chilly  for  me  just  now,  and  that  I  had 
better  fortify  myself.  And  all  this  probably  because  Fort 
Fisher  was  taken  by  assault. 

Such  another  piece  of  fool-luck  is  not  known  in  the  history 
of  the  world.  2200  men  in  a  strong  work  taken  by  about 
5000.  Who  has  ever  heard  of  it  before?  Can  either  the  army 
of  the  Potomac,  or  Sherman's  army  show  anything  like  this 
assault,  or  has  there  been  anything  like  it  before?  There  has 
not.  But  was  it  not  slaughter?  WTiy  did  not  Porter  run  in 
a  few  of  his  boats?  He  would  have  lost  less  men  than  he  did 
trying  to  board  the  fort  with  cutlasses  well-sharpened,  and  he 
would  have  thus  saved  nearly  the  entire  army  lost.  For 
that  reason  I  say  Porter  has  caused  a  useless  slaughter  of  life, 
and  it  should  be  known  to  the  people.  He  had  several  vessels 
in  his  fleet  that  had  been  blockade  runners.  They  were  in 
and  out  by  the  darkest  nights.  WTiy  would  they  not  have 
been  shoved  in  after  he  had  silenced  the  fort,  and  thus  saved 
the  bloody  assault? 

I  am  surprised  that  I  have  not  been  summoned  before  the 
Committee  on  the  conduct  of  the  war. 

I  return  to  my  post  on  Sunday  night.  I  will  reach  the 
fort  on  Wednesday  next.  What  my  fate  will  be  I  do  not 
know.     To  serve  under  Ord  is  bad  enough. 

I  am  very  sorry.  General,  that  you  never  showed  me  that 
letter  of  instructions  from  Gen.  Grant  to  you.  I  knew  noth- 
ing of  it  until  I  saw  it  in  papers.     My  wife  feels  as  badly  over 

VOL.  V— 33 


514       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

your  removal  as  I  do.  I  have  been  advised,  since  you  left, 
from  Head  Quarters  not  to  bring  her  with  me. 

General  Hooker  thinks  that  you  did  perfectly  right  in  not 
assaulting  that  work. 

Mrs.  Weitzel  unites  with  me  in  regards  to  yourself  and 

family.  Yours  truly,  G.  Weitzel,  Maj.  Gen. 

Please  read  and  return  enclosed  letter. 


From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Lowell,  Jany  30,  1865  QNot  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  Weitzel:  Fearing  lest  you  should  be  annoyed 
at  the  turn  of  events,  I  wrote  you  a  note  from  Washington 
which  I  hope  you  received. 

Your  note  of  the  25th  came  this  morning,  and  pains  me  by 
the  sadness  of  its  tone.  You  are  in  no  danger,  I  believe,  of 
removal  from  your  command,  and  need  not  fear  an  "East 
wind."  You  will  be  confirmed  without  doubt;  if  not,  please 
write  me  and  I  will  try  my  hand  at  it.  Or,  if  you  think  there 
is  any  doubt,  give  me  notice. 

I  repeat,  that  I  am  entirely  satisfied  with  your  advice  and 
my  action  at  Fort  Fisher,  and  if  I  were  to  do  over  again  I 
should  do  likewise.  I  trust  among  military  men  our  conduct 
at  Fort  Fisher  will  be  the  foundation  of  a  military  reputation. 

I  can  easily  tell  you,  my  dear  General,  why  General  Grant's 
instructions  to  me  were  not  shown  to  you.  I  shew  you  his 
instructions  when  we  made  the  demonstration  against  the 
Rebel  lines  on  the  27th  of  October  last,  and  then  gave  you  my 
orders.  I  found  you  embarrassed  between  the  two,  and  so 
the  movement  was  not  as  successful  as  I  could  have  wished. 
I  determined  this  time  to  have  your  unbiased  judgment,  giving 
me  the  best  results  of  your  experience  without  any  trammels. 

I  went  down  to  take  the  responsibility,  and  I  have  done  so. 

You  will  be  summoned  before  the  committee  on  the  conduct 
of  war,  and  there  I  desire  you  to  fully  explain  all  the  occur- 
rences of  the  expedition,  and  the  reasons  which  led  you  to 
your  opinions  and  actions. 

You  will  also  be  doing  one  who  feels  kindly  towards  you  a 
kindness  if  you  will  detail  to  the  committee  the  several  con- 
versations you  had  with  Porter,  and  your  report  of  them  to 
me.  How  he  was  urged  by  you  to  run  by  the  forts  in  your 
interview  of  Sunday  night  (the  18th),  and  also  on  the  morning 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        515 

of  the  25th,  and  his  reply.  Also  his  promise  to  notify  me 
when  he  discharged  the  torpedo  so  that  I  could  be  present 
(if  being  25  miles  off  could  be  said  to  be  presence),  also  that 
he  believed  that  it  would  blow  down  Wilmington  &  Smith- 
field.  Also  whether  there  was  any  want  of  co-operation  on 
my  part  with  him,  or  whether  I  desired  to  do  all  I  could  to 
aid  the  expedition.  In  all  this  you  will  be  aided  by  Corn- 
stock,  who  has  given  a  written  report  in  our  favor. 

Let  me  assure  you  that  Wilmington  had  nothing  to  do 
with  my  removal  from  the  Army  of  the  James:  that  was 
predetermined  for  reasons  I  will  explain  to  you  when  I  see 
you  if  ever  that  day  comes. 

Be  assured  that  you  have  in  me  a  friend  who  will  watch 
your  career  in  the  future,  as  in  the  past,  and  will  be  not  power- 
less to  aid  you,  as  by  so  doing  he  will  aid  the  country  and 

^  '  Most  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butlee 

P.  S.  Grant's  idea  of  intrenching  was  based  on  wrong 
information,  and  our  coming  away  was  not  contrary  to  orders. 
If  we  effected  a  landing  we  were  not  to  come  —  not  if  we 
effected  a  partial  landing,  and  a  storm  intervened  for  days  to 
prevent  a  further  landing  of  supplies  and  guns,  not  with  a 
navy  out  of  ammunition  as  Bruse  told  you  the  fleet  was.  It 
was,  by  far,  better  to  come  back. 

By  the  by,  tell  the  Committee  when  you  first  heard  that  I 
was  not  to  accompany  the  expedition,  did  Grant  say  anything 
to  you  about  it  after  your  return .f*     Did  you  see  him? 

From  Edwin  Greble  to  General  Butler 

Philadelphia,  January  iith,  1865 

My  dear  General:  It  was  with  extreme  regret  and  no 
little  surprise  that  I  read  the  order  relieving  you  from  the 
command  of  the  army  of  the  James. 

If  this  is  the  result  of  the  failure  to  capture  Fort  Fisher,  it 
seems  to  me  that  those  who  displaced  you  were  not  fully 
informed  of  all  the  particulars  relative  to  it. 

So  far  as  I  am  able  to  judge,  you  performed  your  duty 
eflSciently  and  with  a  view  of  capturing  the  fort.  The  troops 
on  landing  were  placed  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Weitzel 
and  Col.  Comstock;  no  one  can  doubt  the  courage  and  ability 
of  these  oflBcers.  They  returned  to  the  vessel  and  said  that  it 
was  impracticable  to  take  the  fort  with  the  troops  on  hand. 


516        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Gen.  Weitzel  remarked  to  me  "that  he  would  not  send  men 
to  fight  where  he  would  not  go  himself,  to  attack  the  fort 
would  be  to  slaughter  the  men." 

I  do  not  pretend  to  say  whether  the  fort  could  or  could  not 
have  been  taken  on  Christmas  day  had  the  assault  been 
made,  but  I  do  believe  that  it  could  have  been  if  the  attack 
had  been  made  on  the  first,  second,  or  third  day  of  our  first 
arrival  before  it,  and  thereby  saving  hundreds  of  lives  and 
millions  of  money. 

I  have  no  doubt  that  when  a  full  and  impartial  investigation 
takes  place,  you  will  stand  justified  before  an  unprejudiced 
people. 

I  have  learned  that  my  son-in-law,  Col.  W.  A.  Leech,  was 
at  Danville  on  the  14th  day.  Col.  Mulford  has  promised  to 
have  (him)  exchanged,  I  expect  to  hear  from  him  daily. 

Mr.  Drew  and  myself  arrived  safely  home,  much  to  the  joy 
of  ourselves  and  families.  Mr.  Drew  desires  me  to  say  that 
he  and  Mr.  Lowney  coincide  in  my  views,  he  joins  in  tendering 
thanks  for  the  kindness  shown  us,  and  cordially  invites  you 
to  visit  us  when  you  come  to  our  city. 

Wishing  you  health  and  happiness,  I  am 

Very  truly  yours,  Edwin  Greble 

From  Richard  McAllister  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  January  iith,  1865 

General:  General  Cameron  is  here.  He  will  call  to  see 
you  to-night.  He  is,  as  you  know,  warmly  your  friend,  and 
will  stand  by  you  in  any  event. 

Very  truly  yours,  Richard  McAllister 

470  Uth  Street 

By  General  Butler 

Jan.  23,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Memorandum   of  Propositions   relating   to   the   Blockade 
and  Trade  with  Insurgent  States 

So  large  a  portion  of  the  coasts  and  harbors  of  the  south 
being  now  in  the  possession  of  the  United  States,  and  the 
consequent  destruction  of  the  trade  heretofore  existing  by 
blockade-running,  and  in  view  of  the  effect  which  the  revival 
of  trade  in  the  necessities  and  luxuries  of  life  would  have  upon 
the  citizens  of  the  insurrectionary  States  —  It  is  proposed: 

That  the  blockade  be  raised,  and  that  trade  be  permitted 
with  every  southern  port  between  the  Chesapeake  and  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        517 

Rio  Grande  —  in  all  articles  not  contraband  of  war  —  the 
list  of  articles,  contraband  of  war,  however,  to  be  authorita- 
tively declared,  including  articles  which  may  be  deemed 
useful  in  military  or  naval  operations.  An  enumeration  of 
course  much  to  be  extended  beyond  the  number  of  articles 
heretofore  reckoned  as  contraband,  because  of  the  improve- 
ments in  the  science  of  war. 

Officers  of  the  revenue  to  be  put  on  board  of  naval  vessels 
which  would  act  as  revenue  cutters  for  the  purpose  of  collect- 
ing the  revenue  at  each  of  the  ports,  not  actually  in  possession 
of  our  land  forces.  These  revenue  officers  to  collect  the 
internal  tax  upon  all  products  of  the  South,  exported  for  the 
purpose  of  paying  for  the  imports,  and  all  such  products  to 
be  allowed  free  egress,  subject  only  to  the  internal  revenue 
tax,  to  the  extent  of  return  cargoes  for  the  imports. 

That  an  act  of  Congress  be  passed  making  all  attempts  to 
smuggle,  and  all  acts  of  smuggling  of  goods  contraband  of 
war,  punishable  by  fine  and  imprisonment  in  the  Penitentiary. 

By  these  means  men  would  be  deterred  from  smuggling 
any  articles  which  involved  their  personal  liberty.  Crews, 
pilots,  and  masters  of  vessels  would  be  cautious  how  they 
entered  into  such  enterprises.  Directly,  also,  the  pilots  for 
the  intricate  channels  of  secluded  inlets  would  become  scarce 
if  those  who  were  captured  were  retained. 

We  have  thus  far  through  the  war  been  capturing  pilots  and 
discharging  them  as  fast  as  captured,  to  undertake  new  enter- 
prise. 

Foreign  nations  could  not  object  to  the  punishment  of 
those  of  their  subjects  who  were  engaged  in  smuggling  goods, 
contraband  of  war,  not  only  in  the  invasion  or  breach  of  the 
neutrality  proclamations  of  their  own  sovereigns,  but  also 
of  the  Revenue  and  Municipal  laws  of  the  United  States. 

Further,  this  course  being  taken  would  then  open  the 
South  to  the  manufacturers  of  the  world  in  everything  not 
pertaining  to  the  support  of  an  army.  It  would  be  a  move- 
ment on  the  part  of  the  Government  which  would  be  instantly 
felt  in  its  beneficial  effect  upon  the  domestic  and  social  life 
of  the  South  as  a  blessing  obtained  to  them  from  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States  by  the  circumscription  of  the 
maritime  and  naval  power  of  the  Confederacy. 

Another  advantage  would  be  that  instead  of  keeping  a 
very  large  blockading  fleet  as  at  present,  at  an  enormous 
expense   without   any   return,   by   this   a   very   considerable 


518        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

revenue  amounting  to  millions  would  be  collected,  and  at 
the  same  time  the  cotton,  the  tobacco,  the  resins,  and  other 
tropical  products  would  be  thrown  into  the  southern  market 
and  for  the  supply  of  the  manufactures  of  the  North. 

It  is  believed  that  while  it  could  work  no  possible  injury  to 
the  military  operations  of  the  Union,  there  could  be  no  possible 
objection  to  it  from  any  foreign  nation,  because  it  would  be 
in  furtherance  and  not  in  derogation  of  trade. 

There  are  precedents  for  this  course  —  early  in  the  history 
of  the  country  —  The  Boston  Port  Bill  of  the  Revolutionary 
period  was  legislation  in  this  direction. 

The  proposed  reprisal  upon  South  Carolina  by  Gen'I.  Jackson 
for  nullification  in  1832  is  also  in  point.  The  closing  of  the 
Ports  of  a  country  is  a  right  which  was  exercised  by  Russia 
against  the  allied  forces  in  the  Crimean  War,  —  by  Holland, 
and  in  the  wars  of  the  last  Century,  and  never  has  been  con- 
troverted except  perhaps  in  the  case  of  China,  when  she 
closed  her  ports  against  the  opium  trade  of  England,  the 
forcible  breach  of  which  act  by  that  Government  can  hardly 
be  justified  under  the  laws  of  nations. 

A  little  examination  and  care  would  easily  draw  a  bill 
which  upon  becoming  an  act  could  readily  be  set  in  motion 
by  a  proclamation  from  the  President. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'I. 

From  General  Butler 

Washington,  J  any.  24, 1865 

Hon.  George  S.  Boutwell,  Member  of  House  of  Representatives 
Sir  :  Representing  the  District  in  which  I  live,  it  would  seem 
to  be  proper  that  I  should  forward  to  you  copies  of  a  letter 
sent  by  me  to  Mr.  James  Brooks,  requesting  information  as 
to  the  accuracy  of  the  report  of  his  speech,  and  also  a  note  to 
the  Honorable  Speaker  of  the  House  prepared  at  the  same 
moment  to  be  presented  for  the  purpose  of  my  vindication 
as  soon  as  Mr.  Brooks  should  answer  that  he  was  correctly 
reported. 

I  also  take  leave  to  forward  to  you  the  documents  and 
correspondence  relating  to  the  money  of  Sam  Smith  &  Co. 

You  may  make  such  use  of  these  papers  as  you  deem  justice 
may  require.  Permit  me  further  to  say  that  the  idea  of 
challenging  Mr.  Brooks  was  never  for  a  moment  entertained. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        519 

because  my   position  and  the  laws   of  the  country  forbid. 
With  thanks  for  many  courtesies,  believe  me, 

Truly  your  friend,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gert'l. 
H.  C.  Clarke,  Ca'pt.  &  A.  D.  C. 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Washington,  Jany.  iOth,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order]] 

James  Brooks,  Member  of  House  of  Representatives 

Sir:  I  find  in  the  Daily  Globe,  of  the  7th  instant,  a  report 
of  your  remarks  in  the  House  of  Representatives  on  the  6th 
instant,  an  extract  of  which  is  appended. 

I  have  the  honor  to  inquire  whether  your  remarks  are  here 
correctly  reported,  except  perhaps  the  misprint  of  bold  for 
gold,  as  the  remarks  were  quoted  in  other  papers,  and  also 
whether  there  were  any  modifications,  explanations,  or  limita- 
tions made  by  you  other  than  appear  in  this  report. 

The  gentleman  who  hands  you  this  will  await,  or  call  for 
an  answer  at  any  time  or  place  you  may  designate. 

Very  respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

Extract.  "I  am  bound  to  say  that  an  effort  was  made  by 
the  Federal  Government  during  the  pendency  of  the  late 
Presidential  election  to  control  the  City  of  New  York  by 
sending  there  a  bold  robber,  in  the  person  of  a  Major  General 
of  the  United  States.  Robber  as  he  was  of  the  public  Treasury 
and  Major  General  of  the  United  States  as  he  was,  he  dared 
not  exercise  the  power  given  to  him  to  attempt  to  control  the 
actions  of  those  whom  the  gentleman  calls  thieves  and  robbers 
in  my  own  City." 

Washington,  D.  C,  Jan.  iOth,  1865 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.    Speaker   of  House   of  Representatives,   Congress 
of  the  United  States 

Sir:  I  take  leave  most  respectfully  to  request  you  to  lay 
before  the  House  of  Representatives  this  note  in  order  to 
avail  myself  of  the  only  means  of  redress  known  to  me  with- 
out breach  of  privilege  of  the  honorable  House. 

Mr.  James  Brooks,  a  Member  of  the  House,  on  the  6th  of 
January  is  reported  to  have  used  in  debate  the  following 
language : 

"I  am  bound  to  say  that  an  effort  was  made  by  the  Federal 
Government,  during  the  pendency  of  the  late  Presidential 
election  to  control  the  City  of  New  York  by  sending  there  a 


520        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

bold  robber,  in  the  person  of  a  Major  General  of  the  United 
States.  Robber  as  he  was  of  the  public  Treasury,  and  Major 
General  of  the  United  States  as  he  was,  he  dared  not  exercise 
the  power  given  to  him  to  attempt  to  control  the  actions 
of  those  whom  the  gentleman  calls  thieves  and  robbers  in  my 
own  City." 

The  correctness  of  the  report  I  have  taken  measures  to 
ascertain. 

Here,  then,  is  a  charge  made  upon  the  responsibility  of  the 
position  Mr.  Brooks  occupies,  of  very  high  crimes  and  mis- 
demeanors alleged  to  be  committed  by  an  officer  of  the  United 
States,  which,  if  he  is  guilty,  ought  to  be  visited  by  the  most 
condign  punishment. 

If  the  charge  is  calumnious  and  false,  then  it  is  due  to  the 
national  honor  that  it  should  be  unstained  by  the  imputation 
of  the  employment  of  such  a  person  in  its  service  in  high  official 
position,  and  it  would  seem  also  due  to  the  dignity  of  the  House 
that  a  public  slanderer  should  be  rebuked. 

The  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  and  Par- 
liamentary usage  give  to  the  officer  thus  charged  no  means 
of  redress  through  the  ordinary  courts  of  law,  or  any  other 
mode  known  among  honorable  men.  Therefore,  appealing 
to  the  sense  of  justice  of  the  honorable  House,  I  respectfully 
ask  that  an  investigation  may  be  ordered  of  the  charges  so 
preferred  against  me  by  a  Member  of  the  House,  through  a 
committee  of  its  members  with  the  most  ample  powers  of 
inquiry. 

Further,  in  order  not  to  embarrass  the  investigation  by  con- 
fining it  to  the  single  charge  made,  I  desire  to  have  put  in 
issue  every  official  act  of  my  public  life  which  can  in  any  way 
be  supposed  to  affect  my  official  integrity  or  personal  honor, 
and  that  my  accuser  have  leave  to  make  good  his  accusations 
before  the  committee  of  the  House,  so  that  if  the  accused  be 
found  guilty,  proper  prosecution  may  be  ordered  in  the  Courts 
for  his  punishment,  or  if  the  accusation  be  found  false  and 
calumnious,  the  Honorable  House  may  be  in  position  to 
vindicate  its  own  honor  and  dignity  by  the  due  punishment 
of  a  public  calumniator  and  slanderer.  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        521 

From  General  Weitzel  to  General  Butler 

Cincinnati,  January  9t6th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  was  so  delighted  this  morning  to 
receive  your  note  from  Willard's.  As  the  truth  became 
developed,  I  saw  I  had  not  made  a  mistake.  At  first,  I  was 
terribly  frightened. 

Many  of  my  friends  and  fellow-citizens  here  too  at  first 
made  long  faces,  and  only  one  paper,  but  our  oldest  and 
most  respectable  (the  Gazette),  stood  out  for  you  boldly  as 
against  marking  pot  Porter,  as  they  called  him.  In  one  of  his 
last  despatches,  however.  Porter  is  compelled  to  acknowledge 
the  correctness  of  our  judgment. 

I  thank  you  for  your  kind  well  wishes  and  your  invitation. 
My  wife  unites  in  these  thanks.  I  have  been  advised  by 
telegraph  not  to  bring  her  with  me,  so  that  I  will  leave  alone, 
and  direct  for  the  army,  on  Sunday  next. 

Do  you  think  there  is  any  danger  of  my  confirmation? 
There  will  not  be  if  I  get  a  chance  at  something  before  Congress 
adjourns. 

Mrs.  Weitzel  and  myself  wish  you  and  yours  all  the  happi- 
ness you  can  desire.     We  know  you  will  come  out  of  all  this 

^^^  ^^^^^-  Yours  truly,  G.  Weitzel,  Maj.  Gen. 

From  F.  TV.  Bird  to  General  Butler 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  Council  Chamber,  Boston,  Jan.  i6th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  congratulate  you.  And  yet  I  hardly 
know  why  any  more  now  than  a  month  ago.  I  have  never 
doubted  for  a  moment  that  you  would  come  out  right.  The 
general  verdict  is  based  rather  upon  the  blunder  of  Brooks 
than  upon  the  justice  of  its  cause,  and  therefore  I  care  less 
about  it. 

I  have  regarded  Grant  as  a  failure  for  the  last  six  months, 
and  have  uniformly  said  so  privately.  It's  of  no  use  to  attack 
popular  idols  too  early.     This  is  the  way  I  put  it  lately. 

Butler  went  to  Wilmington  with  6500  men,  did  not  take  it, 
and  returned  in  ten  days  without  the  loss  of  a  man.  Grant 
started  ten  months  ago  with  300,000  men,  first  and  last,  to 
take  Richmond;  has  lost  over  100,000,  more  than  Lee's 
entire  army,  &  now  holds  an  outpost  of  Richmond  —  as  far 
off,  militarily,  as  a  year  ago  —  and,  as  I  understand  it,  would 
have  been  smashed  more  disastrously  than  McClellan  was  in 


522       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

his  "change  of  base"  had  not  you  been  on  the  James  to  save 
him.     But  I  did  not  mean  to  write  of  these  things. 

Ever  since  you  were  "reheved,"  I  have  been  trying  to 
write  to  you,  to  suggest  this.  Parton  should  write  the  history 
of  your  administration  in  the  Department  of  Va.  and  N.  C. 
The  country  knows  a  good  deal,  I  more;  you  immeasurably 
more,  and  it  should  come  out  —  think  of  this. 

I  expect  to  leave  for  Washington  on  Saturday  evening. 
If  you  are  home  before  that  and  in  Boston  on  Saturday,  I 
hope  to  see  you  —  dine  with  me  if  possible. 

Faithfully  yours,  F.  W.  Bird 

From  Benson  J.  Lossing 

PouGHKEEPSiE,  N.  Y.,  January  i,6th,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

My  dear  Gen.  Butler:  The  newspapers  tell  me  this 
morning  that  you  have  gone  to  Lowell  to  "await  further 
orders,"  so  I  suppose  you  may  now  find  leisure  to  peruse  a 
few  lines  from  a  sincere  friend.  Duty  and  inclination  have 
prompted  me,  long  ago,  to  write  to  you.  Knowing  you  to 
be  on  the  wing,  I  prudently  concluded  to  wait  for  your 
alighting. 

I  have  watched  with  vivid  interest  the  course  of  official 
action  and  public  sentiment  since  your  return  from  the  Cape 
Fear;  and  I  already  perceive  the  beginning  of  the  fulfillment 
of  my  constant  prediction  that  Gen.  Butler  will  come  out 
of  this  ordeal  unscathed. 

I  know  that  sober  history,  musing  and  recording  after  the 
smoke  of  battle  and  the  clamor  of  shallow  pride,  uneasy 
jealousy,  and  over-weening  lust  for  applause,  shall  have 
disappeared,  will  present  your  whole  conduct  in  that  expedi- 
tion in  a  light  so  clear  and  searching  that  the  dullest  reader  of 
the  chronicle  must  perceive  your  justification  and  thank  you 
for  your  sound  judgment  and  commendable  humanity. 

Your  parting  address  to  your  soldiers,  the  ridiculous  over- 
acting of  Admiral  Porter,  and  the  attack  of  that  despicable 
New  York  Congressman,  who  probably  never  felt  the  luxury 
of  a  manly  emotion,  have  providentially  conspired  at  this 
time,  with  your  past  achievements  in  this  war,  to  root  you 
more  firmly  in  the  affections  of  the  people  of  this  country. 

Since  the  exposure  of  Brooks  by  Boutwell  and  by  himself, 
and  the  revelations  against  Fort  Fisher  with  6500  men,  no 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        523 

siege  guns  nor  a  cooperating  fleet,  a  heavy  column  of  the 
enemy  on  your  flank  while  only  a  third  of  your  army  was 
permitted  to  land  by  a  rising  sea,  and  that  of  Terry  with 
12,000  men,  full  cooperation  of  the  fleets  and  marines,  no 
enemy  near,  outside  of  the  fort,  for  almost  fifty  hours,  and 
weather  so  fine  that  all  the  troops  and  accompaniments  could 
be  landed,  there  is,  so  far  as  my  observation  goes,  a  most 
wonderful  reaction  in  your  favor. 

The  public  will  not  suffer  you  to  be  sacrificed,  nor  to  remain 
idle  when  such  men  as  you  are  so  much  needed.  They  will 
say  in  effect  — 

"And  must  Trelawney  die?" 
Full  five  hundred  Cornishmen  will  know  the  reason  why." 

I  shall  ever  remember  with  pleasure  the  fortnight  I  spent 
with  you  on  the  "Ben  Deford,"  the  two  days  and  nights  at 
your  Head  Quarters,  and  your  kindness  on  all  occasions. 
I  sincerely  wish  that  the  personal  acquaintance  so  pleasantly 
(for  me)  begun  at  Fortress  Monroe,  may  be  renewed  "When 
this  cruel  war  is  over." 

By  this  mail  I  send  you  a  book  which  I  beg  you  to  accept 
as  a  slight  token  of  my  sincere  esteem. 

Very  truly  your  friend  and  fellow-citizen, 

Benson  J.  Lossing 

From  Captain  Martin  to  General  Butler 

Office  Commissary  of  Musters,  Deft,  of  Va.  and  N.  C. 

Fort  Monkoe,  Va.,  January  i6th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  send  you  by  mail  a  few  Rebel  papers, 
thinking  they  might  be  interesting  to  you,  and  at  the  same 
time  bring  to  your  remembrance  one  of  your  old  staff;  who, 
I  assure  you,  is  sincere  in  his  professions  of  affection  and 
respect.  We  are  going  along  quietly,  and  I  do  not  expect 
you  will  hear  much  more  from  the  army  of  the  James.  I 
think  it  is  used  up  —  that  is  to  say,  we  have  no  one  to  bring 
its  actions  before  the  people,  it  will  be  swallowed  up  in  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac. 

Be  pleased  to  remember  me  to  Mrs.  and  Miss  Butler  — 
and  with  every  kind  wish  for  yourself,  I  have  the  honor  to  be 
very  respectfully, 

Yr.  obdt.  servty  Fred  Martin,  Capt.  and  Q.  M. 


524       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  George  S.  Boutwell  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  January  ilth,  1865 

My  dear  Sir:  I  neglected  to  return  to  you  the  copy  of 
letter  to  Mr.  Pierrepont  of  March  28th,  1864,  which  I  suppose 
is  your  original  copy. 

I  regret  that  the  Daily  Globe  was  put  to  press  before  I  re- 
turned proof  with  corrections.  The  Congressional  Globe  will 
be  accurate,  and  I  have  sent  corrected  copies  to  the  Traveller 
and  Journal.     The  Traveller  telegraphs  me  that  they  intended 

to  publish  the  debate.         jr       ^     i     r<  a   -d 

^  Very  truly,  George  S.  Boutwell 

From  "A  Friend''  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  January  i5th,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Dear  General:  I  see  that  one  Edwards  Pierrepont  has 
been  active  in  hatching  up  this  conspiracy  (which  has  just 
been  ventilated  by  Boutwell)  against  you.  It  may  be  useful 
for  you  to  know  who  this  Edwards  P.  is.  He  is  the  son  of  a 
small  farmer  in  North  Haven,  Conn.,  named  Pierpont.  He 
sent  his  son  to  college  —  Yale,  where  his  real  name  appears 
on  the  catalogue,  somewhere  from  1830  to  37  as  "Munson 
Pierpont."  "Munson"  studied  law,  went  to  Milwaukee, 
made  some  money,  came  to  New  York,  married  old  "Lord" 
Willoughbee's  daughter,  and  set  up  as  a  big  man  with  a  big 
name,  Edwards  Pierrepont,  to  which  he  has  no  legitimate 
title.  He  has  cut  all  his  old  friends  —  won't  speak  to  his 
old  schoolmaster,  Hartwell  —  don't  admit  his  sisters,  respect- 
able seamstresses,  into  his  house,  and  is  making  an  ass  of 
himself  generally. 

You  can  verify  the  above  by  overhauling  the  college  cata- 
logues (Prof.  Thos.  Thacher  of  Yale  knows  all  about  it  — 
being  a  classmate).     Also  by  sending  to  North  Haven. 

A  Friend 

From  Hiram  Barney  to  General  Butler 

Hoffman  House,  New  York,  January  27th,  1865 

My  dear  General  :  I  came  in  town  to-day  with  the  purpose 
to  call  and  pay  my  respects  to  you,  and  to  assure  you  the 
recent  events  have  not  served  to  abate  one  particle  of  the 
esteem  and  confidence  of  your  friends.  The  abuse  and  ex- 
altation   of    certain    journals    and    individuals    arouses    your 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        525 

friends  to  a  sense  and  appreciation  of  the  great  services; 
which  are  after  all  the  secret  cause  of  the  detraction  which  is 
now  visited  upon  you. 

Your  great  ability  will  not  be  left  to  slumber  long  at  Lowell; 
but  will  be  demanded  for  high  and  honorable  exertions  in 
fields  where  you  will  reap  fresh  honors  for  yourself  and  great 
benefits  to  your  country. 

Just  as  I  was  leaving  my  oflfice  to  come  here  to  see  you,  I 
was  waited  on  by  a  gentleman  who  was  engaged  in  calling 
together  a  meeting  of  gentlemen  to  consider  what  might  be 
done  here  to  provide  a  safe  depository  for  the  colored  soldiers 
and  laborers  to  place  their  surplus  earnings  upon  interest. 
As  you  have  had  much  experience  and  favorable  opportunities 
to  form  opinions  on  the  subject,  I  would  like  to  have  your 
judgment  whether  we  in  New  York  can  best  accomplish  the 
object  by  establishing,  in  New  York,  a  Trust  Company  or 
Savings  Bank  for  the  freedmen,  or  by  promoting  the  formation 
of  such  institutions  in  the  South;  and  whether  it  is  prac- 
ticable to  unite  with  such  institutions  a  place  for  the  invest- 
ments of  unclaimed  deposits  and  earnings  in  educational 
and  other  charitable  institutions  among  the  colored  people  of 
the  South. 

The  meeting  was  respectably  attended,  and  great  zeal  was 
manifested  to  do  something  to  secure  the  permanent  welfare 
of  the  freedmen  of  the  South.  The  question  was  started 
whether  the  subject  ought  to  be  (held)  over  for  state  or  for 
National  legislation,  and  on  this  point  too  I  would  be  glad  to 
have  your  opinion.  Large  sums  of  money  it  is  said,  are  ac- 
cumulating in  the  hands  of  officers  of  the  army  and  civilians 
at  the  South  by  the  deposits  of  these  colored  soldiers  and 
laborers,  and  these  gentlemen  are  bothered  by  the  trusts  and 
ask  for  their  relief  as  well  as  for  the  safety  of  these  funds. 

Make  my  most  respectful  compliments  acceptable  to  Mrs. 
Butler,  and  believe  me. 

Most  truly  your  friend,  Hiram  Barney  ^ 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  835  Broadway,  January  30th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  have  just  risen  from  the  perusal  of 
your  speech,  and  I  should  do  violence  to  my  wishes  if  I  were 
not  to  begin  the  week  by  saying  how  entirely  admirable  it 

1  Collector  of  the  Port  of  New  York  in  Lincoln's  Administration. 


526        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

appears  to  me.  The  facts  stated  would  by  themselves  sufl5ce 
to  carry  any  reader  to  the  end  without  pause,  but  you  have 
given  them  with  so  much  tact,  dignity,  moderation,  and 
force  as  to  make  the  speech  irresistible.  Nor  have  you  ex- 
hausted the  subject,  you  have  left  unsaid  much  that  may  be 
brought  forward  hereafter  in  case  parties  interested  do  not 
find  this  sufficient.  That  the  complete  report  should  appear 
in  the  Times  is  not  the  least  of  your  triumphs. 

I  can  boast,  my  dear  General,  that  from  the  first  moment 
of  the  Wilmington  news  to  this  moment,  I  never  doubted, 
for  a  single  instant,  that  you  had  done  the  best  thing  and  the 
only  thing  which  the  circumstances  admitted. 

The  speech  adds  not  to  the  strength  of  this  conviction,  but 
it  delights  me  to  see  a  statement  of  the  case  that  must  con- 
vince every  candid  and  many  uncandid  persons.  We  all 
join  anew  in  the  cry  which  Mrs.  Parton  has  taught  our  baby, 
"Hurrah  for  Gen.  Butty." 

Congratulating  Mrs.  Butler  and  your  daughter  (who,  I 
hope,  enjoyed  Hamlet),  I  remain  wholly  yours, 

James  Parton 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  835  Broadway,  January  S\st,  1865  ^Not  in  chronological  order^ 

My  dear  General:  I  was  sorry  to  find  this  morning  that 
H.  G.  is  a  little  sore  (not  much)  about  the  Times'  getting  the 
exclusive  report  of  the  speech.  He  seemed  to  think,  not 
that  you  had  done  it,  but  that  you  might  have  prevented 
it.  It  seems  that  Mr.  Winsor  telegraphed  the  whole  from 
Boston  without  telling  the  Tribune  reporters  anything  about 
it.  Imagine  the  feelings  of  the  latter  on  seeing  the  report  in 
the  Times  of  Monday  morning! 

I  told  H.  G.  that  your  interest  was  to  have  the  speech  in 
all  the  papers,  and  that  you  could  not  have  taken  a  course 
that  tended  to  keep  it  out  of  all  but  one.  He  has  put  the 
speech  in  the  semi-weekly.  I  hope  he  will  in  the  weekly, 
and  urged  his  doing  so. 

You  see,  of  course,  how  things  are  working.  The  com- 
ments of  the  Times  show  that  certain  people  are  afraid  of 
you  —  for  1868.     "Insubordination"  is  to  be  the  cry. 

Ever  yours,  Jas.  Parton 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   527 

From  General  Turner  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Deft,  of  Va.  and  S.  C.  Army  of  the  James,  in  the  field,  Jan.  30,  1865 

Dear  General:  The  rebels  got  us  up  quite  a  rampage 
last  week.  Fortunately  it  resulted  in  only  giving  us  a  big 
scare,  but  it  was  a  close  shave;  nothing  but  bare  luck  saved 
us.  Our  friend  Parker  of  the  "Onondaga"  was  off  at  the 
first  alarm,  and  our  pontoon  bridges  and  all  of  our  depots 
were  at  the  mercy  of  the  enemy  had  he  come  on.  The  "Fred- 
ericksburg" found  the  obstructions,  but  finding  her  consorts 
aground,  lacked  the  nerve  to  proceed  alone,  and  we  escaped. 
We  held  our  breath  for  a  time. 

The  event  of  the  day  is  the  three  rebel  commissioners  who 
are  knocking  for  admission  at  our  lines  on  the  Petersburg 
front,  Messrs.  Stevens,  Campbell,  and  Hunter.  The  Sentinel 
of  today  states  that  they  were  sent  on  the  representation  of 
Mr.  Blair,  that  Mr.  Lincoln  said  he  would  receive  a  deputa- 
tion if  sent  unofficially.  The  Enquirer  says,  "Those  gentlemen 
are  fully  posted  upon  all  matters  involved  in  propositions  of 
peace,  and  if  they  meet  with  the  encouragement  their  humane 
and  patriotic  impulses  deserve,  the  way  will  be  open  for 
regular  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  effective  negotiations." 

None  of  the  papers  today  have  anything  to  say  about 
"Independence,"  which  up  to  within  two  or  three  weeks  they 
have  talked  so  boastingly  of. 

Grant  is  off  down  the  coast,  and  is  in  command  of  both 
armies.  Many  changes  are  taking  place  in  your  old  com- 
mand, which  I  have  to  silently  witness. 

The  portions  of  Ames'  and  Paine's  divisions  left  behind 
have  all  been  ordered  to  Fort  Fisher,  which  is  the  last  the  24 
or  25  corps  will  see  of  their  two  divisions.  North  Carolina 
has  been  taken  away  from  us  also.  I  am  in  hopes  the  machine 
will  soon  be  reduced  down  to  running  order. 

Boutwell  has  disarmed  your  enemies  completely  with 
field  guns-tin. 

I  am  very  much  discouraged  since  you  left,  and  have  but 
little  heart  for  anything. 

Remember  me  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  Miss  Blanche.     I  remain. 

Yours  sincerely,  J.  W.  Turner 


528       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Ahram  P.  Ely  to  General  Butler 

Oswego,  New  York,  Jan.  31si,  1865 

Sir:  It  may  be  thought  rather  novel,  stranger  as  I  am,  to 
address  you  —  but  inasmuch  as  your  acts  for  the  past  three 
years  and  a  half  have  become  public  property,  as  an  ad- 
ministrative as  well  as  a  military  officer  of  the  Union,  I  claim 
my  relative  share  in  it,  and  this  is  my  apology  for  now  ad- 
dressing you. 

As  I  cannot  gratify  my  heart's  desire  in  shaking  the  hand 
of  him  whose  public  acts  have  so  strongly  corresponded  with 
my  own  convictions,  I  avail  myself  of  this,  the  only  mode  of 
expressing  my  gratitude  and  fullest  appreciation. 

Having  in  former  years  frequently  visited  your  city  on 
business  relations,  I  was  not  entirely  ignorant  of  Lawyer 
Butler  prior  to  this  war.  And  knowing  his  political  relations 
and  sympathies  were  widely  different  from  the  writer's,  you 
will  pardon  me  for  saying  that  for  such  relations  and  sym- 
pathies I  then  entertained  little  respect. 

But  when  war,  bloody  war,  came  on  this  Nation,  its  life 
and  its  existence  put  in  jeopardy  by  rebels  in  arms,  and  B.  F. 
Butler  being  one  of  the  first  to  rally  to  its  defence,  and  thereby 
to  me  appearing  to  ignore  what  I  believed  to  be  the  inevitable 
tendencies  of  former  associations,  your  acts  then  were  my 
acts,  and  we  were  brought  into  perfect  sympathy. 

Although  the  approbation  of  one  citizen  is  likened  to  one 
grain  of  sand  to  the  whole,  yet  it  may  have  some  significance. 

Permit  me  to  say  your  early  advent  to  the  defence  of  our 
country,  your  administrative  as  well  as  military  ability  as 
exhibited  while  at  New  Orleans,  with  your  subsequent,  while 
acting  in  conjunction  with  the  Potomac  army,  your  early 
comprehension  of  the  only  effectual  means  of  suppressing 
this  wicked  rebelhon,  your  readiness  to  adapt  these  means 
to  this  end  (although  thwarted  in  some  measure  by  a  principal 
cabinet  officer),  has  won  for  you  the  just  approbation  of  all 
lovers  of  this  country. 

I  have  just  closed  the  reading  your  speech  on  your  arrival 
home.  The  failure  of  the  Wilmington  expedition  took  by 
surprise  both  your  friends  and  enemies.  I  watched  carefully 
the  report  of  Commander  Porter,  and  other  public  develop- 
ments of  the  expedition,  and  early  became  convinced  that 
the  failure  lay  not  at  your  door. 

Your  expose  has  fully  confirmed  my  convictions  on  this 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    529 

point,  and  future  events  will  bear  you  out,  I  doubt  not,  tri- 
umphantly in  your  course.  The  procrastination  of  this  war  has 
been  owing  more  to  our  own  faults  than  to  the  power  of  the 
rebels.  Prominent  among  these  faults  was  want  of  earnest- 
ness on  the  part  of  civil  as  well  as  military  leaders,  and,  a  com- 
prehension of  what  would  kill  the  rebellion  quickest. 

In  your  acts,  both  earnestness  and  comprehension  have 
stood  preeminent.  Slavery  by  this  people  was  the  primary 
cause  of  this  war.  And  if  this  Gov.  is  saved,  as  I  have  no 
doubt  it  will  be,  it  will  be  through  the  aid  of  the  slave.  And 
it  has  been  a  great  mistake  he  was  not  earlier  sought  and 
encouraged  to  come  to  our  aid.  This  is  the  decree  of  the 
disposer  of  human  events,  and  this  credit  is  to  be  their  reward 
for  their  bondage  by  this  people,  and  will  be  so  awarded 
them  by  posterity.  It  may  be  Mr.  Seward  and  his  co-workers 
may  compel  your  retirement  from  public  service  for  a  season; 
if  so,  it  will  be  your  gain  and  the  public  loss. 

May  I  hope  for  his  retirement  after  the  4th  of  March? 
This  I  pray  for.  Continue  this  good  work  and  abide  your 
time  for  four  years,  notwithstanding  the  opprobrium  thrown 
at  you  by  rebels.  I  prophecy  that  in  the  future  your  most 
earnest  friends  will  come  from  the  rebellious  states. 

I  therefore  close  by  saying  you  are  my  candidate  for  the 
next  President. 

Asking  all  needful  excuse  for  this  trespass,  and  hoping 
your  retirement  will  better  fit  and  prepare  you  for  yet  more 
important  public  service.     While  I  remain 

Your  ever  humble  servant,  Abm.  P.  Ely, 
Brother  of  Alfred  Ely,  late  member  of  Congress 

From  General  Butler  to  Abram  P.  Ely 

My  dear  Sir:  Your  very  kind  note  of  approval  of  my 
public  acts  was  most  grateful.  That  one  good  and  loyal 
citizen  can  say  "well  done"  from  his  heart,  unswerved  by 
interests  or  prejudice,  is  a  rare  earnest  of  a  hope  that  in  the 
future  I  may  get  the  sober  second  thought  of  the  people  to 
approve  what  my  own  judgment  has  disbursed. 

So  far  from  needing  any  apology  for  your  courteous  kind- 
ness, allow  me  to  return  my  most  obliged  acknowledgments. 

Most  truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 


VOL.  V — 34 


530       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

An  Anonymous  Letter 

T,  New  York,  Jan.  3lst,  1865 

Butler 

The  only  trouble  is  people  do  not  yet  quite  understand 
your  real  character  —  but  this  will  follow,  all  in  good  time  — 
it  is  as  certain  as  death  itself. 

The  people  do  not  see  that  you  are  at  heart  a  vagabond, 
that  you  are  a  coward,  a  poltroon,  a  jackass,  a  viper,  a  brazen, 
impudent  bag  of  wind,  etc.,  etc.,  etc.  General,  my  opinion  of 
you  is  that  you  are  in  one  word  an  imposter  and  a  damned 
scoundrel. 

You  can  address  "A  republican  who  can  see." 

I  don't  believe  that  if  Banks  had  been  quarrelsome  he  could 
have  kicked  you  into  a  fight. 

You  need  not  flatter  yourself  that  you  have  gained  any 
hold  of  the  heart  of  the  American  people.  Take  my  advice 
now  and  keep  still,  you  are  a  damn  fool. 

Some  of  our  brave  fighting  Generals  will  snap  you  up  yet 
and  blow  your  darned  head  off,  so  you  had  better  keep  cool  on 
that  account,  as  you  have  no  stomach  for  that  kind  of  work. 

Butler,  you  will  yet  see  that  you  had  better  dig  your  grave 

at  once  rather  than  attack  such  men  as  Grant,  Porter,  and 

others.     Of  all  the  foolish  things  you  ever  done,  this  is  the 

most  impolitic.     It  will,  I  know,  take  a  good  deal  to  put 

down  men  of  your  impudence,  but  you  have  sold  yourself. 

Your  condemnation  has  gone  forth  by  your  own  late  and 

viperous  acts,  it  is  too  late  to  recover  what  little  respect  the 

American  people  had  for  you.     Henceforward  your  present 

friends  will  abandon  you  one  by  one,  will  be  ashamed  to  be 

your  friend,  and  a  couple  of  years  from  this  day,  you  will 

be  a  sneak  and  a  laughing  stock  of  this  truly  great  people. 

There  was  a  time  when  I  pitied  your  want  of  judgment  etc. 

but  that  is  past.     ^  77-  j  jl-        7 

A  republican  who  was  never  anything  etse. 

From  W.  H.  Merriam  to  General  Butler 

Fort  Monroe,  Virginia,  Feb.  \st,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  have  it  upon  authority  that  both 
Generals  Terry  and  Ames  are  willing  to  appear  before  the 
Committee  of  Congress  on  the  conduct  of  the  War,  and  testify 
that  from  actual  observation  aided  by  reasons  of  the  most 
practical  character  they  would  have  advised  you  in  the  matter 
of  an  assault  upon  Fort  Fisher  as  General  Weitzel  did.     General 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER         531 

Ames  said  this  to  Captain  Keeler,  a  staff  officer  on  the  expedi- 
tion. I  have  deemed  it  proper  to  communicate  the  fact  to 
you,  as  I  have  it  from  Capt.  Keeler,  who  is  an  excellent  friend 
of  ours.  I  think  I  may  say  the  light  begins  to  shine  in  and 
through  the  cloud  of  obloquy.  Please  send  me  your  Lowell 
speech  in  full,  and  make  my  earnest  regards  to  Maj.  Haggerty, 
should  you  see  him. 

The  Navy  Department  being  at  a  loss  for  the  employment 
of  our  large  fleet  since  the  fall  of  Fort  Fisher,  —  propose  to 
send  a  powerful  squadron  to  cruise  about  Europe  and  show 
our  iron-teeth  to  the  "trembling  monarchs"  on  the  "tottering 
thrones"  of  the  decaying  Old  World.  It  is  said  that  Rear- 
Admiral  Goldsborough  is  designated  for  the  command  of  the 
European  fleet,  but  we  cannot  imagine  why.  He  has  no 
fame,  at  home  or  abroad,  as  a  fighting  man. 

By  all  means  send  glorious  old  Vice-Admiral  Farragut. 
If  we  send  a  show  squadron  to  Europe,  let  it  be  in  command 
of  a  real  hero  and  gentleman,  one  whose  exploits  are  known 
all  over  the  globe. 

Send  Farragut.  And  Admiral  Porter  says  some  of  the  moni- 
tors can  cross  the  ocean  with  perfect  safety.  Let  him  take  one  of 
them  and  accompany  the  fleet. 

I  wish  to  God  Porter  would,  provided  the  trip  could  have 

""^  '''"^^-  W.  H.  Merriam 

From  General  Butler  to  B.  T.  Wade 

February  8th,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order^ 

My  dear  Wade:  I  enclose  you  this  note  from  Mr.  Merriam, 

who  was  on  the  last  expedition  to  Fort  Fisher.     Will  you 

have  Terry  and  Ames  summoned.  t>   t:^  t»     ir   •   /-*     >» 

•^  B.  F.  B.,  Maj.  Gen  I. 

Address,  Maj.  Gen'l.  Terry  &  Brig.  Gen'l.  Ames,  Expedi- 
tionary Corps  near  Charleston. 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  February  1st,  1865 

My  dear  Mrs.  Boutwell:  Governor  Boutwell,  unsolicited, 
from  motives  of  personal  friendship  and  public,  did  me  a 
great  service. 

I  desire  to  mark  my  most  grateful  appreciation  of  this 
kindness  by  some  token  of  regard. 


532       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Please  wear  this  ring  in  remembrance  of  your  husband's 
triumph.     From  an  obliged  friend, 

Most  truly  yours,  (B.  F.  B.) 

From  C.  A.  Watson  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  February  \st,  1865 

Respected  Sir:  I  enclose  you  a  Reform  Pledge  which  I 
request  you  to  examine,  and  if  you  approve  of  the  plan,  please 
write  me  to  that  effect.  It  was  got  up  last  summer  with  the 
purpose  of  bringing  it  to  bear  on  the  fall  elections,  but  the 
time  was  too  short,  and  it  did  not  succeed,  although  it  was 
approved  of  by  many  of  our  most  prominent  men.  There  is 
now  as  much  necessity  for  it  as  at  any  time,  and  during  the 
spring  I  intend  to  bring  it  out  as  a  pamphlet  of  7  or  10  pages, 
so  as  to  let  on  all  future  elections.  As  I  am  fully  persuaded 
that  your  opinions  are  similar  to  many  in  the  Pledge,  I  there- 
fore write  asking  your  co-operation  in  correcting,  revising, 
and  improving  it,  as  its  success  in  my  opinion  is  of  as  much 
importance  as  the  Constitution,  and  if  successful  it  will  defeat 
every  one  who  opposes  it,  and  elevate  those  who  approve. 

ery  respec   u  y.  Your  Friend,  C.  A.  Watson 

From  General  Butler  to  C.  A.  Watson 

February  8th,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  I  most  certainly  approve  of  the  principle  of  your 
Reform  Pledge.  I  fear,  however,  that  it  may  be  going  a 
little  too  far  to  say  that  will  appoint  to  no  office  men  who 
have  not  been  in  the  war.  As  there  are  some  offices  to  be 
filled  by  men  too  old  to  have  been  in  the  field,  such  as  judges 
and  others,  I  should  be  quite  willing  to  agree  that  in  all  public 
employments  the  soldier  or  sailor  should  have  the  preference. 

Indeed,  I  have  already  acted  upon  that  proposition  in 
employing  teachers  for  freedmen's  schools  and  other  similar 
employment. 

With  this  limitation  your  object  is  a  good  one.  Certainly 
we  owe  it  to  those  who  have  fought  our  battles  to  give  them 
the  first  places. 

Upon  the  subject  giving  confiscated  lands  to  the  valiant  and 

faithful  soldier,  I  have  been  on  record  since  my  speech  of 

April,  1863.  „     ,  t>   t7  u 

Truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        533 

From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Provost  Court  Department  of  Virginia  and  N.  Carolina,  Norfolk,  Feb.  1st,  1865 

Dear  General:  The  Provost  Court  still  exists.  I  see 
nothing  of  Gen.  Ord,  although  he  had  been  in  Norfolk  2  or  3 
times.  He  visited  the  Wise  Farm  and  has  suggested  some 
change,  has  turned  over  the  feeding  to  the  Commissary. 
He  has  removed  all  the  Provost  Marshals  by  order  of  Gen. 
Grant. 

The  commission  appointed  by  Gen.  Grant,  consisting  of 
Gen.  Gordon,  Col.  Potter,  and  Major  Reed,  is  the  dreaded 
tribunal. 

They  have  examined  all  connected  with  the  Johnson  store, 
which  is  now  said  to  have  made  all  the  trouble.  Thousands 
of  dollars  a  day  were  sold  there.  Gen.  Grant  has  prohibited 
goods  from  being  carried  out  of  Norfolk.  Gen.  Shepley  is 
reported  to  have  said  that  whatever  stores  were  established, 
or  permits  given,  were  under  your  express  orders,  and  that  he 
was  not  the  commanding  oflBcer  of  this  District,  although  he 
signed  himself  as  such.  Many  think  that  he  is  ready  to 
implicate  you  to  save  himself.  Hildreth  and  Lane  have 
tried  to  find  out  about  his  examination,  but  to  little  satis- 
faction. He  says  that  there  is  no  trouble.  Potter  and  Reed 
are  very  intimate  with  him. 

I  was  at  the  Fort  yesterday.  The  "River  Queen"  was 
ordered  from  the  Fort  to  Annapolis  for  Sec.  Seward,  and  the 
"Martin"  is  to  bring  down  Commissioners  Stephens,  Hunter, 
and  Campbell.  They  meet  to-day.  As  you  read  the  news- 
paper, you  will  know  all. 

Gen.  Scofield  is  here  with  20,000  men  from  the  army  of 
Tennessee.  They  are  to  land  near  Fort  Fisher  and  attack 
Wilmington  by  land,  while  the  gunboats  go  up  the  river. 
It  looks  as  if  the  rebellion  was  really  near  its  end.  Col.  Lamb 
is  a  prisoner  at  Chesapeake  Hospital.  He  says  that  if  you  had 
attacked,  your  whole  force  woidd  certainly  have  been  captured. 
That  Hoke's  division  was  in  your  rear  waiting  to  attack  you. 

All  is  gloom  and  desolation  at  the  Fort.  A  new  set  of  men 
walk  the  wharf.  A  new  lot  of  steamers  in  the  bay,  and  every 
one  now  there  now  puts  on  airs  that  your  officers  were  never 
equal  to.  The  army  of  the  Potomac  is  here,  and  rules,  and 
will  be  in  at  the  Death,  to  carry  off  all  the  laurels.  The 
army  of  the  James  is  extinct.  Quite  a  sensation  was  created 
here  by  the  report  that  the  Rebel  rams  came  down  through 


534       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  Dutch  Gap  Canal.  If  they  had  got  down  at  all,  it  would 
have  been  the  best  piece  of  luck  for  you  that  could  have 
occurred,  to  have  them  come  through  the  Canal.  Our  fleet 
would  go  over  land  rather  than  use  it. 

I  have  written  to  Mr.  Field  for  $10,000  to  pay  Mr.  Couch. 
I  suppose  that  you  desire  to  complete  the  purchase  of  the 
Couch  claims,  3  are  confiscated.  The  lands  embraced  in  a 
fourth  are  confiscated  in  the  name  of  the  son  of  the  true  owner. 
Two  are  said  to  be  loyal. 

I  will  inform  you  of  any  movement  here,  when  I  can  give 
you  earlier  information  than  the  newspapers. 

Yours,  W.  P.  Webster 

P.  S.  Sec.  Seward  and  others  are  at  the  Fort.  Stephens, 
Hunter,  and  Judge  Campbell  are  on  their  way  from  the  Front 
on  the  "Martin."  I  believe  that  the  Rebels  can  dictate 
terms.  Gen.  Weitzel  is  here  and  says  that  he  will  give  Porter 
the  devil.     He  received  your  letter. 

From  General  Grant 

Headquarters  Armies  of  the  United  States,  City  Point,  Va.,  February  1, 1865 

Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Secretary  of  War  with  the 
request  that  these  papers  be  filed  with  Major-General  Butler's 
report  of  the  expedition  against  Fort  Fisher,  N.  C,  as  state- 
ments appended  to  said  report  by  me. 

I  should  have  appended  them  when  I  forwarded  the  report, 
but  Lieutenant-Colonel  Comstock,  aide-de-camp,  to  whom 
they  were  made,  was  absent  on  the  second  expedition  against 
the  fort,  and  had  them  with  him.  These  statements  of  the 
officers  and  men  named  were  reduced  to  writing  immediately 
after  the  return  of  unsuccessful  expedition  against  Fort  Fisher, 
and  were  handed  to  Colonel  Comstock  about  the  2nd  day  of 
January,  1865.  General  Butler,  before  ordering  the  re- 
embarkation  and  return  of  the  expedition  he  assumed  to 
command,  might  have  had  within  information,  and  it  was 
his  duty,  before  giving  such  orders,  to  have  known  the  results 
of  the  reconnaissance,  which  could  have  been  most  satis- 
factorily learned  from  those  most  in  advance. 

U.  S.  Grant,  Lieutenant-General 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  977. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       535 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  February  Uh,  1865 

Hon.  C.  A.  Dana,  Asst.  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:  This  note  will  be  handed  you  by  Mr.  Davenport,  my 
Sec'y>  of  whom  I  spoke  to  you  while  in  Washington.  If  you 
will  please  furnish  him  with  a  pass  and  such  authority  as 
may  be  necessary  to  have  to  visit  the  Rebel  General  Whiting 
and  Col.  Lamb,  now  prisoners  of  war,  and  understood  to  be 
confined  at  Fort  Delaware,  in  order  that  he  may  confer  with 
them  upon  the  subject  of  Fort  Fisher,  I  shall  be  greatly  obliged. 
Most  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  U.S.  Vols. 

Statement  of  General  Whiting 

February  llth,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  Whiting  of  the  Provisional  Army  of  the  Con- 
federate States  this  day  in  conversation  with  me  made  the  follow- 
ing statements 

The  original  garrison  of  Fort  Fisher  was  nine  hundred 
strong,  consisting  of  the  36th  N.  C.  Regt.  under  the  command 
of  Colonel  Lamb,  This  regiment  was  the  only  garrison  on 
the  16th  of  December.  Gen'l.  Whiting  reinforced  the  fort 
with  some  marines,  sailors,  and  soldiers  from  Fort  Caswell 
and  elsewhere,  making  the  garrison  of  the  fort  about  one 
thousand  men.  The  fire  of  the  navy  the  first  time  had  very 
little  effect  in  injuring  the  fort  as  a  means  of  defence.  It 
dismounted  about  five  guns,  I  think.  The  fort  was  much 
better  prepared  for  defence  upon  the  first  occasion  thaii  upon 
the  last,  for  the  reason  that  the  navy  did  not  fire  at  night  at 
the  time  of  the  first  attack,  and  therefore  we  had  time  to 
repair  what  little  damage  was  done  during  the  day.  Upon 
the  occasion  of  the  second  attack,  the  fire  of  the  navy  was 
very  severe.  Nearly  every  gun,  if  not  every  one,  upon  the 
land  side  of  the  fort  was  dismounted  by  it,  and  upon  the  sea 
face  much  injured.  Otherwise,  however,  the  fort  was  not 
materially  injured.  The  fire  of  the  navy,  unlike  the  time  of 
the  first  attack,  at  the  time  of  the  second  was  continuous  for 
three  days  and  nights.  We  had  no  time  to  repair  damages  or 
rest  the  men.  The  fort  never  should  have  been  taken.  There 
was  no  more  reason  why  Gen'l.  Terry  should  have  succeeded 
than  why  Gen'l.  Butler  should  not.  Gen'l.  Bragg  is  to  blame 
for  the  whole  affair.  He  had  under  his  command,  within 
two  miles  and  a  half  of  Fort  Fisher,  two  batteries  of  artillery. 


536       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

a  regiment  of  cavalry,  and  a  large  number  of  infantry.  His 
force  was  as  large  as  Gen'l.  Terry's,  and  he  should  have  cap- 
tured Gen'l.  Terry  as  he  might  easily  have  done.  I  shall 
prefer  charges  against  him,  and  I  don't  care  who  knows  it 
or  opposes  it.  He  never  assisted  me  in  any  way  —  never 
even  fired  a  shot. 

Gen'l.  Terry's  line  of  entrenchments  were  very  slight,  and 
Gen'l.  Bragg  might  easily  have  forced  him  from  them,  and 
placed  him  in  a  position  where  he  would  have  been  directly 
between  the  fire  of  Fort  Fisher  and  the  fire  of  your  army, 
which  could  not  then  have  helped  him  at  all.  The  garrison  of 
the  fort  was  about  five  hundred  more  men  at  the  time  of  the 
second  attack  than  at  the  time  of  the  first.  The  powder  boat 
exploded  at  the  time  of  the  first  attack  had  no  effect.  It  was 
supposed  to  be  one  of  the  enemy's  vessels  blown  up  on  account 
of  having  grounded,  and  was  so  reported.  I  do  not  think  the 
powder  boat  was  nearer  than  fifteen  hundred  to  seventeen 
hundred  yards  from  the  salient  of  Fort  Fisher.  Fort  Fisher 
was  built  with  the  idea  of  being  defended  by  a  co-operative 
force  operating  outside.  It  was  erected  for  the  purpose  of 
keeping  vessels  out  of  the  river,  and  that  work  it  did.  It 
was  not  as  strong  upon  the  land  side  as  upon  the  sea  face, 
although  as  strong  as  I  could  make  it  —  still  I  always  expected 
it  would  be  defended  with  the  aid  of  a  co-operative  force. 

David  G.  Coit,  Assist.  Surgeon  in  Confederate  Army  stated 
that  at  the  time  of  the  first  attack  upon  the  fort  there  were 
but  five  companies  in  the  fort,  numbering  between  four  and 
five  hundred  men  —  that  the  remainder  of  the  garrison  (the 
36th  N.  C.)  was  at  Savannah,  and  remained  there  until  the 
time  of  its  evacuation  —  that  he,  himself,  was  there  with  them. 
John  I.  Davenport,  Secy,  to  Maj.  Gen'l.  Butler 

From  James  A.  Garfield  to  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  Washington,  D.  C,  February  ith,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  After  presenting  my  congratulations  for  your 
splendid  triumph  over  the  defamer  Brooks,  in  our  house,  I 
wish  to  solicit  the  favor  of  a  copy  of  your  late  speech  at  Lowell. 

With  kindest  regards,  I  am,  dear  sir,  Very  truly. 

Your  obedient  servt.,  J.  A.  Garfield 

Endorsed.     Bennett,  send  two  copies.     B.  F.  B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        537 

From  Mrs.  Horace  Mann  to  General  Butler 

Concord,  February  6th,  1865 

My  dear  Sir:  The  enclosed  letter,  as  you  will  see  by  its 
date,  was  written  several  weeks  since,  on  the  very  day  when 
we  heard  of  the  change  in  your  position.  I  have  withheld  it, 
partly  by  the  advice  of  a  friend,  partly  from  my  own  feeling 
that  you  might  be  too  much  occupied  to  attend  to  it  —  but  a 
word  spoken  by  you  at  the  meeting  in  Boston,  held  to  rejoice 
over  the  late  amendment,  a  word  which  shows  that  you  did 
appreciate  my  husband's  labors,  although  differing  from  him 
widely  at  one  time  on  political  subjects,  induces  me  to  forward 
it  now.  I  am  thankful  whenever  I  see  any  of  your  good 
deeds  responded  to  by  the  public,  for  every  such  testimony 
assures  me  of  the  soundness  of  my  country's  heart.  It  seems 
sometimes  as  if  the  millenium  really  would  come  on  earth, 
now  that  legislation  itself  is  showing  a  heart  as  well  as  a  head. 
In  the  exultation  of  feeling  so  universally  shared,  for  the 
exceptions  are  not  prominent  certainly,  if  numerous,  none 
are  so  jubilant,  perhaps,  as  the  mothers  whose  sons  are  destined 
to  rejoice  in  rather  than  to  be  ashamed  of  their  country,  as 
so  many  of  us  have  long  been.  If  you  never  have  a  "com- 
mand" again,  technically  speaking,  I  think  you  will  still  have 
a  very  happy  old  age,  in  reflecting  upon  the  part  you  have 
taken  in  our  national  regeneration,  thanking  God  always 
that  he  made  you  so,  that  you  could  do  it. 

With  high  regard,  Mary  Mann 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Horace  Mann 

My  dear  Madame:  Thanks  for  your  kind  note.  While 
I  was  obliged  to  differ  from  your  honored  husband  in  his 
views  of  Constitutional  obligation,  I  by  no  means  ever  failed 
to  appreciate  the  motives  which  compelled  his  actions,  or 
failed  to  recognize  the  rare  merit  which  entitles  Mr.  Mann 
to  a  place  among  the  most  famous  of  the  Commonwealth. 
I  am  very  sorry  for  the  sake  of  the  rising  schools  of  my  depart- 
ment, that  the  interest  of  the  public  service  has  required  my 
removal.  I  should  have  been  very  proud  and  joyous  over  the 
gift  which  it  was  your  intention  to  bestow  upon  us.  Believe  me. 
Most  truly  yours,  Benjamin  F.  Butler 


538       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  John  F.  Rich  to  General  Butler 

New  Portland,  Maine,  Feb.  6th,  1865 

My  dear  Sir:  A  year  ago  or  more,  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
meeting  you  at  Portland,  and  knowing  your  readiness  to  serve 
our  loyal  cause,  I  feel  at  liberty  to  address  you  on  a  matter 
of  vital  interest  to  the  people  of  all  our  states. 

Whatever  West  Point  prejudices  may  effect,  the  honest 
patriot  everywhere  can  but  regret  your  removal  from  active 
duty;  principally,  because  you  did  something  that  manifested 
regard  for  our  suffering  prisoners.  Too  much  credit  cannot 
be  awarded  your  humane  endeavors,  and  too  many  purely 
loyal  citizens  can  but  regret  that  our  brave  soldiers  are  seem- 
ingly abandoned  to  barbarity;  that  too  nice  points  of  equality 
and  law  send  so  many  of  our  sons  and  neighbors  to  graves  in 
rebel  limits. 

They  purpose  here  in  Maine,  by  and  through  our  Legisla- 
ture, to  respectfully  ask  of  Congress,  "Why  not  exchange  as 
General  Butler  has  proposed?  Why  not  exchange  somehow,'^" 
We  would  not  ask  for  national  degradation  or  submission  to 
traitors  in  the  least,  but  can  we  not  effect  the  release  of  our 
boys,  honorably  and  at  once.'^ 

I  am  solicited,  in  behalf  of  the  committee,  to  present  the 
matter  from  Somerset  Co.,  to  ask  you  to  favor  us  with  your 
views  thereon.     Can  you  so  favor  us  with  a  petition .f* 

Yours  with  regard,  John  F.  Rich,  Atty.  at  Law 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Private.  Freeport,  III.,  Feb.  7th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  have  read  your  speech.  I  think  it  would 
be  proper  for  you  to  have  the  public  in  some  way  get  to  under- 
stand your  proposition  for  retaliation.  A  year  ago  Stanton 
agreed  to  let  you  have  control  of  the  prisoners  and  put  them 
at  Hatteras  and  Lewis  Points,  and  treat  them  in  all  respects 
as  the  Rebs  treated  ours,  and  that  after  you  had  got  ready, 
he  then  backed  out  and  refused  to  let  you,  and  that  you  then 
arranged  to  have  packages  sent  our  prisoners  on  condition 
that  the  Rebs  should  do  the  same,  and  that  Stanton  refused 
to  let  you  carry  out  that  arrangement,  which  caused  much 
suffering,  and  I  think  if  you  manage  Mulford  he  would  testify 
that  Stanton  told  him  that  our  prisoners  could  serve  their 
country  best  by  remaining  in  prison.     Your  speech  tells  part 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       539 

of  the  story  but  only  part,  for  I  take  it  that  it  is  susceptible 
of  proof  that  Stanton  runs  the  whole  machine  to  the  end  that 
there  should  be  no  exchanges,  and  that  Grant  fell  into  the 
same  arrangement.  I  see  Richardson  has  written  a  long 
letter  in  N.  Y.  Tribune  charging  Stanton  with  stopping  or 
preventing  exchanges.  How  would  it  do  for  you  to  see 
Richardson?  While  I  don't  believe  it  policy  for  you  to  make 
too  public  a  fight,  yet  these  things  might  be  got  out  indirectly. 

Your  friend,  J.  W.  Shaffer. 

I  have  not  heard  a  word  from  you  or  any  of  your  staff  since 
you  was  relieved.     J.  W.  S. 

From  James  W.  Schaumburg 

Major  Gen.  Butler,  Philadelphia,  (Pa.) 

Lowell,  Massachusetts 

Dear  Sir:  When  far  away  a  fortnight  since,  I  read  your 
statement  to  your  friends  at  home,  and  I  have  seen  the  decla- 
rations of  Gen.  Grant  and  the  responses  of  Gen,  Whiting  to  your 
interrogations,  all  of  which  show  you  justified  in  not  sacrificing 
your  soldiers  at  the  assault  upon  Fort  Fisher,  that  Porter 
falsified  his  own  conduct  and  maliciously  misrepresented  yours. 

It  is  denied  by  Grant  that  you  were  the  commander  of  the 
expedition  to  co-operate  with  the  naval  forces.  If  you  were  not 
the  commander,  why  then  do  they,  Grant,  Porter,  and  Stanton 
—  hold  you  responsible  and  hurl  upon  you  their  condemnation? 
But  you  assumed  to  lead  or  advise  with  Weitzel,  and  Porter 
did  not  deny  your  authority  to  lead  or  to  advise,  and  Weitzel 
himself  says  he  agreed  with  you  in  not  advancing  to  the  assault 
or  attempt  to  take  the  Forts,  as  they  were  not  damaged  by  the 
bombardment,  and  you  were  justified  in  withdrawing  your 
forces,  as  the  Confederates  were  in  large  force,  which  had  the 
rebel  Commander,  as  Gen.  Whiting  says,  been  competent 
to  the  work  before  him  as  it  was,  you  would  have  been  over- 
whelmed. Now,  if  Weitzel  agrees  with  you  and  approved  of 
your  assuming  in  part  or  in  whole  command,  why  is  he  pro- 
moted and  petted  and  you  made  the  victim  of  malice?  The 
answer  is  that  Stanton  has  hated  you  ever  since  your  friends 
spoke  of  you  as  his  successor.  I  hope  his  longer  continuance  in  a 
position  which  he  has  managed  with  such  brutality  and  shame- 
less partiality  will  be  very  brief.  I  remain  very  respectfully, 
Your  obdt.  servant,  James  W.  Schaumburg 


540        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  General  Palmer  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  District  oj  N.  Carolina,  Newbeen,  N.  C,  Feb.  1th,  1865 

My  dear  General  :  In  spite  of  all  the  Richmond  Examiners 
can  say  I  am  convinced  that  you  are  human,  and  that  you  are 
therefore  not  perfectly  indifferent  to  what  your  friends  think 
of  those  matters  which  have  of  late  concerned  you,  and  which 
have  been  cause  for  much  discussion  among  your  friends  and 
your  enemies. 

I  wish  to  say  to  you  that  recollecting  always  the  kindly 
manner  in  which  you  have  treated  me,  and  the  various  kind 
expressions  you  have  written,  I  am  personally  very  sorry  that  it 
was  considered  necessary  by  the  administration  to  relieve  you 
from  your  late  command. 

Of  course  I  do  not  presume  to  criticise  the  acts  of  the  "powers 
that  be,"  but  I  can't  but  feel  that  an  injustice  has  been  done 
you.  I  cannot  also  help  the  feeling  that  this,  like  other  events 
that  have  transpired  during  the  war,  will  at  least  be  source  of 
regret  to  you. 

Of  course  you  expected  from  some  of  the  newspapers  nothing 
less  than  the  meanness  they  exhibit  now.  A  week  before  the 
Fort  Fisher  affair  they  would,  all  of  them,  have  been  on  their 
knees  to  you. 

As  the  Spaniards  say,  Asi  se  va  el  mundo. 

Your  letter  by  Peter  Lawson  I  received  from  his  hands,  as 
also  one  or  two  other  private  notes  given  to  friends  who  desired 
"facilities"  for  something.  All  these  I  have  attended  to  as 
promptly  as  I  could,  and  I  only  desire  that  you  will  still  com- 
mand me  if  I  can  be  of  any  service  to  you  or  to  your  friends. 

It  is  thought  by  some  here  that  the  Admiral  (or  as  he  is  now 
called  the  Admirable  Porter)  is  fast  writing  himself  to  death. 

I  remain  General,  y^  ,.  „  t  tvt  t» 

V ery  resfectjully  yours,  J .  JN .  Palmer 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Mass.,  Feb.  1th,  1865 

Hon.  Benj.  T.  Wade,  Chairman  of  Committee,  &c.,  &c. 

Sir:  I  take  leave  to  send  you  the  note  enclosed  herewith, 
which  has  been  addressed  to  me  by  a  perfect  stranger.  If 
the  statements  therein  are  correct,  it  only  confirms  me  in  the 
opinion  I  have  long  entertained,  that  the  man  is  unfit  for  his 
place.  Colonel  Deming,  member  of  the  house  from  Connecti- 
cut, can  give  you  some  accounts  of  Porter's  conduct  after 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        541 

Farragut  went  by  the  forts  on  the  Mississippi,  which  may  be 
interesting  and  instructive  to  show  "on  what  meats  this  our 
Caesar  feeds  that  he  has  grown  so  great." 

Most  Truly  Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen. 


Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

CiNCiNTs^ATi,  Ohio,  Feby.  1,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  Gen'l.  B.  F.  Butler 

Dear  Sir:  As  you  have  been  attacked  by  Admiral  D.  D. 
Porter,  or  more  properly  "Reporter"  considering  what  he 
says,  you  may  accept  his  attacks  as  an  honor  to  yourself. 
He  is  the  greatest  liar  that  ever  disgraced  the  western  waters, 
John  A.  Murrell  the  robber  not  excepted. 

His  description  of  the  battle  at  "Grand  Gulf,"  and  his 
official  report  of  the  same,  was  a  lie  from  first  to  last. 

He  reported  it  as  a  victory  on  his  part,  but  the  truth  is,  it 
was  not  captured  until  forty-eight  hours  after  his  assault,  but 
the  rebels  blew  up  the  magazine  when  Grant  had  gained  their 
rear,  and  Porter  or  none  of  his  boats  arrived  until  six  hours 
after  Gen'l.  Grant  and  his  men  had  taken  the  place  —  this 
I  saw. 

He  tried  in  the  commencement  of  the  war,  to  have  his  brother 
Wm.  D.  Porter,  convicted  of  treason;  this  I  presume  you 
know  all  about.  He  put  Charles  St.  Clair  on  the  ram  "Gen'l. 
Price,"  knowing  that  he  was  not  a  pilot  on  the  waters  of  the 
upper  Mississippi.  By  this  action  he  caused  the  sinking  of  our 
best  gunboat  "Conestoga,"  and  drowning  of  two-thirds  of  her 
crew  in  the  IVIississippi  river.  If  justice  could  have  been  prop- 
erly meted  out,  Adm'l.  D.  Porter  would  according  to  the  marine 
laws  of  the  United  States  have  been  convicted  and  hung. 
The  trip  up  Red  river  was  a  private  one  in  order  to  get  300,000 
bales  of  cotton  that  was  reported  up  that  river.  Every 
western  river  pilot  advised  him  against  the  expediency  of  going 
above  the  falls  of  Red  River.  The  pilots  of  the  western  waters 
of  35  years'  experience  advised  him  that  boats  drawing  as  much 
water  as  our  ironclads  do  (12  feet)  had  never  ventured  above 
the  falls,  and  that  they  would  be  lost  if  taken  above. 

He  appointed  his  brother-in-law,  a  resident  of  New  York 
City,  who  had  never  known  anything  about  the  western  waters, 
a  special  pilot,  and  consulted  him,  and  finally  agreed  to  take 
the  boats  up.  They  never  would  have  been  gotten  back  only 
for  the  assistance  of  a  colonel  in  Gen'l.  Banks'  army.     When 


542        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Porter  was  disappointed  in  getting  cotton,  he  returned  to  Alex- 
andria; on  his  return  to  Alexandria  he  called  at  the  plantation 
of  a  Mr.  Roberts,  opposite  to  Alexandria.  Mr.  Roberts  had  a 
protection  from  Gen'l.  Banks,  but  notwithstanding  the  pro- 
tection paper,  Porter  took  $80,000  worth  of  sugar  and  sent  it 
to  New  Orleans,  and  appropriated  the  proceeds  to  his  own 
private  use.  He  burned  the  sugar  mills  and  all  the  buildings, 
and  in  the  conflagration  burned  a  girl  of  14  years  of  age. 
All  these  belonged  to  Capt.  James  S.  Roberts,  who  is  now  a 
resident  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  was  a  resident  also  previous 
to  the  war.  His  evidence  against  Porter's  conduct  can  be 
procured  at  any  time. 

These  statements  show  but  a  few  incidents  and  instances  of 
his  bad  conduct.  I  would  not  believe  any  statement  that 
Porter  would  make  under  oath. 

You  are  at  liberty  to  use  the  above  statements  as  you  think 
best,  and  if  you  want  any  further  evidence  to  show  Porter's 
bad  conduct,  I  can  furnish  you  with  any  amount  of  it,  and  will 
do  it  cheerfully.     I  am,  dear  Gen'l., 

Your  obt.  servt.,  R.  S.  McKay 

From  General  Butler  to  R.  S.  McKay 

Fehy.  8,  1865 

Your  note  relating  to  D.  D.  Porter  is  at  hand,  and  has  been 
forwarded  to  the  "Committee  on  the  conduct  of  the  war," 
who  may  call  on  you  for  the  evidence  of  which  you  speak. 

With  thanks  for  your  expressions  of  regard,  I  am. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

Cli'p'ping 

Washington,  March  10 

The  Supreme  Court  to-day  decided  a  case  involving  many 
interesting  and  international  and  municipal  questions  in  law 
of  prize.  It  was  that  of  the  United  States,  appellant,  against 
seventy-two  bales  of  cotton,  Elizabeth  Alexander  being  the 
claimant,  on  appeal  from  the  Southern  District  Court  of  Illinois, 
which  awarded  restitution  to  her.  This  was  a  test  case, 
involving  all  the  cotton  —  valued  at  over  two  millions  of  dol- 
lars —  captured  by  the  Navy  during  the  Red  River  expedition. 
The  cotton  was  claimed  by  the  Navy  as  lawful  prize  of  war  on 
the  general  ground  of  belligerents'  rights,  that  part  of  Louisiana 
being  claimed  as  an  enemy's  country.  The  cotton  was  taken 
on  land  at  various  distances  from  the  water,  teams  having  been 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        543 

sent  out  to  gather  it.  The  claimant  took  the  amnesty  oath 
under  the  proclamation  of  the  President,  although  she  had 
taken  no  part  in  the  rebellion.  The  argument  occupied 
several  days.  The  Court,  through  Chief  Justice  Chase,  decided 
that  there  could  be  no  seizure  as  prize  of  war  of  private  property 
bj-  the  Navy  on  inland  waters  of  the  United  States,  or  on  land 
since  the  act  of  Congress  of  1861,  1862,  1863  and  1864,  and  that 
therefore  this  property  was  not  in  that  view  lawful  prize  of  war ; 
but  the  Court  thought  the  property  should  have  been  given 
over  to  Treasury  oflBcers  as  captured  or  abandoned  property 
under  the  act  of  March  12, 1863.  This  act  prescribes  the  means 
by  which  loyal  citizens  may  recover  compensation.  The  libel 
was  ordered  to  be  dismissed.  Thus  the  Navy  was  ignored 
in  the  case. 

The  Court  also  held  that  the  possession  of  the  Red  river 
country  was  temporary,  and  not  long  enough  to  secure  rights  of 
property  to  citizens  of  that  part  of  Louisiana,  and  that  the 
election  then  held  in  the  Red  river  country  was  not  legal  and 
conferred  no  rights. 

From  ''A  Friend''  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  March  7,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Sir:  Although  I  am  opposed  to  anonymous  letter  writing, 
I  cannot  longer  resist  warning  you  against  a  most  bitter  enemy 
of  yours,  David  D.  Porter.  The  injury  he  did  you  about  the 
Fort  Fisher  affair  you  must  be  aware  of,  &  he  went  into  that 
action  not  intending  to  aid  you.  Since  some  New  Orleans 
difficulty  you  had  together,  he  has  been  determined  to  injure 
you.  Of  his  absurd  and  lengthy  &  badly  written  reports,  it  is 
not  worth  while  to  speak,  and  not  always  truthful,  are  they.'^ 
Be  on  your  guard  against  him,  for  although  his  "pen"  is  not 
"that  of  a  ready  writer,"  his  tongue  not  always  trustful,  does 
much  harm. 

Every  one  knows  what  you  have  done  for  our  cause,  more  in 
my  opinion  than  any  man  in  either  Army  or  Navy,  but  a  man 
who  has  worked  you  one  wrong  will  not  stop  there.  His  wife 
throughout  this  war  has  had  sympathy  with  the  enemy's 
cause,  which  might  be  attributed  to  her  intimacy  with  one 
Samuel  Barrow,  Comdg.  in  the  rebel  service  (a  former  Capt. 
in  our  service),  with  whom  she  corresponded  during  his  con- 
finement in  Ft.  Warren,  endeavoring  to  see  him  when  just 
taken   to   Governor's   Island,   although   her  course  if  known 


544       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

calculated  to  do  great  injury  to  her  husband.  Many  times  I 
have  wanted  to  warn  you  against  this  Admiral,  and  should  I 
hear  of  more  outrageous  lies  he  tells  of  you,  I  shall  place  a 
knowledge  of  certain  transactions  of  his  in  your  hands,  for  you 
to  act  your  pleasure  about.  You  must  know  he  is  your  enemy, 
still  I  think  you  cannot  know  one-half  his  meanness.  Heed  all 
I  say.  A  friend 

From  Jacob  H.  Ela  to  General  Butler 

Rochester,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  8th,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  I  am  prompted  to  write  to  you  from  just  having 
read  your  speech  at  Boston  of  Sat.  eve  last,  which  seems  to  me 
to  embody  more  of  statemanship  on  the  great  question  of  how 
the  African  element  of  the  nation  is  to  be  managed  than  I  have 
ever  seen  from  any  other  public  man.  I  am  more  than  pleased 
with  your  position  because  it  is  one  I  have  long  entertained,  and 
my  idea  is  that  the  poor  whites  will  give  quite  as  much  trouble 
as  the  blacks.  One  rule  should  apply  to  all.  Let  those  who  can 
take  care  of  themselves  assist  those  who  cannot,  and  restrain 
the  vicious.  The  more  simple  rule,  and  the  less  encumbered 
with  machinery,  the  better.  Our  old  vagrant  laws  are  a  sort 
of  precedent  for  those  wilfully  improvident  and  vicious. 

I  venture  to  address  you,  though  a  stranger  who  has  met  you 
but  once  —  at  Centre  House,  in  1863.  I  could  claim  some 
relationship  for  my  boys,  who  believe  in  "Ben  Butler,"  and  had 
for  their  great  grandmother  old  Mrs.  Page  of  Connville,  Maine. 
Your  aid.  Col.  Kinsman,  is  the  son  of  an  old  acquaintance  of 
my  wife's,  who  was  a  relative.  For  myself,  I  am  an  old  stager 
in  New  Hampshire  politics,  of  radical  anti-slavery  antecedents, 
and  take  a  great  interest  in  your  position  now  and  for  the  future. 
I  am  visionary  enough  to  believe  brains  and  pluck  both  neces- 
sary for  guiding  the  nation  in  the  future  —  with  daring  enough 
to  make  precedents  if  none  exist. 

Let  me  say  in  closing  that  I  was  present  at  Washington  in 
the  Reps.  Hall  at  the  meeting  of  the  Christian  Commission 
held  Jan.  29.  A.  D.  Richardson  then  made  a  speech  which 
was  substantially  the  same  as  the  articles  from  him  in  the 
semi- weekly  Tribune  of  Feb.  3.  In  alluding  to  your  course  of 
retaliation  before  Richmond,  in  contrast  with  what  had  been 
done  by  others  and  its  result,  he  said  the  doctrine  there  aroused 
by  Benj.  F.  Butler  and  put  in  force  would  bring  relief  to  our 
starving  prisoners  as  it  did  then  to  our  black  ones.     It  brought 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        545 

such  a  storm  of  applause  as  I  have  seldom  witnessed.  It  was 
equalled  to  nothing  but  Admiral  Farragut  entering  upon  the 
stand  after  a  highly  exciting  invitation  from  Senator  Clarke 
to  the  audience  and  Secretary  Seward  from  the  chair.  It 
must  have  convinced  both  the  President  and  Secretary  and 
everybody  else  that  if  Butler  was  under  the  cloud  among 
officials,  it  was  not  so  among  those  who  attended  the  meeting 
of  the  Christian  Commission  in  Washington.  It  was  an  exceed- 
ingly flattering  demonstration  to  an  absent  person  —  all  the 
more  so  because  given  in  the  presence  of  those  by  whom  he 

had  been  shelved.  ^     ,  ,  -^-r    -^ 

I  ruly  yours,  Jacob  H.  Ela 

From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Provost  Court,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

NoHFOLK,  February  8th.  1865 

Dear  General:  Gen.  Shepley  this  morning  received  his 
notice  that  he  was  relieved,  and  that  when  he  closed  a  court 
martial  of  which  he  was  President,  that  he  would  report  to 
Gen.  Weitzel  for  orders.  Gen.  Gordon  is  to  succeed  him. 
By  the  same  despatch  came  the  following  to  "this  official": 

Head   Quarters,   February   8th,    1865 
To  Judge  Advocate  W.  P.  Webster 

The  validity  of  the  acts  and  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Provost  Court  at  Norfolk  being 
questioned  by  the  Judge  Advocate  General  of  the  army,  I  shall  probably  have  to  dis- 
continue the  court.  From  what  you  stated  to  me  as  to  your  desire  to  resign,  I  am 
aware  that  you  would  prefer  not  to  wait  any  such  action.     Please  answer  by  telegraph. 

E.  O.  C.  Ord,  Major  General  Commanding 

Of  course  I  answered  that  if  he  had  decided  to  discontinue 
the  court,  to  accept  my  resignation  as  soon  as  he  desired. 

I  have  on  file  complaints  against  parties  with  the  endorse- 
ments of  Gen.  Shepley  and  also  of  the  Judge  Advocate,  ordering 
me  to  try  such,  wherein  it  appeared  that  the  parties  were 
charged  with  the  offense  of  aiding  soldiers  to  desert. 

Judge  Advocate  Stackpole,  who  has  always  exercised,  while 
Provost  Judge,  jurisdiction  in  more  doubtful  cases  than  any 
other  person,  is  to  be  made  Assistant  Judge  Advocate  General. 

Major  Davis  has  charge  of  the  empty  office  at  the  Port. 
It  is  now  stated  that  all  your  appointments  are  to  be  revoked. 
A  clean  sweep  is  to  be  made.  That  this  was  said  on  your  re- 
moval. 

Gen.  Shepley  has  only  been  retained  in  order  to  be  used  in 
the  matters  of  this  Inquisition.  I  suppose  that  now  the 
Pierpont  Administration  is  to  be  reinstated,  as  the  Governor 
VOL.  V — 35 


546       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

and  his  friends  arrived  this  morning,  I  do  not  know  whether 
from  the  front  or  from  Washington. 

I  do  not  know  whether  Sue  will  be  content  to  remain  here  or 
not.  I  shall  remain  awhile,  if  I  can  keep  the  house  I  now  occupy. 
If  I  am  driven  out,  I  may  send  my  family  home  and  may  remain 
where  I  am  until  Spring  myself. 

I  hear  a  great  many  things  that  the  President  has  stated. 
One  thing  is  said  to  me  as  most  true.  That  the  President 
assured  a  man  that  you  should  be  removed  after  the  election  of 
President.  However,  I  will  not  trouble  you  with  these,  I 
believe  him  to  be  hostile  to  you. 

We  are  all  well,  and  nothing  except  the  above  is  of  sufficient 
importance  to  communicate,  unless  the  fact  that  General 
Grant  has  ordered  all  the  cotton  speculators  before  a  court 
martial,  including  Sherman,  Dudley  Bean,  and  all  the  persons 

tried  last  summer.     I  am,  -.r  .      ^tu  t,  ttt 

Yours,  etc.,  W.  P.  Webster 

From  H.  M.  Turner  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  1st  U.  S.  C.  Troops  near  Fort  Fisher,  Feb.  0th,  1865 

Honored  Sir:  I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  tax 
your  kindness  to  read  a  letter  from  one  who,  notwithstanding 
his  humble  sphere  in  life,  desires  nevertheless  to  correct  any 
false  statement  which  he  believes  was  created  and  circulated 
for  malicious  designs. 

I  have  only  had  the  pleasure  of  reading  two  newspapers  since 
we  captured  this  place,  one  of  which  is  an  editorial  relative  to 
your  removal  from  your  late  command,  went  on  to  say  among 
many  other  abominable  falsehoods,  "that  even  the  colored 
troops  received  the  intelligence  with  joy," 

And  the  said  editorial  went  on  in  a  lying  train  of  arguments 
to  use  several  other  phrases  in  giving  vent  to  its  miserable 
spleen,  in  which  it  tried  to  thread  colored  soldiers  hate,  and 
which  to  my  knowledge  were  unpardonable  misrepresentations. 

Sir,  permit  me  to  inform  you  that  there  never  was  a  man  more 
beloved  than  you  were  by  the  colored  troops.  They  not  only 
regarded  you  as  their  invincible  friend,  but  as  a  benign  father, 
one  in  whose  hands  their  interests  and  rights  were  safe.  And 
when  the  news  of  your  removal  reached  us  at  the  landing  near 
Fort  Fisher,  it  gives  rise  to  more  bitter  expressions  than  I 
ever  heard  before  among  these  men.  To  say  nothing  of  the 
frightful  oaths  and  desecrations,  which  were  uttered  without 
stint  or  measure.     Some  even  became  despondent,  and  many 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        547 

remarked  that  everything  looked  gloomy,  —  yes,  I  could  say 
a  great  deal  more,  but  prudence  forbids  me. 

But  be  assured,  Sir,  that  the  oppressed  and  degraded  sons 
of  Africa  are  not  blind  to  their  benefactor,  they  know  what 
Maj.  General  has  done  more  to  raise  them  to  manhood  than 
all  the  other  Generals  who  have  lived  since  the  nation  breathed 
its  existence.  Your  name,  like  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  will  stand 
chiseled  in  the  principles  of  justice  and  righteousness  as  long 
as  God  shall  revolve  this  world.  For  posterity,  a  thousand 
ages  to  come,  will  only  remember  Gen.  Butler  to  worship  at 
his  shrine.  You  need  not  care  whether  your  historian  inks 
his  paper  in  malice  or  friendship,  for  the  black  men  of  the  South 
will  transmit  pure,  undefiled,  and  garland  with  eternal  honors 
upon  the  pages  of  tradition. 

I  could  say  a  great  deal  about  the  prohibities  and  the  impos- 
sibilities of  you  capturing  Fort  Fisher  on  Christmas  day. 
But  as  I  only  intended  to  assure  you  of  our  high  esteem,  and 
correct  those  newspaper  misrepresentations,  I  forbear  to  go  any 

farther.     I  am.  General,      ^^         t  j-     .  o 

Your  obedient  Servant, 

H.  M.  Turner,  Chaplain  1st  U.  S.  C.  Troops 

From  General  Butler  to  H.  M.  Turner 

My  dear  Sir:  I  am  much  obliged  for  your  kind  expres- 
sions of  regard,  and  I  am  very  proud  of  the  fact  that  the  Colored 
Troops  look  upon  me  as  their  friend.  Let  them  go  on  and 
fight  for  the  right  as  ever.  y^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^   ^  ^ 

From  J.  L.  Taylor  to  General  Butler 

Andover,  February  10th,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  Our  friend,  Mr.  DeBevoise,  reports  to  me  this 
morning  your  unique  and  generous  proposition  of  yesterday  — 
to  give  $500  for  a  scholarship  in  our  Academy  for  sons  of 
wounded  soldiers  "white  or  black."  We  shall  heartily  accept 
the  condition  and  the  gift  which  it  covers.  If  you  had  said 
white,  black,  red,  or  mixed  —  anything  but  copper-colored, 
we  should  have  felt  no  disinclination  to  accept ;  on  the  contrary, 
we  wish  we  had  5,  10,  24  such  scholarships  today,  with  as  many 
boys  enjoying  their  income;  and  we  thank  you  for  the  example 
you  have  set.  If  you  should  be  interested  from  year  to  year 
to  nominate  the  persons  to  enjoy  the  income  of  this  $500 
offered  by  you,  we  shall  readily  give  your  nominees  the  prefer- 


548       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ence.  Our  effort  to  get  a  new  building  just  now  presses,  but  we 
hope  it  will  not  fail.  Would  it  not  be  a  pleasant  thought  to 
you,  Sir,  that  you  have  not  only  put  a  hoy  under  its  roof,  white 
or  black,  but  a  brick  also  into  its  walls,  —  a  $10,  $20,  $50,  or 
$100,  if  no  more.'^  This,  you  see,  is  a  sort  of  logic  or  suggestion 
"  a  fortiori  "! 

Your  scholarship  when  received  will  be  properly  entered  in 
our  accounts,  in  a  distinct  fund,  as  the  "Butler  Scholarship," 
and  as  soon  as  it  yields  any  income  we  shall  be  glad  to  have  you 
send  in  the  "contrabands,"  or  the  "son  of  Erin,"  or  the  lad 
of  any  other  race  and  nationality,  to  enjoy  its  benefits,  with 
the  "brick"  or  without  it.     Respectfully, 

Your  obdt.  Servant, 
J.  L.  Taylor,  Treasurer,  Phillips  Academy 

From  General  Weitzel  to  General  Butler 

February  lith,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  returned  from  Washington  about 
two  hours  ago,  and  find  your  letter  of  the  30th  ult. 

I  have  been  before  the  Committee,  and  I  am  glad  to  see  that 
in  telling,  as  I  tried  to  do,  an  honest  soldier's  story  of  the  whole 
affair,  I  covered  every  point  mentioned  in  your  letter  excepting 
I  believe  the  one  about  "blowing  down  Bloomington  and 
Smithfield."  I  don't  recollect  whether  I  mentioned  that.  I 
have  an  idea  I  did.  I  tried  to  tell  every  word  I  heard,  every- 
thing I  saw  and  what  I  thought. 

I  told  the  Committee  that  I  thought,  from  reading  Gen. 
Grant's  instructions,  that  you  had  made  a  mistake  in  not 
staying  there,  and  that  had  I  seen  Gen.  Grant's  letter  to  you, 
I  would  have  advised  you  so  to  do,  and  take  the  consequences. 
Upon  this  the  committee  immediately  subjected  me  to  a  cross- 
examination  upon  the  difficulties  and  objections  to  staying 
there.     Upon  these  matters  I  gave  a  full  opinion. 

I  found  the  entire  committee  strongly  in  your  favor.  Mr. 
Sumner  told  me  that  Mr.  Wade  told  him  that  my  testimony 
"was  excellent,  most  excellent."     You  know  what  that  means. 

I  saw  Gen.  Grant.  He  talked  as  if  he  understood  that  you 
had  declared  war  against  him,  and  accepted  the  challenge. 

He  told  me  that  from  information  which  he  now  possessed 
he  believes  we  could  have  carried  the  work  with  less  loss  than 
it  was  carried.  I  did  not  ask  him  what  his  information  was, 
but  told  him  that  Lieut.  Keeler  of  General  Ames'  staff  had  told 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        549 

me  the  day  before  that  Terry  and  Ames  both  said  that  their 
experience  proved  the  correctness  of  my  opinion,  and  gave  him 
my  reasons  in  full  for  giving  the  opinion,  and  particularly 
my  reasons  why  I  thought  the  work  was  fully  garrisoned. 
He  said  that  there  were  1200  men  in  the  work  when  I  recon- 
noitered.  I  told  him  then  that  we  had  less  than  2500  available 
for  an  attack.  He  said  that  he  did  not  order  you  to  assault. 
That  he  relied  upon  us  finding  nearly  all  the  troops  gone,  and 
that  the  effect  of  a  landing  might  be  a  surrender.  That  rapidity 
of  movement  to  catch  the  fort  weakly  garrisoned  was  the 
main  point.  Failing  in  this,  you  were  to  intrench  and  "co- 
operate with  the  navy  in  the  reduction  of  the  work." 

He  told  me  that  he  did  not  intend  you  to  go,  and  did  not  know 
you  were  going  until  you  stopped  at  City  Point  on  your  way 
down.  That  he  could  not  well  order  you  not  to  go,  because 
the  point  aimed  at  was  in  your  department,  and  all  the  troops 
were  from  your  army.  He  said  to  me  that  you  told  him  if 
you  went,  "to  take  the  responsibility,  it  would  make  me  feel 
stronger." 

But  enough  of  this.  That  Committee  will  bring  you  out 
all  right.  I  know  that  Fort  Fisher  was  not  mentioned  in  con- 
nection with  your  removal. 

Now,  General,  you  got  into  a  great  deal  of  trouble  by  fol- 
lowing my  advice  at  Fort  Fisher,  but  you,  with  all  the  rest  of  the 
world,  have  overlooked  the  fact  that  City  Point,  etc.  and  may 
be  the  Army  of  the  James,  was  saved  a  few  days  afterwards 
by  the  obstructions  placed  in  the  James  River,  by  me,  by  your 
order  and  upon  my  advice.  The  navy  ran.  Our  sunken 
hulks  saved  the  day.  Why  don't  you  bring  this  before  the 
world,  and  place  me  even  before  the  world  upon  advice .^^ 

Military  men,  who  are  unprejudiced,  do  sustain  us,  in  the 
Fort  Fisher  business,  and  leading  them  is  Joe  Hooker,  who  has 
made  several  assaults. 

Our  oldest  and  most  respectable  Journal  in  Cincinnati,  the 
Gazette,  has  fought  for  you  nobly  throughout  this  thing.  It 
has  had  several  spicy  things  on  Porter.  I  got  Clarke  to  publish 
in  the  Regime.     Enclosed  I  send  you  another  good  one. 

I  wish  you  would  write  to  Wilson  and  Wade  and  tell  them 
to  put  my  confirmation  through.  Mr.  Sumner  told  me  there 
was  no  doubt  of  it,  he  thought.  But  I  hear  of  several  Generals 
working  to  get  my  corps.  Among  others,  Ferrero,  who  has 
Wilson's  son  on  his  staff. 

I  know  nothing  about  the  way  the  wires  work,  and  conse- 


550       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

quently  did  not  know  how  to  go  to  work  to  find  out  what  my 
chances  were,  the  few  hours  I  was  in  Washington. 

I  was  very  sad  when  I  wrote  you  that  letter,  and  feel  sad 
now  when  I  contemplate  the  difference  between  being  com- 
manded by  men  of  brains  and  men  without  brains.  My 
kindest  regards  to  you  and  your  family. 

Yours  truly,  G.  Weitzel 


From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Office  of  the  Provost  Marshal,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  Feb.  15th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  send  this  by  W.  W.  Read.  I  have  no 
doubt  a  letter  directed  to  you  from  Norfolk  would  be  opened. 

The  Inquisition  —  Gen.  Gordon,  Col.  Potter  and  Major 
Read  are  carrying  matters  with  a  high  hand.  They  have  im- 
prisoned Lane,  Renshaw,  and  a  half  dozen  others.  They  de- 
mand $50,000  bail  of  each.  They  are  now  all  in  prison  in  the 
guard-house. 

The  Regime  was  suppressed  last  night.  A  military  commis- 
sion sits  daily  as  a  substitute  for  a  Provost  Court.  Col. 
Howard,  late  of  your  stafiF,  is  now  resident. 

Negro  affairs  are  ordered  out  of  the  Exchange  Bank  to  make 
way  for  the  paymasters  again.  A  Sub.  Com.  of  the  Com.  on 
C.  Washburn  and  Perry  came  here  on  Monday  morning, 
stayed  two  days,  sat  with  the  Inquisition  and  examined 
witnesses.  Cole,  of  the  National  Bank,  who  is  the  instigator 
of  the  whole  proceeding,  told  me  that  Washburn  said  that  the 
amount  of  fraud  perpetrated  in  Norfolk  upon  the  Government 
was  truly  appalling.  He  said  that  it  must  ruin  Gen.  Shepley, 
and  he  did  not  see  how  you  could  come  out  of  it  clear. 

The  Inquisition  examined  witnesses  as  to  rumors  and  their 
beliefs,  and  if  they  don't  answer  as  they  wish  they  are  im- 
prisoned. 

They  sit  under  an  order  from  the  Sec.  of  War. 

It  is  the  opinion  here  that  they  want  to  reach  you.  Hildreth 
will  be  imprisoned  as  soon  as  he  comes.  He  may  be  allowed 
to  give  $50,000  bail,  but  they  all  now  here  refuse  to  give  it, 
even  if  they  could. 

A  movement  is  now  started  to  remove  Crane  as  postmaster. 
This  I  am  now  informed  of.  Col.  Webster  has  gone  to  Cin- 
cinnati. Judge  Underwood  has  intimated  to  me  that  if  he 
goes  into  the  U.  S.  Senate  as  Senator  from  Va.  he  would  do 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        551 

what  he  could  for  me  to  secure  me  in  his  place  as  Judge.  Chand- 
ler has  offered  to  do  the  same.  He  is  going  to  Washington 
soon  for  that  purpose. 

Please  do  what  you  can  for  me  in  that  respect.  The  vacancy, 
if  made,  will  be  made  about  March.  Everything  done  by  you 
is  being  undone. 

All  your  acts  are  being  investigated  in  every  department. 

The  Provost  Court  will  not  be  omitted,  but  "this  official 
is  ready." 

Please  remember  these  men  who  are  now  so  close  on  your 
track.     Gen.  Gordon  may  be  in  Massachusetts  again. 

I  fear  they  may  involve  you.  They  will  be  disappointed 
if  they  do  not  succeed.     Contraband  trading  is  their  hobby. 

Yours,  W.  P.  Webster 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Mass.,  Feb.  15th,  1865 

Hon.  John  W.  Forney,  Sec.  of  the  U.  S.  Senate 

Sir:  I  know  no  other  responsible  owner  or  editor  of  the 
Philadelphia  Press  besides  yourself,  and  therefore  address  this 
note  to  you. 

I  enclose  a  publication,  cut  from  the  Press  of  the  14th  inst. 
in  regard  to  my  administration  of  affairs  in  the  Dept.  of  Va. 
and  N.  C,  every  word  of  which,  as  regards  myself,  is  false  and 
calumnious. 

How  it  is  possible  for  a  respectable  journal  to  allow  its  cor- 
respondents thus  to  slander  any  citizen  is  a  question  which 
I  desire  to  bring  to  your  notice. 

How  it  could  be  possible,  after  the  relations  which  have 
existed  between  us  for  some  years,  for  you  to  allow  the  pub- 
lication of  such  an  article  is  a  question  that  I  submit  to  your 
own  sense  of  honor. 

If  in  anything  I  have  unwittingly  offended  you,  certainly 
a  more  manly  retribution  than  this  could  have  been  found. 
I  am  not  aware,  however,  of  any  cause  of  offense. 

If  there  has  been  any  such  testimony  as  stated,  given  before 
anybody,  certainly  common  justice,  even  to  the  accused, 
would  have  demanded  that  he  should  be  heard  in  reply  before 
he  was  convicted,  and  punished,  by  being  held  up  to  public 
obliquity  and  contempt,  in  an  otherwise  respectable  journal. 

I  had  hoped  that  the  fate  of  one  of  my  calumniators,  who 
uttered  a  falsehood  from  a  responsible  place,  would  have  been 


55^       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

a  warning  against  such  publications  as  this,  outside  of  the  col- 
umns of  the  New  York  News  and  World. 

I  seek  no  action  on  your  part  if  the  article  was  advisedly 
inserted  in  your  columns;  it  is  only  upon  the  supposition  that 
the  article  found  its  way  into  the  Press  surreptitiously  that  I 
send  this  note.  ^^^^^    p    Butler) 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 
From  Philadelphia  Press,  Correspondence  of  F.  L.  Stein 

Norfolk,  Virginia,  Feb.  14ith,  1865 

Cotton  Speculators 

A  SINGULAR  circumstance  connected  with  General  Butler's 
cotton  speculation  has  come  to  light.  It  seems  that  the  chief 
of  General  Shepley's  staff,  G.  H.  Johnston,  resigned  several 
months  since  to  enter,  as  Butler's  chief  agent,  into  the  business 
of  buying  cotton  from  the  rebels  in  North  Carolina.  He 
remained  at  this  long  enough  to  make  over  two  hundred  and 
fifty  thousand  dollars  ^  as  his  share,  which  he  deposited  in  the 
1st  National  Bank  of  Norfolk.  A  few  days  ago  the  military 
commission,  instituted  by  Gen.  Grant  to  investigate  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Gen.  Butler,  relative  to  cotton,  got  wind  of  the 
chief  of  Gen.  Shepley's  staff.  He  heard  that  they  would  call 
upon  him  soon,  but  not  intending  to  be  outdone  by  them, 
he  drew  all  his  money  from  the  Bank  and  decamped  in  the 
Baltimore  boat.  They  telegraphed  to  the  authorities  at  Balti- 
more to  arrest  and  send  him  back  to  Norfolk,  but  the  shrewd 
chief  did  not  go  on  the  boat  farther  than  Fortress  Monroe, 
where  he  took  the  Washington  boat  and  landed  at  Annapolis. 

No  one  knows  his  whereabouts,  although  he  is  anxiously 
wanted  here.  The  commission  has  proven  that  Butler  received 
two-fifths  of  all  cotton  brought  here,  his  brother-in-law,  one- 
fifth,  and  middlemen  two-fifths,  the  government  getting  but 
one-half  of  that  which  was  rightfully  due  it. 

You  may  expect  even  more  astounding  revelations  than 
these. 


1  See  the  certificate,  Feb.  23,  1865,  of  W.  M.  Clark,  Cashier  of  1st  National  Bank 
of  Norfolk,  of  the  total  transactions  of  G.  H.  Johnson  at  that  bank,  p.  558. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        553 

From  J.  W.  Forney  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  Feb.  20th,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  letter,  dated  Lowell,  Mass.,  on  the  15th  instant,  enclosing 
to  me  an  extract  which  you  say  was  cut  from  my  Philadelphia 
paper,  The  Press,  of  the  14th  inst.  I  have  read  the  extract 
with  great  pain,  and  I  need  not  say  that  I  deeply  regret  that 
it  should  ever  have  appeared  in  a  journal  belonging  to  me. 
My  relations  to  you  have  never  been  unfriendly,  and  since  your 
administration  of  the  Military  Department  of  New  Orleans  and 
Louisiana,  which  was  a  fitting  sequel  to  your  bold  and  noble 
stand  against  slavery,  you  have  had  no  firmer  or  stronger 
friend  than  myself.  If  I  were  disposed  to  be  petulant,  I  might 
complain  of  the  tone  in  which  you  have  addressed  me,  because 
you  have  employed  language  which  leads  me  to  infer  that  you 
have  forgotten  the  feeling  which  has  animated  me  in  regard 
to  yourself.  The  only  way  I  can  rectify  this  mistake  is  either 
to  ask  you  to  print  this  letter,  or  to  make  a  frank  explanation 
of  the  manner  in  which  it  obtained  circulatioli  in  The  Press. 
The  latter  I  will  do,  the  former  is  for  yourself. 

Very  truly  yours,  J.  W.  Forney 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

Washington,  February  17th,  1865 

To  Major  General  B.  F.  Butler 

Your  telegram  of  sixteenth  received.  Leave  is  granted  you 
to  visit  New  York,  by  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

E.  D.  Townsend,  a.  a.  G. 

From  E.  L.  Barney  to  General  Butler 

New  Bedford,  Feb.  mth,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  My  friend.  Col.  D.  W.  Wardrop,  is  now  out  of 
the  service,  his  time  having  expired,  and  is  now  at  Newbern, 
where  his  wife  is  quite  sick.  He  has  written  to  me  to  aid  him 
getting  a  position  in  the  regular  army,  and  wished  me  to  see 
you,  and  learn  what  you  should  say  his  chances  are,  and  to 
be  governed  by  your  advice,  and  it  not  being  convenient  for  me 
to  come  in  person,  I  write  to  you  to  ask  you  what  your  belief 
or  opinion  is,  of  the  prospect  of  his  getting  a  Brigadier  place, 
or  a  position  in  the  regular  army. 

He  is  in  my  opinion  much  more  worthy  of  a  Brigadiership 


554       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

than  f  those  who  have  been  appointed.  I  know  he  is  a  worthy 
young  man,  a  good  ofiicer,  but  do  you  think  you  can  aid  him, 
or  inform  me  how  I  can  assist  him,  in  getting  his  name  before 
the  President  and  other  officials  for  such  places? 

He  told  me  to  follow  your  advice,  as  he  had  great  confidence  in 
your  judgment  and  friendship,  and  such  information  and  advice 
as  you  may  think  best,  will  be  thankfully  received  by  me. 

I  can't  close  this  letter  without  tendering  you  my  hearty 
congratulations  for  the  worthy  position  you  have  earned  for 
yourself,  and  the  regrets  I  feel  that  such  labor  and  service 
you  have  rendered  the  country  is  so  lightly  estimated  just  now 
by  the  "powers  that  be." 

You  will  remember  that  nearly  3  years  ago  I  wrote  you  how 
thankful  I  was  that  a  leading  Massachusetts  Democrat  had 
taken  such  earnest  work  in  hand  as  you  had  done  at  Fortress 
Monroe,  and  from  that  day  to  this  I  have  watched  your  every 
political  and  military  act  with  great  satisfaction,  and  I  cannot 
now  but  feel  that  the  Government  and  country  have  met  with 
a  loss  by  the  recent  order  requiring  you  to  report  at  Lowell. 
With  great  respect  I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  ohdt.  Servt.,  E.  L.  Barney 

From  General  Butler  to  E.  L.  Barney 

Feb.  28/'65 

My  dear  Barney:  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  think  Col. 
Wardrop  has  but  little  chance  of  a  position  in  the  regular  army 
such  as  his  friends  would  advise  him  to  take.  He  ought  to  be 
a  Brigadier,  and  if  his  representatives  would  push  his  claim  as 
fully  as  might  be  done  with  the  vouchers  of  service  that  Col. 
Wardrop  could  show,  I  think  something  might  be  done  for  that 
position.  I  will  aid  him  in  any  way  I  can,  but  I  have  not  the 
ear  of  the  "powers  that  be." 

I  am  most  grateful  to  you  for  the  kind  expression  of  your 
confidence  and  regard  in  the  matter  of  my  efforts  to  serve  the 
country.     I  have  tried  to  do  my  duty,  and  must  abide  the  event. 

Most  truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 

From  Thomas  I.  Durant 

New  Orleans,  iOth  February,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Massachusetts 

Dear  Sir:  I  had  the  honor  of  addressing  you  a  business 
letter  on  the  3rd  ult.,  and  a  private  one  on  the  4th  inst. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       555 

I  sent  you,  some  time  since,  a  letter  of  Dr.  A.  P.  Dostie, 
"State  Auditor,"  designed  by  force  of  lying  to  break  down  the 
effect  of  my  arguments  against  the  preposterous  proceedings 
of  Gen.  Banks  in  Louisiana,  which  have  placed  in  control  of 
the  taxation  and  Treasury  a  corrupt  and  unprincipled  gang; 
the  only  part  of  the  letter  which  was  worthy  of  your  attention 
was  that  wherein  you  were  mentioned  yourself. 

Recently,  in  the  simulated  State  Senate  here,  a  policeman 
by  the  name  of  O'Connor  delivered  a  speech  which  someone, 
probably  Banks  or  Swift,  or  Tucker  had  written  for  him,  on 
the  same  interesting  subject.  One  of  the  most  heinous  offences 
charged  against  me  you  will  see  marked  in  the  speech  I  send  you 
in  the  True  Delta,  by  this  mail;  it  is  that  of  having  interceded 
to  you  for  rebel  prisoners  with  tears  in  my  eyes  —  this  was  too 
bad,  for  an  unbending  patriot  like  Mr.  O'Connor  to  endure! 
but  how  did  he  know  it.?  "We  marvel  not  the  thing  is  rich 
and  rare.     But  wonder  how  the  devil  it  got  there." 

Last  summer,  when  travelling  in  the  North  with  my  family, 
we  crossed  from  Ogdensburg  to  Toronto,  and  went  thence  to 
Montreal.  My  departure  was  fixed  for  three  p.m.  by  the  rail- 
way from  M.  to  Portland,  and  my  baggage  had  been  brought 
down  by  the  porter  and  was  resting  on  the  sidewalk  in  front 
of  the  Donnegand  Hotel,  as  I  passed  into  the  hotel  from  a  stroll 
around  the  city.  Just  as  I  got  inside  of  the  door,  I  heard  one 
of  a  group  of  men  I  had  passed  standing  outside,  reading  the 
name  which  was  written  in  full  on  one  of  my  trunks,  which 
attracted  my  notice.  Said  the  man,  "Thomas  I,  Durant, 
New  Orleans!  yes,  that  is  the  damned  fellow  who  was  helping 
Butler  in  all  his  villanies  in  New  Orleans."  I  checked  my 
first  impulse,  being  unarmed,  and  went  up  stairs,  not  without 
some  idea  that  I  might  be  molested  by  what  was  evidently 
a  gang  of  rebels,  when  I  should  be  leaving  the  hotel  with 
my  family,  but  nothing  occurred. 

Now,  my  dear  sir,  the  rebels  abuse  me  for  being  your  friend, 
and  Dr.  Dostie  and  the  policeman  declare  you  were  my  enemy. 

This  is  the  amusing  feature  of  Gen.  Banks'  reconstruction 
scheme. 

Judge  Morgan  has  just  left  my  oflBce,  and  begs  to  be  most 
kindly  remembered  to  you,  while  I  remain, 

Yours  most  truly,  Thomas  I.  Durant 


556       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Provost  Court,  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina, 

Norfolk,  Feb.  23rd,  1865 

Dear  General:  Having  seen  your  name  connected  with 
that  man  George  H.  Johnson,  and  his  Bank  transactions,  I 
have  obtained  this  from  the  cashier  of  the  bank,  who  is  a  friend 
of  yours,  and  not  from  the  President  Cole,  who  is  not  a  friend 
of  yours. 

The  mihtary  Inquisition  on  your  administration  is  still  in 
session.  Lane  is  not  in  close  confinement,  Renshaw  and  others 
are  in  close  confinement,  but  can  be  released  on  giving  $50,000 
bonds.  Don't,  I  beg  of  you,  interfere  in  the  matter  for  any  of 
them,  particularly  for  Lane.  I  see  all  and  hear  all  and  suspect 
them  all.  They  will  implicate  anyone  they  can  to  save  them- 
selves. 

Gen.  Shepley  is  frightened  and  don't  know  which  way  to 
jump.  I  trust  that  they  will  soon  find  that  this  whole  story 
about  contraband  goods  is  a  humbug  from  the  start. 

This  commission  don't  get  the  facts.  They  seem  to  want  to 
maintain  and  justify  the  expectations  of  Gen.  Grant,  who  really 
believes  the  thousand  reports  about  the  contraband  goods 
sent  out  from  Norfolk. 

The  last  man  imprisoned  was  Major  Morse,  the  Treasury 
Agent. 

Can  you  send  us  a  word  about  your  future .^^     If  so,  please  do 

^  '  Yours  truly,  W.  P.  Webster 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

First  National  Bank  of  Norfolk,  Norfolk,  Va.,  Feb.  iSrd,  1865 

I  HEREBY   certify   that   the   total   transactions  of   George 

H.  Johnson  at  this  Bank  were $32,910.52 

that  his  average  balance  on  hand  was 936.00 

and  that  his  last  check,  Jan.  31,  1865  was 4,179.34 

and  then  overdrawing  his  account. 

I  further  certify  that  this  is  the  only  Bank  doing  business  in 
Norfolk,  and  that  said  George  H.  Johnson  was  well-known  to 
me,  and  was  for  a  long  time  Assistant  Adjutant  General  of 
Gen.  Shepley  and  his  predecessors  in  this  military  district. 

W.  M.  Clark,  Cashier 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         557 

From  John  Clarke  to  General  Butler 

Atlantic  Hotel,  Norfolk,  Va.,  Feb.   26th,   1865 

My  dear  General:  I  have  your  note  of  the  22nd  asking 
me  to  come  North.  I  am  quite  sick,  and  unable  to  face  the 
fatigues  of  a  winter  journey  at  this  moment, 

I  have  written  to  Mr.  Rockwell  to  see  and  explain  to  you 
the  situation  of  the  Herald.  His  home  is  29  Dover  Street, 
Boston.     A  line  from  you  will  bring  him  to  Lowell. 

You  know,  of  course,  we  are  all  suppressed  here.  Your 
Pety  Gordon,  has  summoned  and  imprisoned  everybody  who 
was  supposed  ever  to  have  seen  you.  I  offered  Gordon  $50,000 
bail  for  Renshaw,  and  he  refused  it. 

I  complained  to  Mr.  Holt,  and  Mr.  Sumner,  and  since  matters 
have  changed.  Renshaw  and  others  —  all  mere  witnesses 
in  a  case  where  there  was  no  defendant  —  are  now  out  on  bail. 

You  have  no  idea  of  the  changed  condition  of  affairs  here. 
I  trust  you  will  take  the  trouble  to  send  for  Mr.  H.  T.  Rockwell. 
He  knows  a  good  deal  about  newspaper  business. 

Give  my  regards  to  Mrs.  Butler,  Miss  Blanche,  and  the  boys. 

Yours  truly,  John  Clarke 

From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Provost  Court,  Department  of  Virginia  and  N.  Carolina, 

Norfolk,  Feb.  St6th,  1865 

Dear  General:  Charles  R.  Train  has  been  here,  and  has 
attempted  to  quiet  every  one  by  telling  them  that  "it  will 
all  come  out  right,"  "that  Gordon  is  (not)  going  to  hurt  any 
New  England  man,"  that  to  avoid  suspicion  Gordon  takes  a 
rigid  course,  that  he  is  obliged  to  bend  backwards,  etc. 

The  prisoners  don't  see  it  in  that  light.  They  are  now  told 
that  they  can  be  admitted  to  bail  in  the  sum  of  $50,000.  Some 
at  $25,000,  but  Lane  and  Renshaw  $50,000.  Major  Morse 
has  given  $10,000  bail.  Major  Cassels  was  examined  as  to  all 
his  doings,  was  charged  with  having  received  bribes,  etc.,  but 
he  says  that  he  explained  everything  satisfactorily.  The  only 
or  one  mistake  Train  made  was  in  showing  your  letter.  I 
heard  of  it  three  times  before  he  showed  it  to  me. 

As  near  as  I  can  get  at  the  history  of  the  troubles,  I  am 
satisfied  that  Gen.  Vogdes  made  complaints  to  General  Grant 
that  large  amounts  of  contraband  goods  were  sent  over  the 
lines  into  Carolina.  Grant  then  sent  to  Gen.  Palmer  who  con- 
firmed Vogdes.     Then  followed  the  arrests,  examination,  and 


558       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

stringent  regulations  we  now  have,  as  well  as  Gen.  Shepley's 
removal. 

Getty's  line  is  again  picketted.  Two  cords  are  drawn  around 
the  city;  one  at  Howard's  line  and  the  old  entrenched  line  on 
the  Princess  Ann  road  out  of  Norfolk,  and  the  other  at  Getty's 
line.  There  is  also  to  be  a  guard  of  boats.  Several  new 
regiments  of  colored  troops  have  been  sent  here,  and  Vogdes 
has  his  reward  by  being  placed  in  command  of  the  Posts 
and  all  the  troops.  White  troops  (Thornton's  new  regiment) 
are  to  do  the  Provost  duty,  and  all  the  colored  troops  put  on 
picket  duty.  In  riding  into  the  country  now,  everyone's 
pass  is  scrutinized,  name  taken  down  and  carriage  examined, 
and  a  soldier  on  duty  for  every  100  feet.  One  would  think 
that  Lee's  army  was  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  but  the  fact  is 
they  are  put  on  this  duty  in  this  manner  to  cause  people  to 
believe  that  an  enormous  amount  of  contraband  trade  has 
been  and  is  going  on,  and  that  this  stringency  is  necessary  to 
stop  it.  In  my  opinion  they  have  found  no  facts  to  justify 
any  belief  in  the  truth  of  the  reports  in  circulation  at  the  front 
and  in  Washington,  but  as  the  Inquisition  have  questioned 
witnesses  as  to  their  opinions  and  the  prevailing  rumors, 
and  no  one  has  been  allowed  to  explain,  a  startling  report  may 
be  expected  from  this  Inquisition,  implicating  and  reflecting 
upon  all  persons.  Besides  this.  Gen.  Gordon  has  considered 
it  his  duty  to  ask  persons,  at  their  houses  and  on  the  streets 
and  wherever  he  meets  them,  about  matters  that  have  been 
transacted  heretofore,  about  the  civil  fund,  how  it  has  been 
used,  who  has  been  paid  out  of  it  and  how  much.  Every 
movement  shows  his  jealous  and  suspicious  thought  that 
"everything  is  venal  at  Norfolk." 

General  Shepley  complained  to  Gen.  Ord  that  his  removal  at 
the  time  of  these  investigations  implicated  him,  and  thereupon 
Ord  gave  him  a  letter,  stating  that  his  removal  had  no  connec- 
tion with  the  investigations,  and  that  nothing  had  transpired 
to  implicate  him  in  the  least,  but  that  his  removal  was  at  your 
suggestion,  and  that  you  intended  to  have  removed  him  last 
summer.  This  letter  he  shows  as  his  exculpation.  The  whole 
energy  of  this  present  administration  seems  to  be  directed 
against  you,  and  your  past  career  here. 

Nothing  you  did  seems  worthy  of  preservation.  All  is 
changed.  The  Provost  Marshal  General  has  released  from 
prison  men  committed  by  Provost  Court,  Military  Com- 
missions and  Courts  Martial  under  sentence  from  one  month 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        559 

to  five  years  indiscriminately.  He  has  at  last  removed  Capt. 
Wilder,  and  taken  upon  himself  the  management  of  negro 
affairs  there.  The  intention  seems  to  be  consolidate  and  put 
everything  into  the  hands  of  a  smaller  number  of  officers,  and 
those  concentrating  around  the  General  Commanding.  And 
yet  "all  will  end  well,"  Train  says.     Perhaps  so. 

I  see  your  name  connected  with  that  of  Capt.  Johnson, 
I  therefore  obtained  from  the  cashier  of  the  National  Bank, 
who  is  your  friend,  and  not  from  the  Pres.  Cole,  who  is  not  your 
friend,  a  certificate  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy.  I  sent 
the  original  to  you  at  Washington.  Johnson  was  arrested 
and  brought  here  yesterday. 

Please  write  me  about  the  farms,  —  if  you  have  any  particular 
wishes  about  them. 

Sue  and  boys  are  well,  but  complain  that  they  do  not  hear 
from  home,  and  particularly  about  Mrs.  Heard. 

Mr.  Clark  does  not  want  his  certificate  published  as  a  whole, 
as  it  may  make  trouble  in  the  Bank.     You  can  use  it  otherwise 

Yours  truly,  W.  P.  Webster 
From  General  Butler 

Confidential.    Lowell,  Mass.,  March  1st,  1865 

Hon.  Ben.  F.  Wade,  U.  S.  Senate 

My  dear  Wade:  There  is  a  possibility  that  in  the  com- 
motion the  Radicals  may  get  a  member  of  the  Cabinet  if  they 
will  accept  me,  as  such. 

I  have  reason  to  believe  that  a  little  pressure  upon  Mr. 
Lincoln  may  give  us  a  chance.  May  I  ask  of  you  to  show  this 
note  to  Chandler,  and  to  him  only ;  and,  if  you  both  agree,  that 
you  shall  bring  such  pressure  to  bear  as  you  may  be  able. 

I  think  a  written  representation,  signed  by  such  men  as  are 
representative,  will  accomplish  it.  It  would  be  perhaps  best  not 
to  mention  the  place  desired,  but  simply  move  for  some  place. 

I  think  I  may  be  able  to  serve  the  cause  which  we  have  at 
heart  better  there  than  elsewhere;  and  in  the  future  I  need 
not  say  that  we  will  act  together  as  heretofore. 

I  do  not  move  until  Boutwell  is  apparently  out  of  the  way, 
as  I  do  not  want  any  antagonism  to  him. 

If  this  is  done  at  all,  it  must  be  done  at  once.  Celerity 
in  this,  as  in  military  movements,  is  the  secret  of  success. 
I  would  mention  as  those  likely  to  aid,  Mr.  Gooch  of  our 
delegation  of  the  House,  Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Blow,  Mr.  Clark  of 


560        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

New  Hampshire,  of  the  Senate,  and  Mr.  Wilson.  Perhaps 
not  Mr.  Sumner,  as  he  has  his  eye  on  the  State  Department. 

I  beheve  the  majority  of  my  delegation  will  agree  to  it. 
The  more  members  of  Congress  who  will  press  it,  the  better. 

Permit  me  to  assure  you  that  unless  I  believed  that  in  this 
movement  there  are  strong  elements  of  success,  I  would  not 
press  it. 

Of  course  I  do  not  mean  to  have  this  made  an  open  matter, 
evoking  opposition.  What  I  want  is  a  quiet  movement,  which 
shall  justify  the  President  in  doing  that  which  will  relieve 
him  of  having  treated  me  unjustly;  if  he  should  desire  so  to  do, 

^^  n      e       y.  Most  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler. 

From  General  Butler  to  D.  W.  Gooch 

Confidential.    Lowell,  Mass.,  March  1st,  1865 

My  dear  Gooch:  Although  McCullough  hangs  fire,  yet 
I  think  there  is  no  chance  for  Bout  well.  I  have  pressed  him 
as  strong  as  I  can. 

From  what  I  have  learned,  I  am  strongly  inclined  to  think 
that  if  my  Radical  friends  will  press  me  for  a  place  in  the 
Cabinet,  some  one  may  be  obtained.  I  think  with  very 
considerable  certainty  that  if  our  delegation  will  unite  upon  it, 
Boutwell  failing,  it  can  be  obtained. 

I  have  written  to  Wade  and  Chandler,  asking  their  advice 
and  aid.  If  I  can  rely  on  your  friendship  to  take  an  active 
part  in  this  movement,  you  will  confer  an  obligation  which 
will  not  be  forgotten. 

Unless  matters  change  too  much  before  this  reaches  you  as 
to  render  it  useless,  because  of  some  New  England  appoint- 
ment, there  are,  I  know,  elements  of  success  in  this. 

Of  course  I  do  not  wish  an  open  contest  that  might  bring 
out  opposition.  Therefore,  if  anything  is  done,  it  must  be 
at  once,  as  celerity  is  the  soul  of  this  as  of  all  other  movements. 

I  need  not  say  that  I  would  not  move  in  this  did  I  not  believe 
it  to  have  the  elements  of  success. 

A  written  representation  to  the  President  from  as  many 
members  of  Congress  as  may  be,  will  be  the  best  plan. 

I  think  Blow  will  aid,  and  Stevens.  Perhaps,  indeed,  our 
Radical  friends  might  make  a  push.  Otherwise  they  will 
have  no  representative  in  the  next  Cabinet;  and  I  have  strong 
reasons  for  believing  that  such  a  push  will  be  successful. 

Most  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       561 

From  Geo.  S.  Boutwell  to  Major  General  Butler 

Confidential.    Washington,  March  3rd,  1865 

My  dear  General:  Lieut.  Davenport  called  upon  me 
this  morning  with  letters.  Mr.  McCulloch  is  to  be  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury,  and  this  much  is  no  doubt  decided.  Of 
course  my  name  is  now  out  of  the  question,  as  I  have  steadily 
refused  to  allow  anyone  to  use  it  in  connection  with  any 
place  except  the  Treasury,  and  it  was  used  in  that  connection 
with  one  ambition  solely,  to  attempt  to  overcome  our  financial 
difficulties.  I  am  as  grateful  to  my  friends  and  as  contented 
as  I  should  have  been  had  the  President  coincided  in  opinion 
with  those  who  presented  my  name.  It  is  the  public  impres- 
sion here  that  Mr.  Welles  will  remain.  However,  I  have 
nothing  but  rumor  for  the  remark.  I  intend  to  go  North 
next  week  when  I  hope  to  see  you. 

Yours  truly,  Geo.  S.  Boutwell 

From  TV.  P.  Webster 

Norfolk,  Va.,  March  4th,  1865 

My  dear  Mrs.  Read:  I  take  a  moment  to  write  to  you. 
We  are  still  in  this  now  miserable  place.  Gen.  Butler  came  here 
in  the  fall  of  1863,  and  as  if  by  magic  prosperity,  business, 
success,  and  happiness  took  the  places  of  misery,  poverty, 
prostration,  and  decay.  One  year  never  saw  such  changes 
in  any  spot  on  this  globe. 

He  was  removed.  A  month  has  elapsed,  and  all  is  prostra- 
tion, poverty,  and  misery  again.  For  some  cause,  everything 
has  been  undone,  and  all  new  orders  tend  to  reduction  of  busi- 
ness. Wholesale  stores  are  to  be  discountenanced,  and  the 
introduction  of  goods  is  to  be  limited  to  the  immediate  wants 
of  the  people  of  Norfolk.  No  person  is  to  be  allowed  to  come 
here  unless  on  business.  The  Baltimore  boat  is  stopped  at 
the  Fort,  and  everyone  must  pay  $2  to  come  on  to  Norfolk. 
The  wholesale  dealers  are  selling  no  goods,  and  you  can  tell 
Read,  that  it  is  said  that  Nichols  &  Co.  alone  are  selling  more 
goods  than  all  the  other  grocers  in  Norfolk.  The  pretence 
is  that  Norfolk  has  grown  up  on  contraband  supplies;  and 
the  Inquisition  sits  here  trying  to  connect  Gen.  Butler  with 
granting  illegal  permits,  and  being  connected  with  supply 
stores  and  cotton  purchases.  Witnesses  are  questioned  as 
to  their  acquaintance  and  intimacy  with  Gen.  Butler,  and  are 

vol.  V — 36 


562        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

asked  if  they  did  not  come  here  and  engage  in  this  and  that 
business  at  his  request. 

The  New  Regime  newspaper  has  been  investigated,  and  even 
the  foreman,  Old  Conklin,  was  asked  if  he  did  not  come  here 
at  Gen.  Butler's  request.     If  they  do  not  answer  "yes,"  or 
satisfactorily,  they  are  charged  with  lying,  and  abused.     Ren- 
shaw  says  that  a  witness  by  the  name  of  Whitlock  told  him 
that  during  his  examination  Gen.  Gordon  characterized  Gen. 
Butler  as  a  "  dam  'd  rascal."     I  don't  believe  it,  but  I  am  follow- 
ing it  up.     One  thing  is  true,  that  Gordon  is  a  most  expert 
swearer.     I  have  written  to  the  General  but  he  does  not  seem 
to  care  much  about  these  things.     Everyone  says  that  the  aim 
is  to  break  him.     Train  came  out  here,  and  he  alone  thinks 
differently.     I  think  they   will  fail  to  implicate  the   Gen'l. 
But  a  Commission  is  not  likely  to  sit  two  months  without  find- 
ing out  something,  and  the  probability  is  that  all  the  dealers 
and   traders,    including   Renshaw   and    your   friend   Dudley 
Bean,  will  all  be  court  martialled.     They  have  seized  about 
50  bales  of  Renshaw's  cotton,  worth  $25,000,  and  his  other 
goods.     And  the  end  is  not  yet.     Queer  things  are  said  and 
heard.     Sue  bites  her  lips  in  madness  at  the  treatment  of  the 
Gen'l.,  and  asks  what  we  are  staying  here  for.     I  don't  know. 
But  I  have  bought  some  property  and  am  looking  after  that. 
There  are  no  courts  here  except  a  miserable  military  court  for 
trial  of  criminals,  intended  by  Gen.  Ord  as  a  substitute  for  the 
Provost  Court.     Every  lawyer   regrets   the    stopping  of   my 
court.     I  think  it  will  be  established  again,  but  with  another 
Judge.     Neither  Gen.  Ord  or  Gordon,  even  with  the  help  of 
Grant,  can  run  this  Department.     Everyone  is  dissatisfied, 
and  even  Butler's  enemies  want  another  change,  but  don't 
dare  to  ask  for  him,  hoping  to  get  someone  whom  they  can  use. 
Ord  and  Gordon  are  beyond  the  reach  of  every  one.     We  are 
all  comfortably  well.     How  are  you?     How  is  Read?     How 
poor  Harriet?     Where  is  the  Gen.?     No  one  here   hears    a 
word  about  any  of  you.     I  find  you  have  a  business  letter. 
I  intend  that  for  Read  too.     Ask  Read  to  write.     Sue  and  all 
send  love  to  you  all.     Speak  a  kind  word  to  Harriet  for  us. 
We  may  come  home  soon.     Goodbye.       ^    p    ^^bster 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER  563 

From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Norfolk,  March  6th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  am  almost  daily  told  that  some  one 
ought  to  inform  you  what  is  going  on  here.  A  man  just  from 
the  front  says  that  Gen.  Turner  asked  him,  "Is  not  Webster 
posting  the  General  as  to  all  these  things.?"  Turner  said 
he  would  do  it,  but  he  did  not  dare  to  do  it  himself.  This 
man  saw  Gen.  Grant,  Ord,  Rawlins,  and  others,  and  talked  with 
them  about  matters  here.  Rawlins  told  him  that  Dana,  the 
Asst.  Sec.  of  War,  wrote  to  Grant  at  the  time  you  were  in 
Washington,  "It  is  reported  here  that  General  Butler  says  that 
$100,000  worth  of  goods  daily  go  out  of  Norfolk  to  the  rebels," 
and  asking  that  the  trade  stores  be  closed  and  an  investigation 
made.  Hence  this  Inquisition.  I  heard  the  same  thing  in 
another  form.  Gen.  Shepley  told  me  that  the  Sec.  of  War 
had  written  that  Gen.  Butler  had  arrived  in  the  city,  and  con- 
firmed the  rumors  about  the  large  amount  of  goods  sent  from 
Norfolk  to  the  rebels,  "and  states  that  $100,000  worth  a  day 
are  sent  out  in  that  way."  I  also  heard  that  this  commission 
was  based  upon  a  statement  made  by  you  to  the  War  Depart- 
ment. From  something  you  said  to  some  one  in  Washington, 
Dana  has  built  a  story  which  condemns  you  and  your  adminis- 
tration in  more  than  one  respect. 

This  Inquisition  has  been  sitting  up  to  this  day.  The  manner 
in  which  they  have  conducted  it  has  brought  alarm  and  fear 
to  every  one  who  came  here  during  your  time.  Witnesses  have 
been  called  liars,  imprisoned  and  put  to  the  rack,  and  every 
means  taken  to  extort  from  them  statements  to  meet  desired 
purposes,  and  enable  them  to  make  a  report  satisfactory  to  your 
bitterest  enemy. 

Gen.  Grant  has  at  last  ordered  them  to  "dry  up"  and  make 
their  report.     Gordon  has  been  writing  it  during  the  week. 

The  Regime  office  was  investigated  on  Wednesday,  and  Thurs- 
day Capt.  Brown  was  examined.  Every  printer  was  brought 
before  them.  On  Thursday,  they  told  Brown  that  everything 
was  satisfactory,  and  he  could  go  on  and  publish  his  paper. 
But  on  the  next  day  the  patrons  of  the  paper  were  summoned 
in  to  ascertain  whether  or  not  the  amount  credited  to  them  in 
cash  book  was  correct.  It  being  alleged  that  the  office  had 
received  much  more  money  than  the  books  showed  to  be  the 
actual  receipts. 

Capt.  Johnson  (Gen.  Shepley 's  Adjt.  Gen.)  was  summoned 


564       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

to  Washington  before  the  Com.  on  Commerce,  and  while  there 
arrested  and  sent  to  Norfolk,  and  has  been  in  close  confinement 
for  a  week.  I  was  informed  yesterday  that  Daniels  (of  Zan- 
tinger  and  Co.)  informed  the  commissioners  that  Johnson, 
if  promised  security  for  himself,  would  come  back  and  swear 
that  he  was  your  agent  to  buy  cotton,  and  you  were  to  have  a 
large  portion  of  the  profits;  that  the  commission  sent  for  him, 
promising  him  safety,  but  he  had  left  for  Washington.  When 
here  he  refused  to  so  swear.  This  same  Daniels  bailed  him 
out  on  Friday  afternoon,  but  in  the  evening  Johnson  gave  one 
of  his  partners  (Jones)  a  beating,  and  was  put  into  jail  again. 
I  will  ask  Johnson  about  this  as  soon  as  I  am  allowed  to  talk 
with  him.  I  am  told  that  while  in  business  he  said  you  was 
to  have  a  share  of  the  profits  of  his  store. 

Every  witness  is  questioned  about  your  connections  with 
them.  Must  you  bear  this.'^  I  think  you  have  borne  too  much. 
Every  one  taunts  you  because  he  can  do  so.  The  advisers  of 
these  Commissioners  are  Daniels,  Cole  of  the  bank,  old  Peter 
Whitehurst,  Page,  Butts,  and  others  to  whom  all  the  favors 
asked  by  them  of  you  were  not  given. 

I  send  you  today's  Old  Dominion,  containing  the  order  as 
to  wholesale  liquor  dealers.  The  city  is  in  a  panic,  no  man 
dares  to  move  in  business  of  any  kind. 

What  say  you  to  buying  real  estate  in  Norfolk  and  Ports- 
mouth, subject  to  mortgages  to  Virginia  Banks?  The  law  re- 
quires the  banks  to  take  their  own  issue  in  payments  of  debts 
due  them.  Their  money  can  be  bought  for  20/100$,  and  kept 
to  pay  off  the  mortgages.  I  think  there  is  a  good  chance  for 
speculation  here.  No  one  here  dares  do  it,  or  rather  has  not 
the  money.  Lane  says  that  his  steamer  and  cargo  of  cotton 
worth  $130,000  is  to  be  sold  at  Newbern,  that  he  is  under  bonds 
to  remain  in  Department,  and  he  is  in  trouble  in  every  direction. 
He  says  that  he  wishes  he  could  tell  you  the  questions  put  to 
him  and  others  about  you. 

I  will  write  again  soon  and  keep  you  posted.     Sue  sends 

love,  although  in  wrath.  ^.         ^    i      wt   t^    wr 

°  Yours  truly,  W.  P.  Webster 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  March  iOth,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  W.  P.  Webster,  Norfolk,  Va. 

My  dear  Webster:  I  have  received  your  several  com- 
munications,  but   have   neglected   to   answer   them   because 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        565 

when  I  write,  I  desire  to  write  all  I  think  frankly,  and  I  have 
reason  to  believe  that  my  letters  have  been  tampered  with 
at  the  Norfolk  Office. 

I  will  take  such  portion  of  your  purchase  of  land  as  you  may 
desire  me  to  do.  Please  write  me,  and  say  exactly  how  my 
accounts  and  purchases  of  land  will  stand  when  you  make 
that  arrangement.  Also  tell  me  what  is  the  present  position 
of  the  College  or  Hospital,  and  whether  any  more,  and  if  so, 
what  is  necessary  to  be  done  to  perfect  the  title. 

I  have  read  your  various  reports  of  the  action  taken  in  the 
Department  since  I  left.  Conscious  that  in  nothing  I  have 
done  there  I  can  have  deserved  any  reproach,  I  am  entirely 
indifferent  as  to  what  investigation  or  inquiries  are  set  on  foot. 
If  any  of  my  officers  have  done  wrong,  I  should  not  sustain 
them  were  I  there,  and  certainly  not  here,  but  I  shall  take 
great  care  to  see  that  justice  is  done  them. 

To  the  report  that  I  set  on  foot  any  investigation  or  insisted 
or  disclosed  any  contraband  trade  in  the  Department,  I  have 
simply  to  say  that  it  is  untrue.  What  I  did  state,  when  asked 
as  to  the  effect  of  the  Treasury  Regulations  was,  that  I  thought 
that  they  were  not  such  as  were  calculated  for  the  best  good 
of  the  country,  and  that  they  ought  to  be  changed,  and  that 
myself  and  the  military  officers  under  my  command  had  restric- 
tions upon  them  which  were  hardly  authorized  by  law.  Please 
state  when  you  will  be  home.  I  start  today  for  New  York,  — 
shall  probably  be  in  Washington  before  I  return. 

Very  truly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  A.  F.  Puffer  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  Mass.,  March  1th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  desired  to  see  you  very  much  to-day  at 
your  office,  to  speak  to  you  about  my  tendering  my  resignation ; 
but  a  friend  arrived  from  New  York  this  morning,  and  I  have 
been  very  busy  with  him  all  day. 

I  have  arrived  at  an  age  when  I  feel  as  though  I  ought  to  be 
making  something  besides  a  mere  living,  and  my  pay  does 
not  even  furnish  me  that.  I  think  I  have  an  opportunity  now 
to  do  something  to  my  advantage,  but  I  cannot  feel  that  I 
can  do  my  duty  to  you  and  the  government  and  at  the  same 
time  to  a  business  scheme. 

Presuming,  General,  that  you  will  accept  my  resignation, 
I  desire  to  thank  you  for  your  constant  kindness  and  consider- 


566       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

ation  toward  me  for  over  three  years,  and  to  say  from  my  heart 
that  nothing  can  ever  occur  to  me  which  I  shall  be  so  proud  of 
as  my  connection  with  you,  and  as  my  ambition  has  always 
been  in  the  past  to  be  faithful  to  you,  it  will  always  be  in  the 
future  to  be  ever  grateful  for  your  many  kindnesses. 

Hoping  to  see  you  on  this  subject  within  a  day  or  two  at 
your  office  in  Boston,  I  remain,  as  ever, 

Faithfully  your  friend  and  obedient  servant^ 

A.  F.  Puffer 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Mass.,  March  lUh,  1865 

Hon.  Benj.  F.  Wade,  Chairman  of  the  Committee 
on  the  Conduct  of  the  War 

Dear  Sir:  I  take  leave  to  enclose  to  you  a  correspondence 
between  myself  and  the  late  Rebel  General  Whiting,  who  was 
in  command  of  the  enemy's  forces  at  Fort  Fisher,  at  the  time 
of  both  attacks. 

Gen'l.  Whiting's  answers  to  the  questions  propounded  may 
serve  to  throw  some  light  upon  the  Committee's  investigations. 

It  is  true  these  answers  are  not  made  under  oath,  but  they 
are  given  by  a  man  on  his  dying  bed,  and  under  the  solemnity 
of  his  approaching  death,  which  has  since  almost  immediately 
happened,  and  will  therefore  carry  the  force  of  moral  truth  and 
certainty,  although  not  in  the  form  of  judicial  evidence. 

If  the  committee  would  desire  to  see  me  before  them  for 
any  purpose  of  explanation  or  otherwise  I  will  appear  forthwith. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  Obdt.  Servt.,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen'l. 

Enclosures  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

LoASTELL,  Mass.,  February  22,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order]] 

Major-General  Whiting,  Provisional  Army,  C.S. 

Sir:  I  requested  a  short  time  ago  Lieutenant  Davenport, 
a  young  gentleman  serving  upon  my  staff,  to  call  upon  you  and 
obtain  some  particulars  concerning  the  condition  of  Fort  Fisher 
and  its  surroundings  at  the  time  of  the  demonstration  of  the 
Federal  forces  under  my  command  against  it  from  the  16th 
to  the  27th  of  December  last.  From  its  subsequent  capture, 
and  other  new  dispositions  of  the  forces  on  both  sides,  I  venture 
to  conjecture  that  you  would  have  no  difficulty  in  furnishing 
me  with  the  information  I  desired.     I  had  not  heard  before 


LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        567 

of  the  severity  of  your  wound  and  the  critical  condition  of  your 
health,  or  I  would  not  have  troubled  you  at  that  time  upon 
this  subject,  although  of  some  importance  and  interest  to  my- 
self. I  learn,  however,  from  Lieutenant  Davenport,  that  you 
are  intending  soon  to  make  your  official  report  to  your  Govern- 
ment, and  therefore  I  trust  I  am  not  intrusive  or  annoying  in 
desiring  your  answers,  as  specially  as  your  memory  and  data 
will  allow,  to  the  questions  herewith  appended,  which  I  have 
put  in  direct  form,  partly  to  save  you  trouble,  and  still  more 
specially  in  order  to  bring  out  the  exact  facts,  which  at  some 
time  may  be  needed  for  the  purposes  of  justice.  This  is  also 
in  accordance  with  your  wish  expressed  to  Lieutenant  Daven- 
port, that  any  questions  which  I  desired  to  have  you  answer 
might  be  placed  upon  paper  in  some  specific  form.  Will  you 
please  state,  therefore  — 

First.  What  was  the  number  of  the  garrison  of  Fort  Fisher 
on  the  16th,  17th,  and  18th  of  December  last,  designating 
the  regiments  or  battalions.'* 

Second.  What  portion,  if  any,  of  the  regular  garrison  of  the 
fort  had  been  sent  south  .^^ 

Thirdi  What  reserves  or  co-operating  (force)  were  there, 
if  any,  and  how  near  to  the  fort  were  they.^* 

Fourth.    What,  if  any,  force  was  at  Wilmington  at  that  time.'* 

Fifth.  Please  give  the  day  of  the  week  or  month  when  you 
first  became  aware  of  the  presence  of  the  Federal  fleet,  either 
of  transports  or  of  naval  vessels,  and  what  vessels  did  you 
observe  first? 

Sixth.  At  what  time  did  any  re-enforcements,  either  from 
the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  or  elsewhere,  reach  Wilmington 
or  its  neighborhood? 

Seventh.  How  near  did  the  powder-boat  which  exploded  come 
to  the  fort? 

Eighth.   Were  you  in  the  fort  at  that  time? 

Ninth.  Was  the  powder-boat  observed,  and,  if  so,  what, 
if  any,  was  the  effect  of  the  explosion? 

Tenth.  At  the  time  of  the  explosion  of  the  powder-boat  how 
many  men  were  there  in  the  fort? 

Eleventh.  What  was  the  effect  of  the  naval  fire  of  the  first 
day  upon  the  fort? 

Twelfth.  How  many  and  what  guns  did  it  dismount  or  disable? 

Thirteenth.  Please  state  whether  or  not,  and,  if  so,  how  much 
of  the  damage  done  to  the  fort  by  the  fire  of  the  navy  was 
repaired  during  the  night? 


568       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Fourteenth.  By  reason  of  the  cessation  of  bombardment 
at  night,  were  you  not  able  to  rest  and  recruit  your  garrison? 

Fifteenth.  At  the  time  of  the  landing  where  was  the  support- 
ing force  if  any,  to  the  fort? 

Sixteenth.  Were  there  any  re-enforcements  brought  into 
the  fort  between  the  time  of  the  explosion  of  the  powder-boat 
and  our  landing?     If  so,  please  state  what  and  when. 

Seventeenth.  At  the  time  our  skirmish  line  was  deployed 
before  the  fort,  what  was  the  condition  of  the  guns  and  defenses 
upon  the  land  side  as  to  efficiency  for  defensive  purposes? 

Eighteenth.  In  view  of  the  condition  of  the  fort  and  its 
garrison,  would  it  have  been  possible  with  either  3,000  or 
6,000  men  to  have  taken  the  work  by  assault?  (Note.  In 
answering  this  question,  please  give  as  many  of  the  details 
for  the  reasons  you  may  give  as  possible.) 

Nineteenth.  Please  state  whether  with  a  force  holding  the 
beach,  from  the  nature  of  the  ground  and  from  the  configur- 
ation of  the  channel  of  Cape  Fear  River,  it  would  have  been 
possible  for  the  Confederates  to  have  re-enforced  or  provisioned 
the  fort  to  any  extent. 

Twentieth.  How  did  the  strength  of  the  garrison  at  the  time 
of  the  first  attack  compare  with  the  strength  of  the  garrison 
at  the  time  of  the  second  attack? 

Twenty-first.  In  view  of  the  condition  of  the  weather  imme- 
diately following  the  demonstration  of  the  25th  of  December, 
and  in  view  of  the  force  that  might  have  concentrated  upon 
the  peninsula,  as  well  above  as  below  the  place  of  landing, 
would  it  in  your  judgment  have  been  possible  for  6,000  men 
without  artillery  to  have  held  out  there  without  being  captured 
or  overwhelmed,  from  the  26th  of  December  to  the  15th  of 
January? 

Twenty -second.  Please  state,  as  specially  as  you  may  be  able, 
the  differences  in  the  condition  of  the  fort  from  the  fire  of  the 
navy  at  the  time  of  the  first  and  second  attack.  Please  state 
the  effect  of  the  fire. 

Twenty -third.  Please  state  whether  or  not  the  fire  of  the 
navy  at  the  time  of  the  second  attack  was  unlike  the  time 
of  the  first  attack  (continuous),  and,  if  so,  for  how  long,  and 
what  number  of  guns  were  dismounted  by  it ;  also  whether  the 
garrison  at  the  time  of  the  second  attack  had  any  time  to  rest, 
or  recruit,  or  even  to  repair  damages. 

Twenty-fourth.  Would  you  have  deemed  it  the  part  of  wis- 
dom on  the  part  of  the  commander  of  the  Federal  forces  to 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   569 

have  exposed  his  troops  in  the  situation  referred  to  in  question 
•^  *  Yours,  very  respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  977. 

Answers  (numbered)  to  Questions  propounded  by 
Benjamin  F.  Butler 

1.  Five  companies  of  the  Thirty-sixth  North  Carolina, 
and  Adams'  battery  of  light  artillery,  amounting  to  667  aggre- 
gate, was  the  number  of  the  garrison  at  Fort  Fisher  on  the 
16th,  17th,  and  18th,  of  December  last. 

2.  Five  companies  of  the  Thirty-sixth  Regiment  North 
Carolina  (half  of  regiment  had  been  sent  south), 

3.  About  800  reserves  at  Sugar  Loaf,  five  miles  from  the 
fort. 

4.  The  advance  of  Hoke's  division  arrived  in  Wilmington 
on  the  22d  of  December,  and  pushed  to  Sugar  Loaf,  and 
continued  arriving  until  the  close  of  the  attack. 

5.  On  Tuesday,  20th,  twenty-five  vessels,  including  several 
frigates,  were  reported  to  me  in  the  offing;   all  vessels  of  war. 

6.  Answered  in  No.  4. 

7.  Between  1,200  and  1,500  yards,  not  nearer. 

8.  I  was  not. 

9.  Powder-boat  was  observed  and  reported  at  midnight 
aground  or  set  on  fire;  explosion  reported  at  12.45;  no  effect 
at  all  on  the  fort;  explosion  heard  plainly  in  Wilmington. 
When  I  telegraphed  Colonel  Lamb  to  know  what  it  was  he 
replied,  "Enemy's  gun-boat  blown  up." 

10.  Answered  in  No.  1. 

11.  Casualties,  first  day,  wounded  1  mortally,  3  severely, 
and  19  slightly;  total,  23. 

12.  Five  gun  carriages  disabled. 

13.  Second  day,  killed,  3;  wounded  9  mortally,  6  severely, 
and  28  slightly;  total  46.  Damage  but  very  slight.  One 
10-inch,  two  32-pounders,  and  one  8-inch  carriages  disabled, 
and  one  10-inch  gun  disabled.  Damage  repaired  at  night. 
Enemy's  fire  formidable  and  sustained,  but  diffuse,  unconcen- 
trated;  apparent  design  of  the  fleet  to  silence  the  channel 
batteries  in  order  to  force  an  entrance  with  his  vessels  and  not 
to  attack  by  land.  The  garrison  was  in  no  instance  drawn 
from  its  guns,  and  fired  in  return  according  to  orders,  slowly 
and  deliberately,  662  shot  and  shell. 

14.  We  were  able  to  do  both. 


570        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

15.  Assembling  at  Sugar  Loaf  as  fast  as  Hoke's  people 
arrived. 

16.  On  the  23rd,  110  men,  veteran  artillery  of  the  Tenth 
Regiment  North  Carolina,  50  sailors,  and  the  Seventh  Battalion 
Reserves,  about  250  strong,  and  thrown  into  the  fort. 

17.  The  guns  and  defense  on  the  land  front  were  in  perfect 
order  at  the  time  referred  to,  except  two  disabled  guns  on  the 
left.  Nineteen  guns  in  position.  Palisades  in  perfect  order, 
and  the  mines  the  same,  the  wire  not  having  been  cut. 

18.  Possible,  yes;  probable,  no.  The  work  was  very  strong; 
the  garrison  in  good  spirits  and  ready,  and  the  fire  on  the 
approaches,  the  assaulting  columns  having  no  cover,  would 
have  been  extraordinarily  heavy.  In  addition  to  the  heavy 
guns  I  had  a  battery  of  Napoleons,  on  which  I  placed  great 
reliance.  The  palisades  alone  would  have  been  a  most  for- 
midable obstacle. 

19.  No  difficulty  at  all  by  the  river. 

20.  The  garrison  at  the  second  attack  was  somewhat  stronger, 
but  not  altogether  of  so  good  material. 

21.  No;  and  it  is  a  matter  of  grave  charge  against  General 
Bragg  that  the  whole  force  was  not  captured  on  the  26th.  He 
had  the  force  and  the  position. 

22.  There  was  great  difference  in  position  of  the  ships  in 
the  two  attacks,  and  in  the  nature  and  effect  of  the  fire.  The 
first  was  a  general  bombardment,  not  calculated  to  effect 
particular  damage.  The  second  firing  had  for  definite  object 
the  destruction  of  the  land  defense,  and  the  ships  were  placed 
accordingly,  to  destroy  them  by  enfilade  and  direct  fire  on  that 
front  and  the  northeast  salient.  The  whole  enormous  fire 
was  continued  without  intermission  until  the  slope  of  the  north 
east  salient  was  practicable  for  assault.  Not  a  gun  remained 
in  position  on  the  approaches;  the  whole  palisade  swept  away; 
communication  with  the  mines  cut  off,  rendering  them  useless, 
and  the  men  unable  to  stand  to  the  parapets  during  the  fire. 
There  was  all  the  difference  in  the  world. 

23.  In  the  second  attack  the  fire  was  continuous  during 
the  night;  not  so  heavy  at  night,  but  enough  to  prevent  repair 
and  to  keep  the  garrison  from  rest  and  food.  The  land  guns 
all  disabled;   field  pieces  only  left  to  depend  on. 

24.  I  do  not.  Neither  attack  was  practicable  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  supporting  force,  provided  that  had  been  under  a 
competent  officer.  The  first  landing  ought  assuredly  to  have 
been  captured  entirely;  and  as  for  the  second,  although  deriv- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        571 

ing  much  greater  advantage  from  the  different  mode  of  attack 
by  the  fleet,  and  though  pressed  with  great  vigor,  it  is  due  to 
the  supineness  of  the  Confederate  general  that  it  was  not 
destroyed  in  the  act  of  assault. 

W.  H.  C.  Whiting 
Major-General,  Provisional  Army  C.  S.,  Prisoner  of  War 

Official  Records,  Series  I,  Vol.  42,  Part  I,  Page  979. 

From  J.  J.  Walker  to  General  Butler 

Newburtport,  March  lith,  1865,  Ocean  Steam  Mills. 

Dear  Sir:  I  know  you  will  kindly  pardon  the  liberty 
I  take  in  addressing  this  letter  to  you.  I  have  never  had  the 
pleasure  of  a  personal  acquaintance,  still  I  feel  well  acquainted 
with  you.  About  the  year  1834  my  mother  moved  from  New 
Ipswich,  N.  H.  to  Lowell.  And  she  there  kept  a  boarding 
house  on  the  Lawrence  Corporation  for  twelve  years.  We 
then  came  to  this  place,  and  I  have  been  employed  in  the  mills 
here  nineteen  years,  twelve  of  which  I  have  been  an  Overseer. 
About  1838  or  9  commenced  my  first  recollections  of  yourself, 
and  from  that  time  to  the  present  hour  I  have  taken  a  deep 
interest  in  your  various  successes.  I  have  always  honored  you 
for  your  manly  self-reliance,  and  determination  to  accomplish 
the  purpose  you  had  in  view.  But  I  don't  know  of  any  event 
in  your  past  history  that  will  give  you  more  lasting  honor  than 
the  course  you  pursued  in  the  matter  of  reducing  the  hour 
of  labor  in  the  woolen  and  cotton  mills.  Although  you  prob- 
ably did  not  accomplish  all  that  you  desired,  I  suppose  there 
is  no  doubt  in  any  man's  mind  now  but  that  measure  was  for 
the. mutual  benefit  of  all  parties  interested.  Would  it  not  be 
a  satisfaction  to  yourself,  General,  as  well  as  a  blessing  to  untold 
thousands  in  all  coming  times,  to  consummate  the  good  work 
you  so  well  commenced  by  reducing  the  time  from  eleven  to 
ten  hours  per  day.^*  I  know  this  had  been  the  prayerful 
desire  of  factory  people  for  more  than  thirty  years.  I  don't 
know  that  the  present  is  the  most  proper  time  to  agitate  this 
matter,  but  I  hope  and  trust  when  the  right  time  does  come, 
that  you.  General,  will  be  the  man  to  bring  about  so  desirable 
a  reform.  When  I  resided  in  Lowell  I  often  heard  you  address 
political  meetings,  and  the  courts  twice.  I  have  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  and  hearing  you  in  Newburyport,  once  in 
the  City  Hall  and  once  in  the  Court  House. 

General,  if  you  think  this  letter  worthy  of  a  moment's 


572       LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

consideration,  you  will  confer  a  favor  by  writing  a  few  words 
m  rep  y.  Respectfully  Yours,  J.  J.  Walker 

From  General  Butler  to  J.  J.  Walker 

My  dear  Sir:  For  twenty  years  I  have  labored  to  reduce 
the  hours  of  operative  labor  to  ten  per  day.  Of  the  benefit 
to  the  state  of  such  enactment  I  have  never  doubted,  and  shall 
continue  in  such  endeavor  for  the  future  in  whatever  sphere 
of  influence  I  may  be  placed.  yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Mass.,  March  \Qth,  1865 

A.  D.  Richardson,  N.  Y.  Tribune  Office,  N.Y. 

Dear  Sir:  My  knowledge  of  Mr.  Pollard  is  simply  this 
He  came  to  my  Hd.  Qrs.  by  order  of  the  War  Department  to  be 
exchanged  for  Mr.  Richardson. 

Upon  his  arrival,  the  first  expedition  to  Wilmington  was 
being  fitted  out,  so  that  it  was  inexpedient  to  let  him  then  go 
through  the  lines,  and  therefore  I  sent  him  to  Fortress  Monroe. 

During  my  absence  at  Wilmington,  Pollard  was  placed  in 
confinement  by  the  order  of  Lieut.  Gen'l.  Grant. 

After  my  return,  and  after  the  second  expedition  started, 
I  sent  for  him  to  come  to  my  Hd.  Qrs.,  to  be  ready  to  be  sent 
through  the  lines  in  exchange  for  Mr.  Richardson. 

At  an  interview  with  Mr.  Pollard  at  that  time  I  told  him  that 
I  should  parole  him  and  send  him  through  the  lines  to  effect 
Mr.  Richardson's  exchange,  and  I  also  stated  to  Lt.  Col. 
Mulford,  the  Asst.  Agent  of  Exchange,  that  this  disposition 
would  be  made  of  Mr.  Pollard  and  this  only. 

While  waiting  for  the  flag-of-truce  boat,  and  before  the 
final  order  about  Pollard  was  made,  I  was  relieved  from  com- 
mand: and  whether  he  was  sent  forward  upon  any  and  what 
conditions  after  that  time,  I  have  no  personal  knowledge. 
Lieut.  Davenport  of  my  Staff,  who  was  Assist.  Pro.  Marshal 
of  the  Department,  however,  remained  at  Hd.  Qrs.  some  three 
or  four  days  after  I  left,  and  Mr.  Pollard  was  under  his  charge. 

He  informs  me  that  in  company  with  Lt.  Col.  Mulford,  he 
took  Mr.  Pollard  through  the  lines,  and  that  a  conversation 
took  place  between  Col.  Mulford  and  himself  to  this  effect. 

The  Col.,  after  stating  the  result  of  his  conversation  with 
myself  upon  the  exchange  of  Mr.  Pollard,  which  result  I  have 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        573 

already  stated,  said  that  he  had  received  literally  no  direct  order 
in  relation  to  Mr.  Pollard,  but  that  he  should  parole  him 
to  go  through  the  lines  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  Mr.  Richard- 
son's exchange  in  accordance  with  my  views  as  expressed 
to  him. 

Lieut.  Davenport  further  says  that  Mr.  Pollard,  becoming 
aware  of  some  technical  diflBculty  in  the  matter,  stated  to  Col. 
Mulford  that  his  understanding  with  Gen'l.  Butler  was  that  he 
was  to  go  through  the  lines  to  effect  Mr.  Richardson's  exchange 
if  he  could,  and  if  not  that  he  was  to  send  some  one  else. 

This  was  not  only  evidently  untrue  upon  its  face,  but  directly 
in  opposition  to  my  repeated  views  of  the  matter  to  Col.  Mul- 
ford, and  therefore  the  Col.  informed  Mr.  Pollard  that  he 
"would  be  sent  through  upon  the  terms  and  conditions  that  he 
(Col.  Mulford)  had  before  stated,  viz:  to  effect  Mr.  Richard- 
son's exchange,  or  not  at  all,  until  further  orders  were  received 
from  the  Secy,  of  War." 

Mr.  Pollard,  then  finding  further  discussion  of  no  use, 
assented  to  being  sent  through  on  those  conditions,  and  was 
accordingly  placed  on  board  the  Rebel  flag-of-truce  boat, 
"Wm.  Allison,"  at  Boulwar's  Wharf  on  the  James  River. 

Allow  me  here  to  say  to  Mr.  Richardson  that  I  have  labored 
with  every  assiduity  and  in  every  form  to  procure  his  exchange, 
but  always  without  success,  the  Rebel  commissioners  steadily 
refusing  the  exchange  which  was  repeatedly  offered. 

I  would  further  state  that  I  have  every  reason  to  know  that 
Mr.  Pollard  could  not  and  would  not  have  succeeded  in  pro- 
curing Mr.  Richardson's  exchange  at  the  time  he  was  sent 
through  the  lines,  had  Mr.  Richardson  consented  to  remain 
a  prisoner  till  the  experiment  could  be  tried. 

Fortunately  for  him,  he  did  not  remain.     I  have  the  honor 

^'  Very  respectfully,  your  obdt.  Servt., 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Vermont  and  Boston  Telegraph  Company,  Loweu.,  March  iOth,  1865 

To  Maj.-Gen'l.  Halleck,  Chief  of  Staff,  Washington,  D.C. 

I  AM  notified  by  the  Treasury  Officers  that  some  of  my  ac- 
counts in  Washington  need  adjustment.  I  respectfully  ask 
leave  to  visit  Washington  for  that  purpose. 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.-Gen'l.  U.  S.V. 


574        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Endorsements 

Head  Quarters  of  the  Army,  Washington,  D.  C,  March  20,  1865 

Hon.  H.  McCuLLOCH,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury 

Sir:  I  am  directed  by  the  Secretary  of  War  to  refer  to  you 
the  within  application  of  Major  Gen.  Butler,  and  to  enquire 
whether  the  presence  of  the  General  is  desired  by  the  Treasury 
Department  for  the  settlement  of  his  accounts? 

Very  respectfully,  H.  W.  Halleck,  M.  G.  Chief  of  Staff 

Treasury  Department,  Third  Auditor's  office,  March  20,  1865 

General  Butler  has  no  accounts  either  in  the  QR.  Mr. 
or  Commissary  Division  of  this  office,  and  is  not  charged  on 
the  general  ledger  j^^^  ^^^^^^^  ^^^^^^ 

2nd  Auditor's  Office,  March  20,  1865 

Gen.  Butler  is  charged,  July  21,  1862,  with  $10,000  on 
account  contingencies  of  the  army  on  the  books  of  this  office, 
for  which  no  account  has  been  rendered  here. 

F.  Andrews,  c.v.  for  Auditor 

ind  Comptroller's  Office,  March  iOth,  1865 

Having  been  informed  by  the  Adjt.  Gen.  that  Gen.  Butler 
had  received  from  the  Provost  Marshal  General  the  sum  of 
$20,000,  for  which  he  had  rendered  no  account,  notice  was 
given  him  by  this  office  on  the  1st  of  March,  1865,  that  suit 
would  be  brought  for  its  recovery  unless  it  was  immediately 
refunded  or  properly  accounted  for.^ 

I.  Broadhead,  Compt. 

Treasury  Department,  March  21,  1865 

Respectfully  returned  to  Gen.  Halleck 

The  endorsement  of  the  Second  Comptroller  gives  all  the 
information  we  have  in  this  Department  in  relation  to  the 
accounts  of  General  Butler. 

H.  McCuLLOCH,  Sec.  of  the  Treasury 

1  See  letter  of  General  Butler  to  Secretary  Stanton,  April  3,  1865,  p.  588. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        575 

From  General  Halleck 

Head-Quarters  of  the  Army,  Washington,  D.  C,  March  iind,  1865 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

General:  I  am  directed  by  the  Sec.  of  War  to  forward  the 
enclosed  copies  of  endorsements  on  your  application  of  the 
20th  inst.,  and  to  say  that,  as  your  presence  is  not  required 
by  the  Treasury  Department  for  the  adjustment  of  your 
accounts,  your  application  is  not  granted. 

Very  respectfully.  Your  obdt.  Servant, 

H.  W.  Halleck,  Chief  of  Staff 

From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Norfolk,  Va.,  March  23,  1865 

Dear  General:  Charles  R.  Train  yesterday  told  a  friend 
of  mine  that  if  I  did  not  leave  Norfolk  I  should  be  arrested 
or  ordered  out  of  the  Department.  I  expected  to  leave  during 
the  month  of  April,  and  do  not  think  that  I  shall  go  sooner  than 
I  originally  intended.  I  may  be  arrested,  if  a  cause  can  be 
found.     I  may  be  ordered  away. 

I  saw  Train.  He  told  me  that  he  thought  that  it  would  be 
as  above  stated.  He  said  that  there  were  no  charges  against 
me,  but  intimated  that  this  order  came  from  higher  authority. 
The  Sec.  of  War  was  here  Saturday.  Could  he  have  made  any 
such  request?  Train  said  that  the  reason  was  that  I  am 
connected  with  you. 

Do  you  not  think  this  matter  worth  speaking  to  the  President 
about?  I  think  your  successors  are  persecuting  you  and  your 
friends  to  such  an  extent  that  it  was  time  it  was  stopped. 
Your  administration  has  been  investigated  to  find  charges 
against  you,  and  persons  acting  under  you.  I  think  the 
President  or  Sec.  or  War  should  interfere. 

Please  attend  to  this.     Poor  Sue  is  raving  about  it. 

Yours  truly,  W.  P.  Webster 

March  iith 

Since  writing  the  above  I  "have  seen  Train  again.  He  tells 
me  that  he  told  Gordon  that  I  should  leave  during  April  of 
my  own  accord.  But  today  Gen.  Gordon  has  made  a  requisi- 
tion on  Treasury  Agt.  for  my  house,  and  turned  it  over  to  a 
Provost  Marshal  from  Army  of  Potomac.  It  had  just  been 
turned  over  by  Gordon  to  Treasury  Dept.,  and  I  hired  it  of 
the  Treasury  Agt.     I  must  leave  the  house  by  April  1st. 


576       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  do  not  think  it  necessary  to  say  anything  to  anyone  at 
Washington,  but  I  hope  that  you  will  have  some  power  at 
some  time. 

C.  R.  Train  does  more  harm  than  good  every  time  he  comes 
here.  There  are  strange  reports  of  his  sayings  and  doings. 
It  is  not  for  his  benefit  to  have  your  friends  here. 

W.  P.  W. 

Atlantic  Hotel,  March  15th,  1865 

Sir:  The  firm  of  Johnston  and  Corwin  of  Washington  are 
my  counsel.  I  have  given  bonds  to  the  amount  of  twenty- 
five  thousand  dollars,  to  the  Provost  Marshal  of  this  city,  for 
appearance  before  a  Military  Commission  which  broke  up  in 
a  row  some  ten  days  ago,  and  since  which  time  General  Gordon 
refused  to  let  me  leave  this  department.  I  should  like  to  be 
ordered  or  have  leave  to  go  to  Washington  to  see  if  I  can't 
get  justice,  and  to  answer  all  charges  that  may  stand  against 
me,  and  to  be  punished  for  all  my  misdoings. 

I   should   like   to   hear   from   Washington.     Webster   still 

remains  here.  ^  ^j-  ii     r^   tut  t 

Yours  respectfully,  G.  W.  Lane 

From  General  Butler 

Feb.  14/66  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Capt.  Fox,  Asst.  Sec. 

My  dear  Fox:  I  asked  you  a  few  days  since  to  give  me 
copies  of  the  orders  under  which  the  steamer  "Philadelphia" 
was  seized  in  the  sounds  in  North  Carolina  in  Jan.  1865. 
Will  you  send  copies  by  bearer? 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

To  General  Butler 

Dear  Gen'l:  I  found  upon  looking  over  our  files  that  there 
was  a  case  about  which  many  orders  were  given,  extending 
through  a  considerable  period,  and  of  so  much  importance 
that  a  regular  call  better  be  made  upon  the  Sec. 

G.  V.  Fox 

From  the  Assistant  Solicitor  to  Court  of  Claims 

To  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Navy 

Sir:  There  is  now  pending  in  the  courts  a  controversy 
relating  to  the  steamer  "Philadelphia,"  in  which  for  the  pur- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        577 

poses  of  justice  the  orders  of  the  Navy  Department  respecting 
her  become  important  as  testimony.  I  have  the  honor  to 
request  that  copies  of  the  orders  under  which  the  steamer 
"Philadelphia"  was  seized  in  the  sounds  in  N.  C.  in  Jan.  1865 
be  furnished  me  for  that  purpose. 

Respectfully,  Asst.  Solicitor  to  Court  of  Claims 


Documents  in  the  "'Philadelphia"  Case 

January  18,  1866  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  the  Honorable  the  Judges  of  the  Court  of  Claims 

The  Petition  of  George  W.  Lane,  a  resident  of  the  city  of 
Baltimore  in  the  State  of  Maryland,  and  a  loyal  citizen  of  the 
United  States,  respectfully  showeth: 

That  your  petitioner,  by  authority  of  and  in  pursuance  of 
certain  acts  of  Congress,  approved  July  13th,  1861,  May  20th, 
1862,  March  12th,  1863,  and  July  2nd,  1864,  the  license  and 
permit  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  recommen- 
dation of  General  Butler,  and  the  regulations  prescribed  by 
the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  and  the  order  of  the  President 
of  Sept.  24th,  1864,  entered  into  a  contract  in  writing  with 
H.  A.  Risley,  agent  for  the  purchase  of  products  of  insur- 
rectionary States,  on  behalf  of  the  Government  of  the  United 
States,  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  and  for  that  purpose  duly  authorized 
and  legally  empowered  to  contract;  wherein  and  whereby 
the  said  Risley  for  and  in  behalf  of  the  United  States,  on  the 
9th  and  20th  days  of  December,  1864,  agreed  to  purchase  of 
your  petitioner  and  your  petitioner  agreed  to  sell  to  the  United 
States,  one  thousand  bales  of  cotton;  which  bales  of  cotton 
were  when  represented  to  be  on  the  Chowan  River  in  the 
State  of  North  Carolina,  or  would  be  there  on  the  22nd  of 
December,  1864,  and  which  your  petitioner  agreed  to  trans- 
port to  Norfolk,  and  there  to  deliver  to  said  Risley  for  and  in 
behalf  of  the  United  States;  and  to  that  end  and  purpose  the 
said  Risley  requested  safe  conduct  for  your  petitioner,  and  his 
necessary  means  of  transportation  of  said  cotton  from  the  said 
Chowan  River  to  said  Norfolk,  Va.,  through  the  military 
lines  of  the  United  States;  and  for  the  cotton  so  delivered,  or 
to  be  delivered,  the  United  States  promised  and  agreed  to  pay 
your  petitioner  three-fourths  the  sum  per  pound  that  similar 
grade  of  cotton  was  worth  in  the  city  of  New  York,  on  the  day 
of  its  delivery,  the  delivery  to  be  within  a  reasonable  time. 
And  your  petitioner  avers  that  relying  upon  the  promise  and 

VOL.  V — 37 


578       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

agreement  of  the  United  States,  made  as  aforesaid,  he  imme- 
diately with  all  fidelity  and  despatch  entered  upon  the  execution 
of  his  said  executory  agreement,  and  to  that  end  proceeded  and 
purchased  the  steamer  "Philadelphia"  at  the  cost  of  eighteen 
thousand  dollars,  and  proceeded  with  the  said  steamer  to  the 
Chowan  River,  and  there  properly  procured  and  purchased  at 
great  cost  and  charge,  and  had  properly  laden  on  board  said 
steamer  two  hundred  and  fifty-seven  bales  of  cotton,  weighing 
one  hundred  and  twenty-one  thousand  six  hundred  and  forty 
pounds,  properly  weighed  and  inspected  under  the  supervision 
of  Thomas  Upton,  the  agent  of  the  United  States,  for  that 
purpose  specially  designated  and  appointed,  and  who  had  the 
care  and  custody  of  said  cotton,  for  its  general  protection  on 
board  of  said  steamer,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  United 
States,  as  well  as  to  see  that  all  of  the  cotton  so  purchased  was 
delivered  to  the  United  States ;  and  the  said  steamer,  with  the 
cargo  of  cotton  on  board,  immediately  steamed  for  the  port 
of  Norfolk,  and  would  have  arrived  there  on  or  about  the  10th 
day  of  January,  1865,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  unjust  and 
improper  interference  of  the  United  States,  as  hereinafter 
complained  of.  That  on  or  about  the  ninth  day  of  January 
A.D.  1865,  the  said  steamer  and  her  cargo  of  cotton,  while  on 
her  passage  to  Norfolk,  was  forcibly  taken  possession  of  by  the 
naval  authorities  of  the  United  States,  and  taken  from  the 
custody  and  possession  of  your  petitioner  and  treasury  agent, 
and  by  the  naval  authority  turned  over  to  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  and  by  its  direction  carried 
to  the  city  of  New  York;  and  the  cotton  so  taken  was  appro- 
priated to  the  use  of  the  United  States,  whereby  your  petitioner 
was  deprived  and  prevented  from  carrying  out  his  said  contract 
of  sale  and  delivery  of  the  said  cotton  at  Norfolk,  and  the 
realization  of  the  value  of  said  cotton,  at  the  New  York  prices 
(less  one-fourth)  on  the  day  he  otherwise  would  have  delivered 
the  same  at  Norfolk. 

And  your  petitioner  avers  that  the  market  value  of  cotton 
per  pound  of  the  quality  and  description  of  that  laden  on  board 
of  said  steamer  in  this  city  of  New  York  was  one  dollar  and 
twenty -five  cents  per  pound  on  the  day  he  would  have  delivered 
the  same  to  the  United  States  at  Norfolk,  and  of  which  he  was 
deprived  by  the  acts  of  the  United  States  as  aforesaid,  in  vio- 
lation of  their  said  contract  and  agreement,  as  aforesaid. 

And  your  petitioner  avers  that  in  all  respects  he  duly  observed 
and  kept  all  the  regulations  and  requirement  of  the  authorities 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER    579 

of  the  United  States  in  the  conducting  of  his  said  enterprise; 

that  he  violated  no  law  or  regulation  of  the  Army,  Navy,  or 

Treasury  of  the  United  States;   that  he  has  made  application 

to  the  Treasury  Department  for  the  payment  of  the  value  of 

the  cotton,  agreeably  to  the  terms  of  his  said  agreement,  and 

payment  was  refused  him;   whereby  and  by  force  of  all  which 

the  United  States  have  become  liable  to  pay  your  petitioner 

the  sum  of  seventy-two  thousand  and  six  hundred  and  eighty 

dollars  and  forty-five  cents,  after  making  all  just  and  proper 

deductions,  and  in  consideration  thereof  promised  the  petitioner 

to  pay  him  said  sum,  which  it  refuses  to  do.        ^    ,,.   ^ 

G.  W.  Lane 

Washington  City,  ss. 

On  this  day,  18th  of  January,  1866,  personally  came  before 
me  the  undersigned,  George  W.  Lane  of  the  city  of  Baltimore, 
who  signed  the  foregoing  petition,  and  made  solemn  oath 
that  the  matters  and  things  set  forth  in  said  petition,  according 
to  his  best  information,  knowledge,  and  belief,  are  just  and  true; 
that  he  has  at  all  times  borne  true  allegiance  to  the  United 
States,  and  has  not  in  any  way  voluntarily  aided,  abetted, 
or  given  encouragement  to  the  rebellion  against  said  Govern- 
ment; that  no  assignment  or  transfer  of  said  claim,  or  any 
part  thereof,  has  been  made;  that  he  is  justly  entitled  to  the 
sum  he  claims  from  the  United  States,  and  that  no  credits 
or  offsets  in  favor  of  the  United  States  stand  against  him. 

G.  W.  Lane 

Subscribed  and  sworn  to  in  the  presence  the  year  and  day 

above  written,  xt   /-•  t    j-       j?  ^i     n 

N .  C ALLAN,  Justice  oj  the  Feace 

T.  J.  D.  Fuller,  Solicitor, 

Post  Office  address:  Washington,  D.C. 


George  W.  Lane,  and  the  United  States 

In  the  Court  of  Claims,  No.  2196 

Interrogatories  on  the  Part  of  the  Department  to  be  propounded 
to  Major  General  B.  F.  Butler 

1st.  What  is  your  age,  residence  and  occupation?  What 
oflSce,  if  any,  did  you  hold  under  the  United  States,  in  the  years 
1864  and  1865.? 

Snd.  Please  examine  papers  hereonto  annexed,  numbered  one 
and  two,  and  marked  A.  and  B.,  and  say  whose  are  the  signa- 


580       LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

tures  thereonto,  and  do  you  recognize  the  signature  as  your 
own,  and  are  they  original  papers,  also  the  endorsement  on  the 
back  of  paper  A,  and  say  if  you  know  in  whose  hand  writing 
that  is,  and  whether  you  recognize  it  as  the  proper  hand- 
writing of  A.  Lincoln,  Pres.  of  the  U.  S.  A.? 

Srd.  Please  state  what  you  know  in  relation  to  George  W. 
Lane  contracting  with  the  United  States  —  to  sell  to  it  cotton 
or  the  products  of  insurrectionary  States.  Whether  he  made 
any  such  contracts,  whether  he  had  license  for  that  purpose 
from  the  proper  military  and  naval  authorities  to  pass  the 
lines  for  the  purpose  of  delivering  to  the  United  States  at  Nor- 
folk cotton  or  other  products  of  said  insurrectionary  States 
What  steps  the  said  Lane  took  to  execute  said  agreement. 
What  expenses  he  incurred,  what  advances  he  made.  Whether 
he  owned,  or  had  purchased  cotton.  What  quantity  he  had  — 
where  it  was  —  whether  he  delivered  the  same  at  Norfolk  — 
and  whether  he  was  in  the  process  of  delivering  the  same  —  if 
he  did  not,  why  and  what  interruptions  he  met  with,  and 
from  what  source  the  same  came. 

^h.  Please  state  any  other  fact  within  your  knowledge, 
relating  to  the  subject  matter  of  inquiry  presented  to  the 
Petitioner.  ^    j    -^    poller,  Solicitor 

Answers  to  the  Several   Interrogatories  in  Chief  proposed  by 

George    W.    Lane,   Plaintiff  in   the    Cause,    himself    vs. 

United  States 

Answer  1st.  Benjamin  Franklin  Butler.  Age  47  —  Lowell, 
Mass.  —  Lawyer  by  profession  —  have  held  a  Commission 
as  Major  General  U.  S.  Vols.,  from  May  16th,  1861  to  Decem- 
ber 1st,  1865. 

Ans.  2nd.  I  have  examined  the  papers  numbered  1  and  2, 
and  marked  "A"  and  "B."  I  recognize  the  signatures  as  my 
own;  they  are  original  papers.  The  endorsement  on  the 
paper  "A"  is  in  the  handwriting  of  the  late  President  Lincoln, 
which  writing  is  very  familiar  to  me. 

Ans.  Srd.  My  first  knowledge  of  Geo.  W.  Lane  was  that 
he  applied  to  me,  while  in  command  of  the  Department  of 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  for  permission  to  pass  across 
my  military  lines  into  N.  Carolina,  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
curing products  of  the  country  to  be  sold  to  the  United  States, 
under  the  Treasury  Regulations.  Mr.  Lane  inquired  of  me 
if  he  could  take  with  him  into  the  enemies'  territory  such 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        581 

articles  as  would  not  aid  the  armies  of  the  rebellion  as  well  as 
southern  money,  to  exchange  for  such  products.  To  this 
I  replied  that  I  had  no  doubt  of  the  policy  of  making  such 
exchanges,  that  if  all  the  products  of  the  South  could  be  got 
out,  and  food,  clothing,  and  luxuries  for  the  people,  and 
confederate  or  Southern  money  were  given  in  exchange,  the 
Rebellion  must  end.  That  their  cotton  and  tobacco  gave 
them  credit  and  means  to  carry  on  the  war.  That  in  my 
judgment  if,  instead  of  being  blockaded,  they  had  been  per- 
mitted in  the  beginning  to  ship  all  their  cotton  and  tobacco 
abroad,  and  bring  back  the  proceeds  in  manufactures  of 
Europe  or  the  North,  they  would  have  long  before  they  have, 
been  without  means  of  carrying  on  the  war.  That  by  our 
blockade  we  had  raised  the  price  of  their  cotton  from  10  cts.  to 
a  dollar  per  pound,  which  was  equal  to  raising  ten  crops  for 
them  without  labor,  while  substantially  all  their  labor  was 
turned  to  raising  corn  and  provisions.  That  for  myself  I 
had  no  doubt  of  the  expediency  of  granting  the  permission 
asked,  but  that  as  a  Commander  of  a  single  Military  Depart- 
ment it  was  useless  for  me  to  attempt  to  carry  out  a  policy 
which  was  not  declared  by  the  President,  and  lay  these  views 
before  him.  I  would  write  a  note  to  the  President  on  this 
subject,  which  is  the  paper  marked  "A." 

Soon  after,  Mr.  Lane  called  on  me  at  Fortress  Monroe  and 
produced  the  president's  approval  upon  my  letter.  I  there- 
fore ordered  him  a  permit  to  take  through  the  lines  such 
wares  as  were  not  used  or  issued  to  the  rebel  troops,  and  which 
could  not  aid  the  armies  of  the  rebellion.  Afterwards  some 
changes  in  the  trade  regulations  were  made,  either  by  the 
Act  of  Congress,  or  by  the  Secretary,  and  H.  A.  Risley,  Special 
Supervising  Treasury  Agent,  called  upon  me  to  know  about 
Mr.  Lane's  enterprises,  and  I  gave  him  substantially  the 
same  explanation  I  had  given  above. 

He  said  that  he  should  make  a  contract  with  Mr.  Lane  to 
take  the  cotton  and  other  product  of  the  country  which  Lane 
should  get  out,  upon  the  usual  terms  for  the  benefit  of  the 
United  States,  and  I  learned  afterwards  that  he  had  so  done. 
Mr.  Lane  received  from  the  proper  officers  of  the  Department 
the  usual  and  proper  permits  for  his  purpose,  and  proceeded 
in  carrying  out  his  contract.  Mr.  Lane  brought  a  vessel  and 
valuable  cargo  into  the  Department,  and  sailed  for  Chowan 
River  in  North  Carolina  in  execution  of  his  enterprise.  After- 
wards I  learned  that  Mr.  Lane's  vessel  was  seized  by  some 


582       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

naval  oflBcer  in   the  Sounds,  and  detained   by  order  of   the 
Secretary  of  the  Navy. 

Ans.  If,.  I  have  no  further  knowledge  on  the  subject  of  the 
interrogatories . 

From  Mrs.  Butler  to  F.  A.  Hildreth 

March  iQth,  '65 

I  TOLD  you  I  would  write  particulars  of  things  you  wished 
to  know.  Mr.  Train  came  in  the  evening  you  left.  He  was 
excited  a  little,  and  grew  worse  later  in  the  evening.  I  think 
it  a  pity  he  ever  took  the  case  in  hand.  It  is  now  Sunday 
noon.  We  have  not  seen  him  since  night  before  last.  He 
says  there  must  be  a  trial.  Mr.  Butler  assented  that  it  might 
be  well  to  demand  one.  Farrington  came  yesterday.  He 
thinks  Train  has  done  no  good,  but  rather  the  contrary.  His 
opinion  of  Gen'l.  Gordon  is  the  same  as  mine.  We  have  not 
yet  seen  the  report  nor  yet  learned  from  Train  what  there  is 
in  it.  Two  things  he  stated  as  proved,  —  that  you  received 
seven  thousand  dollars  for  a  permit,  that  you  gave  notice  to 
several  occupying  stores  that  they  must  depart,  you  should 
cover  the  ground.  These  are  the  only  things  with  regard 
to  you,  I  think.  He  made  the  remark  that  you  had  been 
imprudent,  that  Webster  had  better  go  away  or  he  would  be 
sent  away,  that  he  himself,  that  is.  Train,  was  followed  about 
by  two  detectives.  The  tone  of  what  he  said  irritated  me, 
and  I  indignantly  said  not  one  step  would  I  move  if  I  were 
Webster,  nor  would  I  advise  one  of  the  men  who  have  been 
so  basely  treated  to  quit  that  town  till  suits  were  finished, 
and  their  business  taken  care  of.  Mrs.  Webster  says  the 
same  thing,  he  answered.  By  degrees,  his  tone  changed, 
and  he  thought  they  had  been  badly  treated.  He  said  Gen'l. 
Shepley  had  behaved  like  a  crazy  man,  and  had  made  the 
whole  thing  much  worse  to  manage.  Shepley  had  said  that 
he  had  nothing  to  do  with  it,  that  you  had  run  the  department. 
Shepley  sent  word  by  Farrington  to  say  that  he  stood  all 
right.  Farrington  says  that  there  are  eleven  to  be  tried,  — 
Whitlock,  Lane,  Renshaw,  Sherman,  Cole,  Daniels,  McKay, 
Johnson,  the  others  Farrington  could  not  remember.  Farring- 
ton is  strongly  against  a  trial.  He  says  the  men  will  have 
no  fair  chance  there.  Train  is  for  it,  therefore  I  do  not  think 
him  good  counsel.  Mr.  Butler  says,  if  it  is  asked  for  it  will 
never  come  to  trial.  The  President  and  party,  among  others 
Mr.  Risley,  have  gone  to  City  Point.     It  is  said  one  object 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN   F.  BUTLER        583 

is  to  get  Grant  to  modify  his  order.  We  shall  stay  and  adjust 
things  as  thoroughly  as  possible.  Farrington  says  Train  was 
intoxicated  again  last  night.  A  good  man  to  entrust  with 
business!  Farrington  also  says  that  Webster  is  ordered  to 
give  up  his  house.  He  has  had  a  good  deal  of  business  in  his 
profession,  and  would  like  to  remain.  Sue  and  the  children 
will  return,  it  is  likely.  Train  said  that  Lane  stood  on  the 
river  bank  and  exchanged  goods  for  cotton,  etc.  I  think  now 
they  wish  to  clear  every  friend  of  the  former  Commander  out 
of  the  Department,  or  rather  out  of  Norfolk.  Train  said  you 
would  be  taken  if  found.  I  do  not  know  how  much  credit  to 
attach  to  what  he  says,  he  is  in  such  a  state  most  of  the  time. 
Train  said  the  report  was  here.  We  have  inquired,  but  do  not 
find  it.  Shall  try  again.  If  not  to  be  had,  shall  find  out  by 
Train  when  he  is  sober  what  there  is  in  it.  Mr.  Butler  does 
not  feel  troubled  that  I  can  see,  nor  do  I  believe  there  is  much 
cause. 

From  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  Ajpril  ind,  1865 

Brig.  Genl.  Gordon,  Commanding  District  of  Eastern  Virginia 

Dear  Sir:  I  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  an  article 
of  the  most  scurrilous  falsity  in  the  Old  Dominion  newspaper 
of  April  1st.  As  you  have  by  an  order  interfered  with  the 
publication  of  a  newspaper  in  your  District,  I  assume  that 
you  consider  yourself  bound  so  to  do  whenever  a  paper  be- 
comes scurrilous  and  libellous.  There  are  no  Courts  in 
Virginia  to  which  I  can  apply  for  legal  redress,  and  am  there- 
fore without  remedy  save  through  the  sense  of  propriety  and 
justice  of  the  Military  Commander.  I  desire,  therefore,  to 
present  these  questions  to  your  sense  of  propriety  as  a  soldier 
and  gentleman  in  command. 

Whether  in  a  military  district  subject  to  martial  law,  in  a 
captured  city  under  your  command,  libellous  articles  should 
be  permitted  to  be  published  against  any  officer  in  the  service 
of  the  United  States,  and  a  fortiori  against  one  who  is  a  superior 
in  rank? 

Do  not  such  publications  tend  to  bring  your  profession  or 
the  service  whose  uniform  you  wear  into  contempt,  ridicule 
and  disgrace? 

The  articles  of  war  prevent  one  officer  from  criticizing 
another  in  such  publications.  If  an  officer  suffers  such  criti- 
cisms to  be  published  in  a  paper  under  his  control,  publishing 


584        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

his  oflScial  orders,  and  dependent  on  his  patronage  for  its 
support,  does  not  this  sufferance  without  rebuke,  morally,  if 
not  actually,  violate  that  article  of  war? 

When  you  were  serving  under  my  command  at  your  own 
written  request,  and  by  your  often  expressed  preference,  do 
you  suppose  that  any  paper  could  have  been  published  in  a 
Department  of  which  I  had  charge  with  any  such  scurrility 
upon  you  and  not  have  been  suppressed?  That  you  over  and 
over  again  wrote  for  service  under  me:  that  you  put  your 
application  upon  grounds  of  former  friendship:  that  you 
desired  and  were  put  on  light  duty,  upon  your  own  request, 
by  me:  that  listening  to  the  dictates  of  personal  favor  you 
were  placed  in  position  by  me,  where  you  were  likely  to  be 
detailed  to  your  present  duty:  neither  all  of  these  or  the  ob- 
ligations of  personal  friendship  are  evoked  by  me  as  reasons 
why  you  should  act  upon  this  matter,  but  simply  because  it 
seems  to  me  a  plain  duty  of  an  officer  in  the  service  of  the 
country  to  another  officer  in  the  same  service. 

Allow  me  farther  to  assure  you  that  in  my  judgment  the 
article  though  sugared  with  disgusting  flatteries  of  General 
Grant,  will  not  be  the  more  palatable  to  him.  His  sense  of 
propriety  and  justice,  and  what  is  due  to  the  Army  of  which 
he  is  the  head,  will  lead  him  to  take  the  proper  view  of  the 
subject.  He  has  but  to  contemplate  what  he  would  have 
thought  of  me  had  I  allowed  such  an  article  about  him  to 
have  gone  on  unrebuked  in  my  command,  to  know  what  I 
ought  to  think  of  the  Military  Commander  of  the  District  of 
Virginia  if  he  allows  and  therefore  sanctions  this  publication 
about  me,  specially  when  that  Commander  has  already  under- 
taken to  regulate  —  {remainder  of  letter  missing) 

[Benj.  F.  Butler] 

From  John  I.  Davenport  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Mass.,  April  3rd,  1865 

My  dear  General:  To-day  we  get  the  news  that  Rich- 
mond is  taken,  and  great  is  the  excitement  here;  but  it  occurs 
to  me  that  even  in  this,  although  not  with  your  command, 
you  have  won  a  victory.  —  Weitzel's  men  went  in  —  your  men 
were  there  —  Your  colored  soldiers  —  The  army  of  the  James 
took  possession,  and  that  under  the  command  of  one  of  your 
men  while  still  the  army  of  the  James  fought  gallantly  again 
in  front  of  Petersburg. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        585 

Glory  enough  for  one  day,  methinks.  Your  army,  under 
your  command,  secured  and  held  both  positions  from  which 
the  move  was  made,  and  yet  you,  its  much  loved  Commander, 
was  not  allowed  to  be  with  it.  Jealousy  sent  you  away,  and 
injustice  robbed  you  of  your  well-earned  rights. 

But  excuse  me,  General,  for  troubling  you  thus,  but  I  have 
got  so  excited  here  in  quiet  little  Lowell  that  I  feel  that  I 
must  give  vent  to  my  thoughts  somehow.  I  want  to  talk  — 
I  wish  I  could  make  everyone  hear  and  see  these  matters  in 
their  true  light,  but  I  suppose  I  must  wait. 

We  are  getting  along  here  at  the  house  very  well   indeed. 

Please  remember  me  to  Mrs.  Butler  kindly,  and  believe  me. 

General,  to  be,  i^    .    •         ?         7       ^  j-  n 

Most  sincerely  and  gratejuUy  yours, 

John  I.  Davenport 
From  General  Weitzel  to  General  Butler 

In  the  Fields,  3  miles  west  of  Petersburg, 
Virginia,  April  IQth,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  General:  I  received  your  note  of  the  7th  ult., 
only  this  morning.  I  sincerely  thank  you.  General  Ord 
got  frightened  at  the  immense!!  responsibility  of  appointing 
oflBcers  for  the  colored  troops,  and  got  the  War  Department 
to  hold  the  exclusive  privilege.  So  I  will  apply  direct  to  the 
War  Department  as  a  personal  favor  to  have  Mr.  Kimball 
appointed. 

The  25th  Corps  not  only  entered  Richmond  first,  but 
Petersburg  also.  Birney  thinks  he  was  shelved  because  his 
"niggers"  were  most  wide  awake,  and  discovered  the  evacua- 
tion and  went  in  first  at  Petersburg. 

And  now  I  am  with  all  of  my  Corps,  that  is  not  with  Sherman 
and  that  is  not  detached,  guarding  Rebel  prisoners,  sent  here 
to  graze,  I  guess.     But  I  like  it. 

I  am  outside  of  immediate  pesterings  and  annoyances  of 
where  rheumatic  and  finnicky  forty  men  garrison  post  orders, 
and  have  a  chance  in  this  beautiful  camp  to  set  up  my 
men. 

General,  General  Ord  is  not  at  all  fit  for  his  post.  This  is 
between  you  and  I,  and  I  believe  he  has  made  several  attempts 
to  break  up  my  corps  which  did  not  succeed  because  General 
Grant  and  his  staff  were  friends  of  the  Corps,  and  because 
the  Corps  did  its  whole  duty. 

I  write  you  this  privately.     You  will  have  observed  that 


586       LETTERS    OF    GEN.    BENJAMIN    F.    BUTLER 

I  and  those  of  your  friends  who  remained  have  been  changed 
a  la  Banks  after  your  departure,  just  because  we  were  your 
friends,  and  it  was  beheved  such  action  would  please  those  in 
authority.     But  the  old  saying  is  true, 

"He  digged  a  pit,  he  digged  it  deep."  &c 

He  and  Ord  have  been  the  first  to  be  relieved,  but  somehow 
or  other  the  order  is  countermanded. 

I  called  the  Virginia  legislature  together  in  accordance 
with  written  orders  from  the  late  lamented  President.  It 
was  no  act  of  my  own.  I  managed  everything  else  in  Rich- 
mond, according  to  your  New  Orleans  rules,  as  nearly  as  I 
could;  and  it  was  successful  of  course.  But  you  know  the 
negroes  had  to  leave  there,  the  smell  was  offensive  to  the 
F.  F.  Vs. 

With  kind  regards  to  Mrs.  B.  and  all  the  other  B.'s,  I  am, 

Truly  yours,  G.  Weitzel 

From  General  Butler 

Washington,  A-pril  3d,  1865 

Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:  About  the  1st  of  March  last  I  was  notified  by  a  letter 
from"  the  2d  Comptroller  of  the  Treasury  that  it  had  been 
reported  to  him  from  the  Provost  Marshal  General  that  I  was 
charged  with  $20,000  dollars,  for  which  the  accounts  and 
vouchers  were  wanting,  and  unless  the  same  was  duly  ac- 
counted for  I  should  be  sued  therefor. 

Quite  certain  that  a  set  of  accounts  had  been  forwarded 
from  the  field  which  had  probably  miscarried,  as  soon  as 
possible  I  prepared  another  set  of  accounts.  My  vouchers 
were  original  receipts  which  I  was  very  loth  to  trust  by  mail, 
as  in  case  of  loss  I  should  be  impossible  to  replace  them,  as 
some  of  the  officers  signing  them  had  gone  out  of  the  service, 
besides,  I  did  not  know  what  would  be  the  necessary  proofs 
to  clear  my  accounts  and  prevent  the  threatened  suit.  I 
determined,  therefore,  as  I  had  other  private  business,  to 
put  myself  to  the  expense  and  trouble  of  a  journey  to  Wash- 
ington. 

Anxious  not  to  infringe  any  regulation,  although  being  out 
of  active  service,  I  did  not  believe  the  regulation  requiring 
an  officer  to  obtain  permission  to  visit  the  Capitol  to  obtain 
a  prior  permission  to  apply  to  my  case,  specially  as  I  was 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER         587 

summoned  there  under  threat  of  suit,  I  telegraphed  to  Gen. 
Halleck,  Chief  of  Staff,  on  Monday,  March  20th,  in  substance 
that  I  desired  leave  to  visit  Washington  to  adjust  my  accounts 
with  the  Treasury  officers.  Making  my  request  by  telegram, 
to  avoid  expense  I  did  not  state  the  reasons  for  my  proposed 
visit  at  length. 

Having  some  business  in  New  York,  I  left  home  on  the 
evening  of  March  20,  leaving  directions  with  my  clerks  to 
telegraph  me  at  Hoffman  House,  New  York,  if  the  permission 
was  refused.  I  put  it  in  this  form  because  I  did  not  suppose 
there  could  be  any  objection  to  the  request  or  that  it  would 
be  refused.  I  remained  in  New  York  till  Thursday  noon, 
when  I  left  for  Washington,  bringing  with  me  my  vouchers, 
fully  believing  my  request  had  been  granted  as  I  had  heard 
nothing  from  it,  as  I  should  not  if  it  had  been  granted.  It 
seems  that  an  answer  denying  the  request  was  sent  by  Gen. 
Halleck  through  the  mail  to  Lowell,  Mass.,  although  I  com- 
municated with  him  by  telegram  on  the  22d,  which  could  not 
arrive  at  my  office  till  the  23d,  at  which  time  it  was  tele- 
graphed to  the  Hoffman  House,  New  York,  but  arrived  there 
after  I  had  left,  so  that  I  did  not  receive  it.  I  did  not  hear 
until  today  that  such  answer  was  sent,  when  the  original 
letter  of  Gen.  Halleck  was  brought  me  by  my  clerk,  Mr.  Batch- 
elder.  Meanwhile  I  have  settled  my  accounts,  find,  as  I 
expected,  personal  explanation  was  necessary  to  their  speedy 
adjustment. 

I  make  this  explanation  that  I  may  not  seem  willingly  & 
knowingly  to  have  infringed  regulation  of  the  Department, 
and  earnestly  hope  the  explanation  may  be  satisfactory.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  Respectfully,  Your  oht.  servant, 

[Benj.  F.  Butler] 

From  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  April  5th,  1865 

To  H.  E.  Rockwell,  Esq.,  Milbury,  Mass. 

My  dear  Mr,  Rockwell:  Please  write  out  for  me  verbatim 
et  literatim,  leaving  out  no  word,  all  the  proceedings  of  the 
Military  Commission  at  Norfolk,  Va.  General  Geo.  H.  Gordon, 
President,  of  which  you  were  reporter. 

I  want  especially  all  the  expletives  and  abuse  of  the  Presi- 
dent, "naught  extenuate  nor  set  down  aught  in  malice." 


588         LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Please  bring  the  report^  to  Lowell,  where  I  shall  be  glad  to 
see  you  in  a  few  days  upon  my  return. 

Truly  yours,  B.  F.  B.,  Maj.  Gen'l. 


From  General  Geo.  H.  Gordon 

Head  Quarters  District  Eastern  Virginia,  Norfolk,  Va.,  April  5th,  1865 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  U.S.V. 

Dear  Sir:  Yours  of  the  2nd  April,  enclosing  a  newspaper 
article  cut  from  the  Old  Dominion,  was  received  this  day. 
That  I  may  be  understood,  let  me  say  that  I  was  in  utter 
ignorance  such  an  article  was  to  appear  until  it  was  published ; 
that  I  have  never  given  any  the  least  encouragement  to  any 
enemy  of  yours  to  condemn,  and  I  have  never  done  anything 
to  prevent  any  friend  of  yours  from  praising  you  in  the  public 
prints  within  my  district,  that  I  have  officially  expressed  my 
disapprobation  of  articles  referring  in  terms  of  praise  or 
censure  of  any  officer  be  he  high  or  low;  that  I  do  not  know 
whether  Gen.  Grant  would  approve  of  such  articles  or  not, 
that  it  is  quite  sufficient  that  I  do  not,  that  if  I  were  your 
adviser  I  should  say  that  such  articles  would  injure  only  in 
the  degree  in  which  you  paid  any  attention  to  them;  that  I 
quite  agree  with  you  that  it  is  unbecoming  and  improper  in 
any  officer  to  allow  any  reflections  to  be  made  within  his 
command  upon  any  other  officer  in  the  service,  and  there- 
fore I  will  take  care  that  this  first  offence  of  the  Ed.  of  the 
old  Dominion  is  not  again  committed. 


1  Among  General  Butler's  papers  are  349  pages  of  manuscript  of  the  testimony 
before  this  Commission.  In  the  examination  by  General  Gordon  of  Mr.  Porter 
Sherman  appear  these  questions  and  answers  and  the  reporter's  note:  Question  (by 
Gen.  Gordon):  "Did  you  ever  suggest  to  Mr.  Cole  to  propose  to  Gen.  Shepley  an 
interest  in  the  business,  if  he  (Gen.  Shepley)  would  give  you  all  the  facilities  for  getting 
in  the  cotton  and  tobacco?" 

Answer:  "I  never  did"  .  .  . 

Question:  "Did  Mr.  Cole  ever  tell  you  to  do  this  thing  yourself:  that  is,  propose 
this  thing  to  Gen.  Shepley?" 

Answer:  "Never,  anywhere." 

Question:  .   .   . 

Answer:  "I  never  did." 

[The  language  used  by  the  President  at  this  point  is  not  on  my  notes,  as  of  course 
it  would  not  be  given  in  the  report.  But,  the  witness  was  sent  from  the  table  to  a 
seat  by  himself  in  a  corner  of  the  Hall,  and  in  a  very  cavalier  manner  was  required 
to  remain  there,  as  if  to  think  the  matter  over,  and  then  shortly  after,  was  ordered 
back  again.     Reporter"] 

It  is  clear  from  all  the  testimony  in  this  manuscript,  which  embraces  the  state- 
ments of  all  the  priDcipal  witnesses,  why  no  report  of  this  commission  was  ever 
printed,  because  it  in  no  way  implicated  General  Butler.  —  Editor. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        589 

I  cannot  think  you  believe  the  New  Regime  newspaper 
ceased  its  existence  because  I  deemed  it  scurrilous  or  libellous, 
nor  can  I  think  it  necessary  to  repel  implied  accusations 
because  the  Ed.  of  the  Old  Dominion,  without  my  knowledge 
or  sanction,  has  permitted  its  pages  to  be  used  for  an  improper 
purpose,  nor  do  I  well  perceive  how  Mr.  Banks  could  hold 
you  to  be  a  transgressor  of  the  "Articles  of  War"  because 
there  was  found  among  the  assets  of  the  New  Regime  printing 
office,  within  your  department,  many  pamphlets  descriptive  of 
Bank's  Red  River  Campaign,  printed  at  the  General  Printing 
Establishment  and  folded  in  the  general  bindery  (I  have  read 
the  pamphlet  with  much  interest  and  distributed  it  widely). 

'  Yours  very  truly,  George  H.  Gordon 

From  General  Gordon  to  General  Butler 

Headquarters,  District  of  Eastern  Va.,  Norfolk,  Va.,  April  8th,  1865 

General:  Yours  of  the  6th  inst.  is  received.  I  do  not 
seem  to  have  gratified  you  by  the  course  I  have  pursued. 
I  certainly  have  not  the  Editor  of  the  Old  Dominion. 

If  I  do  not  respond  to  your  innuendos  and  inferential  ac- 
cusations, it  is  because  I  am  satisfied  to  leave  the  solution 
with  time,  agreeing  with  your  quotation,  that  it  "At  last  sets 

a        mgs  eve  .  Respectfully,  George  H.  Gordon 

From  John  Hay  to  General  Butler 

Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  April  10th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  The  President  will  be  pleased  to  see 
you  at  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  (Tuesday)  morning. 

Your  obedient  servant,  John  Hay,  A.  D.  G. 

From  Charles  Whitlock 

March  31,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  orderj 

To  His  Excellency,  The  President  of  the  United  States 

The  petition  of  Charles  Whitlock  of  Norfolk,  state  of 
Virginia,  respectfully  represents  unto  your  Excellency  that  on 
or  about  the  23rd  day  of  Jan.  1865,  he  was  summoned  to 
appear  as  a  witness  before  a  Military  Commission  then  in 
session  at  Norfolk,  composed  of  Brig.  Gen.  Geo.  H.  Gordon, 
Col.  Potter,  and  Maj.  Reade,  the  former  acting  as  president 
and  the  latter  as  recorder.     That  before  he  was  sworn,  Gen. 


590        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Gordon  took  him  one  side  and  stated  to  him  that  the  Com- 
mission were  anxious  to  know  what  your  petitioner  knew 
relative  to  the  cotton  trade  which  had  been  carried  on  from 
Norfolk  and  vicinity,  and  also  the  operation  of  the  trade 
stores  established  near  Norfolk,  that  no  harm  should  result  to 
your  petitioner  from  his  testimony,  and  that  he  should  not 
be  tried,  that  the  commission  cared  nothing  about  the  traders 
but  they  desired  to  reach  certain  military  officers  who  stood 
behind  them.  Under  these  assurances,  your  petitioner  was 
sworn,  and  freely  and  truthfully  answered  every  question 
propounded  to  him.  The  whole  object  and  scope  of  the 
examination  seemed  to  be,  not  whether  your  petitioner  and 
others  had  violated  the  laws  and  Treasury  Regulations,  but 
to  ascertain  whether,  and  how  far,  the  military  authorities  of 
the  District  and  Department  had  been  directly  or  indirectly 
pecuniarily  interested  in  the  cotton  trade  and  the  trade  stores, 
and  whether  money  had  not  been  paid  to  the  Military  Author- 
ities for  permits  to  trade;  and  upon  my  stating,  and  truthfully 
too,  that  I  knew  of  nothing  of  that  kind  and  character,  I  was 
denounced  by  Gen.  Gordon  repeatedly  as  a  damned  liar,  and 
this  while  I  was  on  the  witness  stand  and  without  a  scintilla 
of  proof  to  sustain  his  statement.  After  my  examination  had 
been  closed,  I  was  permitted  to  have  my  personal  liberty 
until  the  15th  day  of  February;  and  when  to  my  utter  astonish- 
ment, and  without  any  previous  notice  or  even  intimation, 
I  was  arrested  by  order  of  the  same  Military  Commission, 
and  placed  in  close  confinement  in  a  loathsome,  filthy  prison, 
overrun  with  vermin,  treated  in  every  way  worse  than  a 
common  felon,  not  permitted  to  give  bail  in  any  sum,  not 
allowed  to  speak  or  have  intercourse  with  any  of  my  friends 
or  even  my  legal  counsel.  General  Gordon  himself  made  the 
order  placing  me  in  solitary  confinement,  and  when  he  made 
the  order  he  told  me  he  would  not  change  it  to  save  my  life. 
Subsequently  the  order  was  so  modified  that  I  was  released  on 
the  28th  day  of  February  last  upon  giving  bail  with  sureties 
in  the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  a  copy  of  the  bail 
bond  given  by  me  being  hereunto  annexed,  marked  "A," 
and  all  this  has  been  done  without  any  charge  or  charges  of 
any  kind  or  nature  whatever  having  been  preferred  against 
me,  and  no  cause  or  reason  whatever  has  ever  been  given  for 
it.  I  solemnly  declare  that  I  am  totally  ignorant  of  the  cause 
of  my  arrest  and  subsequent  unprecedented  and  barbarous 
treatment.     I  have  never  knowingly  violated  any  law,  military 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       591 

or  civil.  I  was  interested  with  J.  M.  Renshaw  in  a  trade 
store — established  at  Ballehack  in  the  state  of  Virginia  under 
authority  of  the  Treasury  Department,  by  and  with  the 
approval  of  the  Military  Commander  of  the  District,  but  in 
carrying  on  said  store  no  law  of  the  United  States,  no  regula- 
tions of  the  Treasury  Department,  no  military  order  was 
violated  either  directly  or  indirectly,  no  meat  of  any  kind  and 
no  articles  "contraband  of  war"  were  taken  to  said  store  or 
sold  there  by  me  or  any  other  man;  but  notwithstanding  all 
this,  which  is  well  known  to  said  Military  Commission,  not- 
withstanding the  fact  that  there  are  no  charges  against  me, 
and  that  I  have  given  good  bail  in  the  large  sum  of  twenty- 
five  thousand  dollars,  I  am  still  imprisoned  within  the  limits 
of  the  city  of  Norfolk,  not  permitted  to  go  elsewhere  to  attend 
to  important  private  business,  although  I  have  repeatedly 
applied  for  permission  to  do  so.  The  property  of  said  trade 
store  has  been  seized  by  authority  of  said  commission,  and 
still  held  by  them  to  my  great  pecuniary  loss.  In  view  of 
these  acts,  I  respectfully  but  earnestly  pray  your  Excellency 
to  interfere  in  my  behalf  and  the  behalf  of  common  justice, 
and  order  my  release  and  my  goods  turned  over  to  me.  I 
am  not  conscious  of  having  committed  any  offense,  yet  if 
your  Excellency  should  be  of  the  opinion  that  the  ends  of 
justice  would  be  subserved  by  my  trial,  in  view  of  the  fact 
that  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the  district  of  Vir- 
ginia holds  almost  monthly  sessions  at  Norfolk,  which  Court 
I  am  informed  has  jurisdiction  of  matters  of  this  kind,  and 
that  a  session  of  the  United  States  Court  will  be  held  in  Norfolk 
early  in  the  month  of  May  next,  I  respectfully  ask  that  such 
trial  may  be  had  before  a  civil  tribunal  and  a  jury  of  my  peers, 
where  a  man  may  reasonably  expect  equal  and  exact  justice 
to  be  meted  out  to  him. 

And  your  petitioner  will  ever  pray.     Chakles  Whitlock 

Subscribed  sworn  to  before  me  this  31st  day  of  March  a.d. 
1865,  Geo.  B.  Creamer,  Notary  Public. 

Enclosure  "A"  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Petition 

Office  Provost  Marshal,  District  of  Eastern  Virginia,  Norfolk,  Va., 

February  28</s,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  Charles  Whitlock 
as  principal,  and  W.  H.  Turner,  G.  Whitehead,  H.  D.  White 


592       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

and  Co.  as  sureties,  are  holders  and  do  stand  bound  unto  the 
Provost  Marshal  of  this  District  in  the  sum  of  twenty-five 
thousand  dollars,  to  the  payment  of  which  we  bind  ourselves, 
our  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  unto  the  said  Provost 
Marshal,  his  successors,  for  the  appearance  of  said  Charles 
Whitlock  whenever  called  upon  by  the  said  Provost  Marshal, 
he  to  answer  to  such  charge  or  charges  as  may  be  brought 
against  him,  and  to  abide  all  orders  of  the  military  commission. 
Witness  our  bonds  and  seal,  this  day,  28th  February  a.d. 

Charles  Whitlock,  W.  H.  Turner,  G.  Whitehead, 
H.  D.  White  and  Co. 
Witness,  Capt.  H.  A.  Tator 
Approve,  O.  L.  Mann,  Lt.  Col.  and  Provost  Marshal 

From  Ezra  Baker 

March  31,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  His  Excellency;  President  of  the  United  States 

Your  petitioner,  Ezra  Baker,  of  Norfolk,  Virginia,  would 
respectfully  state  that  he  has  heard  read  the  petition  of  Charles 
Whitlock,  to  which  this  is  attached,  and  knows  the  facts 
therein  to  be  true,  except  what  occurred  at  the  sessions  of 
said  Commission  when  said  Whitlock  was  examined  as  a 
witness,  but  he  believes  said  Whitlock's  statement  as  to  what 
there  occurred  to  be  true.  That  your  petitioner  was  sum- 
moned as  a  witness  before  said  Commission  on  the  same  day 
as  Mr.  Whitlock,  and  appeared  before  the  same,  was  sworn, 
and  testified  within  a  day  or  two  of  the  same,  and  was  treated 
in  nearly  the  same  manner  as  Mr.  Whitlock  was,  and  formed 
the  same  opinion  he  did  of  its  objects  and  purposes.  Your 
petitioner  was  arrested  on  the  day  after  Mr.  Whitlock  was, 
and  was  treated  in  the  same  manner  in  all  respects,  but  was 
finally  released  upon  giving  the  bail  bond,  a  copy  of  which  is 
hereto  annexed  marked  "A"  on  the  28th  day  of  February 
last.  Since  which  time  he  has  been  treated  in  all  things 
similar  to  Mr.  Whitlock.  He  does  not  know,  never  knew, 
and  has  never  been  able  to  ascertain  (although  he  has  made 
repeated  efforts)  why  or  for  what  reason  he  was  arrested.  He 
has  not  been  engaged  in  business,  and  has  sold  no  goods  nor 
been  interested  in  any  cotton  speculations.  He  has  violated 
no  law  or  order  or  regulation  civil  or  military.  Your  peti- 
tioner respectfully  asks  that  he  may  be  released  from  arrest 
and  restored  to  his  liberty,  and  he  humbly  prays  that  if  he 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       593 

is  to  be  tried  at  all  for  any  supposed  offense,  he  may  be  tried 
by  and  before  a  Civil  Court.  t^        t»  _ 

Subscribed  sworn  to  before  me  this  31st  day  of  March  a.d. 
1865,  Geo.  B.  Creamer,  Notary  Public. 

Enclosure  "A"  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Petition 
From  Ezra  Baker,  W.  H.  Turner 

Office  Provost  Marshal,  District  of  Eastern  Virginia,  Norfolk,  Va., 
February  11th,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Ejsrow  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  Ezra  Baker  as 
principal  and  W.  H.  Turner  as  Surity,  are  holden  and  do  stand 
bound  unto  the  Provost  Marshal  of  this  District  in  the  sum 
of  ten  thousand  dollars,  to  the  payment  of  which  we  bind 
ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors,  and  administrators,  unto  the 
said  Provost  Marshal,  his  successors,  for  the  appearance  of 
said  Ezra  Baker  whenever  called  upon  by  the  said  Provost 
Marshal  to  answer  to  such  charge  or  charges  as  may  be  brought 
against  him,  and  to  abide  all  orders  of  the  Military  Commis- 
sion. 

Witness  our  bonds  and  seals  this  February,  a.d.  1865. 

Ezra  Baker,  W.  H.  Turner 
Witness,  Capt.  H.  A.  Tator 
Approve,  O.  L.  Mann,  Lt.  Col.  Provost  Marshal 

From  President  Lincoln 

Telegram.    Executive  Mansion,  Washington,  April  11,  1865 

Brig.  Gen.  G.  H.  Gordon,  Norfolk,  Va. 

Send  to  me  at  once  a  full  statement  as  to  the  cause  or  causes 
for  which,  and  by  authority  of  what  tribunal,  George  W. 
Lane,  Charles  Whitlock,  Ezra  Baker,  J.  M.  Renshaw,  and 
others  are  restrained  of  their  liberty.     Do  this  promptly  and 

^^^^^-  A.  Lincoln 

"Abraham  Lincoln,"  p.  357. 

From  J.  K.  Herbert  to  General  Butler 

National  Hotel,  April  15,  1865 

My  dear  Gen.  :  The  public  history  of  the  hour  you  know. 
I  do  not  need  to  waste  a  word  on  that. 

As  soon  as  I  got  the  news  this  morning,  I  sought  Chandler, 
and  talked  Sec.  of  State  or  Sec.  of  War  to  him.     He  was 

VOL.  V — 38 


594        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

suited  with  it.  I  then  sought  Wilkinson,  "Sam,"  and  Judge 
Carter.  Found  Carter  first.  He  was  soon  all  right  for  a 
caucus.  He  sent  me  to  detain  Chandler  at  the  Hotel  until 
he  could  call  on  him.  On  my  way  I  called  on  Wade,  who  was 
not  in,  and  met  Julian.  I  took  Julian  to  see  Carter,  and 
told  him  what  was  up.  He  was  all  right.  Chandler  was 
not  be  to  found.  We,  Carter,  Julian,  and  myself,  started  for 
the  Kirkwood,  hoping  to  find  Wade  &  Chandler  with  Johnson. 
On  the  way  we  learned  that  Chase  was  with  Johnson.  Not 
finding  Wade  &  Chandler  as  we  expected,  we  agreed  upon  a 
caucus  at  Chandler's  room  at  three  o'clock,  constituting  me 
the  summoner  of  Wade  &  C.  Meantime  I  have  found  them, 
and  Covode  is  to  be  taken  into  the  Council.  Five  sworn 
friends  of  yours  and  no  more  will  be  the  caucus,  &  Chandler 
says  they  need  no  more. 

He  directed  me  to  find  Preston  King  and  send  or  bring  him 
here.  Thereupon,  &  with  his  approval,  I  telegraphed  H.  C. 
Gardiner  as  follows:  "Several  Senators  desire  you  to  find 
Preston  immediately  by  telegraph  or  otherwise  and  send  him 
here.     Tell  John." 

By  this  last  I  meant  to  tell  you,  and  I  knew  he  would  so 
understand  it.  I  saw  W^ilkinson,  and  he  said  he  would  tele- 
graph you  to  come  here,  but  as  you  could  not  come  without 
Halleck's  or  Stanton's  leave,  I  did  not  believe  you  would  come 
at  once,  hence  this  detail  of  what  is  going  on.  All  is  being 
done  that  your  friends  can  do,  I  think. 

You  can  command  me,  you  know.  I  hope  to  hear  your 
pleasure  if  you  do  not  come  here. 

Preston  King  is  probably  at  the  Astor  House.  I  suggested 
to  Carter  &  Julian  &  Chandler  the  putting  of  him  in  the 
Navy  Dept.,  if  possible,  as  a  consideration  for  his  services  in 
your  case.  He  will  be  almost  omnipotent  with  Johnson. 
You  will  see  him  or  not  as  you  think  best,  of  course  —  hut 
there  is  no  doubt  as  to  his  relations  with  J.  Fred  Seward  must 
die  to-day  they  say,  —  his  father  may  survive. 

Faithfully  yours,  J.  K.  Herbert 

From  J.  E.  Field  to  General  Butler 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  State  House,  Senate  Chamber,  President's  Room 

Boston,  April  llih,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  am  much  pleased  to  learn  that  you 
are  at  Washington,  and  am  also  gratified  to  hear  that  you  are 
on  terms  of  intimacy  with  President  Johnson. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   595 

In  him  we  all  have  an  abiding  faith.  If  he  surrounds 
himself  with  a  cabinet  of  views  similar  to  his  often  expressed, 
all  will  go  well.  He  will  have  in  his  administration  the  cordial 
support  of  all  New  England.  We  do  feel  great  solicitude  as 
to  the  persons  by  whom  he  is  to  be  surrounded. 

The  wish  is  [so]  repeatedly  expressed  by  the  most  prominent 
men  here  that  you  should  be  called  to  his  cabinet,  that  I  feel 
I  must  write  you  urging  upon  you,  if  the  post  is  offered,  to 
accept.  I  believe  that  your  views  are  nearly  those  of  the 
President's.  With  your  well-known  executive  and  administra- 
tive abilities,  and,  above  all,  the  great  confidence  of  the  people 
of  New  England  in  you,  I  am  sure  the  President  could  do  no 
act  which  would  so  strengthen  him  with  the  people  of  the 
Eastern  States,  and  could  in  no  way,  in  one  man,  bring  more 
power  into  his  cabinet.  If  the  President  is  aware,  as  all,  of  our 
views,  he  will  offer  a  place  to  you  without  solicitation.  If  he 
is  ignorant  of  our  wishes,  they  should  be  made  known  to  him. 
I  do  not  know  him  personally,  therefore,  I  do  not  write  him. 

I  deem  this  a  matter  so  important  that  I  have  made  this 
letter  a  somewhat  ofiicial  one,  and  beg  that  you  will  let  some 
friend  hand  it  to  the  President. 

I  am  confident  that  I  am  expressing  the  views  of  the  body 
over  which  I  have  the  honor  to  preside,  when  I  say  that  no 
appointment  could  be  made  more  acceptable  to  us,  and  no 
surer  guaranty  of  a  successful  administration  of  the  new 
President,  than  the  appointment  of  a  person  of  your  sagacity, 
experience,  ability,  and  firmness,  as  an  adviser. 

A  letter  from  me  may  have  little  weight,  but  I  should  be 
remiss  in  my  duty  had  I  not  thus  done. 

I  am  with  the  highest  respect. 

Your  most  obdt.  Servant,  J.  E.  Field 

Having  somewhat  an  extensive  acquaintance  with  all  classes 
of  men  in  the  State,  I  do  most  cordially  approve  the  foregoing. 
S.  W.  GiFFORD,  Clerk  of  Massachusetts  Senate 

From  F.  A.  Hildreth  to  General  Butler 

Boston,  April  18th,  1865 

Dear  Butler:  I  learn  at  Boutwell's  ofiice  that  he  has  in 
all  probability  gone  to  Washington,  was  seen  on  Worcester 
train  yesterday. 

Saw  Bird.  As  you  will  learn  before  this  reaches  you, 
Andrew  and  others  have  gone  to  Washington.     Bird,  &  more 


596       LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

or  less  with  him,  will  go  the  last  of  the  week,  Thursday  or 
Friday.  Bird  thinks,  &  I  think  wishes,  if  a  Cabinet  officer 
should  be  taken  from  Massachusetts  that  the  person  taken 
would  depend  upon  the  place  to  be  filled;  if  Secretary  of 
State,  Sumner;  Treasury,  Boutwell;  War,  Butler;  Navy, 
Andrew.  He  thinks,  too,  that  Stanton  will  be  kept,  and 
that  Seward  will  not  —  so  that,  of  course,  is  equivalent  to 
going  for  Seward  under  present  circumstances.  Now  no 
man  has  shown  himself  so  eminently  fit  for  Secretary  of  State 
as  you  have  in  Consular  &  State  department  correspondence 
at  New  Orleans.  But  from  the  lay  of  things,  &  the  rival 
interests,  you  must  shape  your  course  as  best  you  can.  Bird 
further  says  that  Andrew  has  no  friends,  with  two  or  three 
immaterial  exceptions,  who  are  not  equally  your  friends. 
Sumner,  you  must  bear  in  mind,  wants  to  be  Secretary  of 
State  just  as  strongly,  whatever  he  says,  as  he  wanted  to  be 
Senator  in  Coalition  times,  when  he  professed  such  repugnance 
to  all  office  however  high  —  he  wants  to  be  Secretary  of 
State.  Now  it  looks  to  me  as  if  the  only  chance  lay  in  getting 
the  heart  of  the  President  &  having  him  shape  things  so  as  to 
accomplish  the  purpose.  Bird  thinks  Massachusetts  men 
will  not  attempt  to  interfere  as  to  the  place  in  the  Cabinet, 
but  leave  that  wholly  to  the  President,  &  then  they  would  go 
for  the  man  to  fill  it  according  as  I  have  before  stated.  Now 
if  you  should  find  the  President  strongly  inclined  to  keep  Stanton, 
would  it  not  be  politic  to  go  for  Stanton  in  Seward's  place,  & 
thereby  leave  Stanton's  place  open.  I  hope  you  will  not  leave 
Washington  until  these  matters  are  determined.  Sumner  & 
Andrew  no  more  than  you  &  Andrew  agree.  And  I  am  by 
no  means  certain  you  would  not  be  the  second  choice  of  the 
especial  friends  of  each  person  named  for  Cabinet  honors. 
After  looking  the  ground  all  over  as  well  as  I  can,  with  my 
limited  knowledge  as  to  present  combinations,  I  do  not  think 
you  can  win  except  you  can  get  Johnson  not  only  to  be  willing 
to  take  you  but  to  almost  wage  battle  in  your  behalf  —  and 
there  is  but  one  way  to  do  that.  But  however  the  Cabinet 
may  be  made  up,  I  think  you  can  now  get  a  little  justice  in 
some  capacity.  Bird  felt  a  little  sore  at  your  manner  of 
refusing  his  proposition  for  you  to  run  for  Governor  —  "that 
you  would  not  be  used  as  a  club  by  Andrew  to  knock  out 
Bullock's  brains."  He  says  he  was  never  any  tool  of  Andrew's, 
&  feels  that  you  reflected  pretty  severely  upon  him,  though  he 
is  none  the  less  your  strong  friend. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        597 

Bullock's  friends,  if  he  has  any,  &  whether  or  not  he  has  I 

don't  know,  ought  to  now  be  for  you.     Now  don't  forget  the 

matter  of  your  first  visit.  pt^    »    tt  -i 

•^  ^       -^  [F.  A.  Hildreth] 

From  J.  E.  Field  to  General  Butler 

Private.     Senate  Chamber,  Boston,  April  \Sth,  1865 

My  dear  General:  Your  letter  by  Col.  Kinsman  was 
handed  me  yesterday.  A  conference  with  Col.  Bullock  and 
Mr.  Wentworth  was  immediately  had.  It  was  then  supposed 
that  a  committee  consisting  of  five  on  the  part  of  the  Senate 
and  ten  on  the  part  of  the  house,  together  with  the  presiding 
officers  of  the  two  branches,  would  be  designated  to  attend 
the  funeral  of  President  Lincoln;  it  was  arranged  that  I 
should  go,  and  with  the  committee  call  upon  President  Johnson 
and  represent  the  views  of  Massachusetts  in  relation  to  the 
selection  of  a  cabinet  officer.  The  legislature  in  its  wisdom 
did  not  see  fit  to  authorize  such  a  committee,  and  therefore 
that  matter  fell  through.  The  legislature  adjourned  until 
Thursday.  In  the  meantime  I  send  you  the  enclosed  letter; 
your  own  good  sense  will  dictate  the  disposition  to  be  made 
of  it.  I  feel  very  earnest  in  the  matter,  and  would  do  any- 
thing in  my  power  to  further  your  wishes.  Please  write  me 
fully.  Bullock  and  Wentworth  will  aid  also.  Do  not  hesitate 
to  call  upon  me  to  any  extent. 

I  do  not  know  how  Dixon  of  Conn,  may  feel  with  reference 
to  a  Cabinet  officer,  that  state  has  always  a  nutmeg  to  grate. 
I  think  he  has  the  confidence  of  Johnson.  I  do  not  write  him 
directly,  but  enclose  a  letter  for  him  to  you.  You  will  of 
course  judge,  being  on  the  spot,  of  the  expediency  of  sending 
it  to  him.  Unless  he  has  other  views,  he  would  do  a  great 
deal  to  serve  me. 

Hoping  soon  to  hear  from  you,  I  am  with  high  respect,  your 

obedient  servant, 

J.  E.  Field 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  Separate  Division,  Wilson's  Lauding, 

James  River,  April  19th,  1865 

General:  I  have  sent  up  informally  an  application  to  be 
relieved  from  duty  in  the  Department  of  Virginia,  and  to  be 
ordered  to  report  to  Washington  for  new  assignment.  Any 
aid  that  you  may  be  able  to  give  me  in  this  will  be  appreciated 
as  a  great  favor. 


598       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

My  reasons  I  will  give  in  full  when  I  have  the  pleasure  of 
meeting  you.  I  cannot  believe  that  the  War  Department  is 
aware  of  what  has  been  going  on  in  this  Department  since 

^^^  ^        '  Very  truly,  Wm.  Birney 

From  Burnham  Wardwell  to  General  Butler 

Richmond,  Virginia,  April  19th,  1865 

Dear  General:  Our  streets  are  full  of  Confederate  officers 
and  soldiers.  The  very  scoundrels  who  cast  my  humble  self 
and  others  into  jail,  walk  our  streets  at  will.  They  have 
papers  to  go  where  they  please,  and  permits  to  resume  their 
former  business. 

Vile  murderers  walk  our  streets  at  will.  Our  hateful  min- 
isters occupy  the  same  desks  they  used  to,  and  still  continue 
to  mock  God  and  insult  men.  Women  exult  over  the  death 
of  President  Lincoln,  —  in  fact,  my  dear  General,  we  want 
Major  General  B.  F.  Butler  here.  I  have  been  sick  ever  since 
my  arrival  in  town  or  I  should  have  been  in  Washington 
asking  our  authorities,  in  the  name  of  my  country,  in  the 
name  of  the  loyal  people  of  the  South,  in  my  own  humble 
name,  in  the  name  of  Justice  and  Humanity,  to  send  to  us 
without  delay  Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  which  is  the  wish 
of  every  loyal  man  here.  General,  can  you  not  come  to  us.^* 
I  am,  dear  General, 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  Burnham  Wardwell 

From  Samuel  Wilkeson 

American  Hotel,  Philadelphia,  Sunday,  {April  20?) 

Dear  General  Butler:  "The  Beloved  remains"  are 
knocking  the  machinery  of  social  life  here  into  a  cocked  hat. 
I  could  not  get  a  bed  at  any  hotel  last  night  —  had  to  sleep 
in  my  shawl  on  some  chairs  —  fought  for  my  breakfast,  and 
am  inexorably  parted  from  my  baggage.  Neither  love  nor 
money  can  procure  its  transportation  from  the  depot.  My 
trunk  contains  a  copy  of  Pollard's  last  book,  which  I  wish  to 
send  you.     I  will  forward  it  when  I  can  get  at  it. 

The  Sunday  despatch  of  this  morning  contains  news  from 
Washington  which  may  not  all  be  let  out  by  the  War  Depart- 
ment.    I  enclose  its  despatches. 

Forney  has  gone  from  here  to  Washington  —  went  last 
night  —  to  take  a  hand  in  it.     The  character  Ben  Wade  will 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        599 

give  you  of  him  will  be  a  photograph  for  its  life  likeness. 
Personally  he  is  attached  to  Stanton.  Politically  he  has 
been  for  a  year  spreading  a  marriage  feast  for  the  restored 
Union  and  "our  erring  brothers." 

My  address  here  is  Jay  Cooke  and  Co. 

Truly,  Saml.  Wilkeson 

From  Geo.  S.  Boutwell 

Boston,  A-pril  iOth,  1865 

Major  General  Butler,  Washington,  D.C. 

My  dear  Sir:  I  enclose  a  letter  to  the  President,  and  ex- 
press the  hope  that  what  it  suggests  may  come  to  pass. 

If  there  be  evidence  connecting  any  of  the  rebel  leaders 

with  the  plot  to  assassinate  the  President,  indictments  should 

be  found  that  we  may  follow  them  to  other  countries.     It  is 

not  unlikely  that  Davis,  Breckenridge,  and  Benjamin  had  a 

hand  in  the  business.  t^         ,     i     r^        o   t. 

Yours  truly,  (jeo.  h.  Boutwell 

From  Fisher  Hildreth  to  General  Butler 

April  21,  1865 

Dear  Butler:  I  have  seen  Wentworth  the  three  last 
evenings.  He  has  got  all  the  Senators  except  five  or  six  to 
sign  a  petition  for  you  to  go  into  the  Cabinet  if  any  change 
shall  be  made,  &  if  not,  to  some  other  prominent  position. 
I  say  all  but  five  or  six.  He  said  all  but  five  or  six  of  those 
present,  &  he  feels  confident  of  getting  about  or  quite  all  of 
the  absent  ones.  He  also  thinks  the  expression  of  the  members 
of  the  House  will  be  unanimous,  which  will  be  got  tomorrow 
&  Monday. 

Boutwell  did  not  go  to  Washington,  as  he  delivered  a  speech 
here  on  the  day  of  the  late  President's  funeral.  I  have  not 
seen  him,  but  Wentworth  saw  him,  &  he  was  rather  non- 
committal. But  of  that  I  should  not  think  strange,  even  if 
he  was  decidedly  friendly  to  you  &  had  no  aspirations  for 
himself  in  the  Cabinet  line. 

Please  write,  if  not  to  me  to  some  one  else  whom  I  shall 
probably  see,  &  tell  us  what  are  the  prospects,  &  how  other 
matters  stand.  Remember,  power  is  selfish  &  ambitious 
wherever  it  rests,  &  where  it  rests  no  one  understands  better 
than  yourself.     All  well.  Fisher 


600       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Birney  to  General  Butler 

Private.    Pittsburg,  Pa.,  A'pril  iSrd,  1865 

General:  A  few  days  since,  I  forwarded  you  a  request  to 
aid  in  getting  me  relieved  from  duty  with  Gen.  Ord.  As  the 
General  has  been  relieved,  the  reason  for  my  request  fails, 
and  I  wish  to  withdraw  it.  My  earnest  desire  is  to  resume 
command  of  the  2nd  Division,  25th  Corps,  a  command  for 
which  I  was  selected  by  you  and  which  I  have  not  failed  to 
deserve.  In  the  hurry  of  the  campaign,  and  just  after  negotia- 
tions with  Lee  had  begun,  I  was  assigned  to  the  command  of 
a  "separate  division,"  which  consisted  of  the  ports  of  City 
Point,  Fort  Powhatan,  and  Wilson's  Landing.  This  order 
was  a  studied  insult,  as  Gen.  Ord  had  no  control  over  City 
Point,  and  the  force  at  the  two  other  points  named  were  under 
command  of  Gen.  Carr,  who  was  not  relieved,  and  who  is  my 
senior  in  rank.  Of  course,  I  had  no  command  at  all!!  My 
division  had  been  intended  for  Theodore  Read,  a  Lt.  Col.  lately 
brevetted  Brigadier,  but  not  assigned  to  duty  as  of  his  brevet 
rank.  Read  had  had  no  experience  except  in  the  Adj.'s 
department  and  as  staff  officer.  But  Read  was  killed,  and 
my  division  was  turned  over  to  Lt.  Col.  Jackson,  the  Inspector 
lately  brevetted  Brigadier,  but  also  not  assigned.  Jackson 
has  never  had  command  of  infantry  to  my  knowledge,  but 
stood  well  as  Inspector,  his  only  fault  being  getting  very 
drunk  at  frequent  intervals. 

My  removal  was  due  to  the  same  cause  that  had  led  to  the 
removal  of  Foster,  Heckman,  Shepley,  Harris,  and  Wild,  to 
the  sequestration  of  Ludlow,  to  the  innumerable  changes  in 
Provost  Marshal  staff  officers  of  every  grade  and  department, 
and  the  attempts  to  displace  Maj.  Gen.  Weitzel.  After  you 
left,  it  was  understood  that  to  be  a  "Butler  man"  was  to  be 
doomed,  and  that  term  included  every  man  who  had  too 
much  generosity  not  to  kick  a  lion  supposed  to  be  dead.  Gen. 
Weitzel's  chief  Quartermaster  and  Chief  Commissary,  both 
excellent  officers,  were  summarily  removed,  without  notice  to 
the  General  or  consultation  with  him.  My  removal  was 
deferred,  as  it  was  understood  that  my  hold  on  officers  and 
men  was  a  good  one,  and  pains  were  taken  to  lull  my  sus- 
picions by  complimentary  speeches,  praises  of  my  division, 
etc.  A  few  days  before  the  27th  ult.,  one  of  Gen.  Ord's  staff 
officers  took  occasion  to  repeat  what  General  Ord  had  said, 
that  "whoever  else  might  be  removed.  General  Birney  would 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        601 

not  be  touched."  At  that  very  time,  my  division  had  been 
promised  to  Read!  Such  duplicity  in  the  service  deserves 
exposure,  and  I  am  gathering  the  evidence  in  order  to  prefer 
charges  of  unoflBcerlike  conduct. 

It  is  strange  that  a  man  so  flighty  and  eccentric  as  Gen. 
Ord  should  have  been  permitted  to  hold  a  position  of  so  much 
influence.  His  life  in  barracks  may  have  fitted  him  for  small 
intrigue,  but  certainly  not  for  the  command  of  an  army. 

His  discrimination  against  the  colored  troops  has  been  so 
marked  as  to  attract  general  attention.  In  the  recent  cam- 
paign, he  threw  them  behind  hand,  threw  them  out  on  the 
flank,  gave  them  the  hard  work  to  do,  encamped  them  where 
there  was  no  water,  separated  them  unnecessarily  from  their 
supply  train,  and  kept  them  back  upon  the  front  whenever 
he  could.  He  was  much  chagrined  at  my  getting  into  Peters- 
burg first  and  censured  me  for  it  —  although  I  should  have 
been  severely  censured  if  I  had  permitted  the  town  to  fall 
into  the  hands  of  pillagers. 

The  only  military  exploit  undertaken  by  Gen.  Ord  on  his 
own  responsibility  was  the  sending  out  the  123rd  Ohio,  54th 
Pa.,  and  4th  Mass.  Cavalry  to  destroy  High  Bridge,  just  in 
front  of  Lee's  army.  They  were  all  killed  or  captured,  except 
a  few  who  swam  the  river  and  escaped. 

I  write  you  freely  but  hurriedly,  as  I  am  on  my  way  west. 
Please  write  me  at  Morris,  Illinois,  where  I  expect  to  be  until 
the  28th  prox.,  and  where  I  expect  to  live  after  the  war.  I 
wish  to  get  back  my  old  division,  but  if  I  can  be  of  service  to 
the  Government  in  any  capacity,  I  am  ready.  I  need  not 
assure  you  that  I  am  radical  and  no  sentimentalist. 

Very  truly  yours,  Wm.  Birney 

From  General  Butler 

May  3/65 

Brig.  Gen.  William  Birney,  Morris,  Illinois 

My  dear  Birney:  I  did  not  get  your  letter  withdrawing 
your  first  letter  until  my  return  home  to-day.  I  took  your 
letter,  went  with  it  to  Stanton,  stated  the  facts  as  I  under- 
stood them,  and  recommended  you  for  the  position  of  Military 
Governor  of  Florida. 

This  seemed  to  please  the  Secretary,  and  he  took  it  into  con- 
sideration. Whether  he  intends  to  do  anything  about  it  I  do 
not  know.  I  hope  you  may  be  selected  for  that  post;  no  one 
within  my  knowledge  is  so  well  qualified  for  this  as  yourself. 


602       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  P.  BUTLER 

Ord  has  shown  that  he  thought  the  lion  was  dead,  but  will 
find  that  he  was  not  even  sick.  He  is  a  foolish  person,  and 
by  his  shortsightedness  for  his  own  interest  shows  that  he 
ought  not  to  be  entrusted  with  the  interest  of  others. 

He  has  not  been  relieved,  so  that  I  think  you  had  better 
press  for  the  place  I  have  named. 

Truly  yours,  [Benj.  F.  Butler] 

From  General  Butler 

m      -n       'J     J  "WHlard's,"  Washington,  D.  C,  April  i5th,  1865 

The  President  ,         .    /-  . 

Sir:  The  questions  you  were  kind  enough  to  suggest  to 
me,  in  conversation,  would  seem  to  resolve  themselves  into 
the  following,  viz: 

1st.  What  is  the  effect  of  the  capitulation  of  Lee's  Army 
upon  the  status  of  the  individuals  composing  it.?^  Prisoners 
of  war,  by  the  laws  of  war,  until  a  very  late  period  in  history, 
became  by  the  capture  the  property  of  the  captor.  In  earlier 
times  they  were  his  slaves:  their  lives  at  his  disposal,  and 
were  dealt  with  according  to  his  interest  or  caprice. 

The  first  and  almost  universal  form  of  exchange,  till  a  very 
recent  period,  was  by  ransom  of  a  price.  By  the  influence  of 
civilization  the  rigors  of  captivity  in  war  were  gradually 
lessened,  until  a  system  of  exchange  was  inaugurated,  sub- 
stantially as  it  has  been  practiced  in  this  war.  Still,  however, 
by  the  usage  of  all  Nations,  prisoners  of  war  have  been  re- 
strained of  their  liberty  in  such  manner  as  the  captor  chose, 
fettered  only  by  the  terms  of  surrender;  sometimes  even  the 
more  considerable  were  put  on  exhibition  in  cages.  Prisoners 
were  most  usually  held  by  confinement  in  prisons  or  hulks, 
as  in  the  case  of  our  soldiers  of  the  Revolution  at  Dartmoor 
and  the  prison  ships  off  Sandy  Hook.  In  the  wars  of  Na- 
poleon, prisoners  were  confined  at  hard  labor  by  all  the  belliger- 
ents. It  is  said  that  the  Canal  of  Languedd  was  largely 
constructed  by  Austrian  prisoners. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  early  in  the  present  century  we 
went  to  war  with  the  Barbary  powers,  to  rescue  our  citizens 
captured  on  the  high  Seas  from  the  horrors  of  a  truly  African 
slavery.  In  the  brightest  days  of  chivalry,  and  from  the 
necessities  of  the  courtesies  of  knightly  warfare,  a  practice 
arose  of  holding  the  captive  subject  to  his  conqueror's  will  by 
the  gage  of  his  parole  d'honneur  (word  of  honor)  that  he  would 
when  called  upon  deliver  himself  up,  or  pay  the  price  fixed  for 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        603 

his  ransom,  by  a  day  certain.  The  most  punctilious  Bayard 
of  them  all  did  not  deem  it  inconsistent  with  his  knightly 
honor  to  take  money  for  his  captive's  life.  This  was  the 
method  of  retaining  custody  of  the  kinghts,  but  the  men-at- 
arms  were  usually  imprisoned  or  enslaved,  the  parole  never 
extending  to  them.  Such  was  the  origin  of  our  modern 
"parole,"  which  has  become  a  method  restraining  prisoners 
of  war,  before  exchange,  from  being  again  found  in  arms. 
It  is  a  method  of  imprisonment.  Therefore  a  parole  is  simply 
substituting  the  pledged  word  of  the  individual  prisoner 
instead  of  guards,  a  prison  to  restrain  him  until  he  is  ex- 
changed. This  parole  confers  no  rights  upon  the  prisoner, 
but  only  the  privilege  of  partial  liberty  instead  of  close  con- 
finement. It  can  in  no  more  alter  his  condition  than  does  the 
bail  price  change  the  criminality  of  the  offender.  It  only  gives 
a  qualified  liberty.  The  paroled  man  is  a  prisoner  of  war, 
prevented  by  his  word,  passed  to  his  captor,  for  a  time  therein 
limited  from  joining  the  armies  of  his  Government  to  the  same 
extent  that  his  comrades  are  prevented  from  doing  the  same 
thing  by  being  imprisoned.  It  hardly  need  be  affirmed  that 
taking  the  surrender  of  a  combatant  as  a  prisoner  of  war  in 
no  way  lessens  his  liability  to  be  tried  and  punished  for  any 
crime  theretofore  committed,  whether  the  captive  is  being 
held  in  confinement  or  being  restrained  by  his  parole. 

What,  then,  is  the  status  of  the  prisoners  of  Lee's  army 
under  the  terms  of  capitulation?  These  were  that  "they 
should  surrender,"  "that  the  Officers  should  give  their  paroles 
not  to  take  up  arms  till  exchanged,"  and  "that  this  done 
they  should  be  allowed  to  return  to  their  homes,  not  to  be 
disturbed  by  the  United  States  authorities  so  long  as  they 
observe  their  parole  and  the  laws  in  force  where  they  reside. 
They  are  prisoners  captured  in  war.  By  the  terms  granted 
them,  instead  of  remaining  in  prison  and  so  being  restrained 
from  taking  up  arms,  until  exchanged  they  are  to  remain  at 
their  homes,  restrained  by  their  parole.  They  are  not  to  be 
disturbed  by  the  authorities  so  long  as  they  obey  the  laws  in 
force  where  they  reside.  What  is  the  force  and  effect  of  this 
last  stipulation?  Is  not  their  condition  in  this  respect  the 
same  precisely  as  if  they  had  been  put  in  prison,  instead  of 
being  paroled?  They  would  not  then  have  been  interfered 
with  by  the  authorities,  so  long  as  they  obeyed  the  laws  of 
their  then  place  of  confinement.  Does  it  change  their  condi- 
tion of  prisoners  of  war,  or  is  it  only  a  stipulation  that  so 


604       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

long  as  they  observe  their  parole,  i.e.,  do  not  attempt  to 
escape  from  their  place  of  imprisonment  (their  homes)  and 
refrain  from  taking  up  arms,  they  shall  be  well  treated?  It 
would  seem  that  there  is  nothing  in  the  terms  of  surrender 
which  would  give  the  captives  any  other  rights,  or  impose 
upon  them  any  other  duties  than  those  which  appertain  to 
prisoners  of  war.  The  surrender  was  a  purely  military  con- 
vention, and  referred  to  military  terms  only.  It  could  not 
and  did  not  alter  in  any  way  or  in  any  degree  the  civil  rights 
or  criminal  liabilities  of  the  captives  either  in  person  or  prop- 
erty, as  a  treaty  of  peace  might  have  done.  It  was  expressly 
understood  by  the  contracting  parties  to  have  no  such  effect, 
because,  in  the  letter  of  the  9th  of  April  previous  to  the  sur- 
render, Lee  was  informed  by  General  Grant  that  he  "had  no 
authority  to  treat  on  the  subject  of  Peace,"  and  it  is  now 
known  that  such  authority  had  been  expressly  (desired  to 
him)  by  the  President.  Is  it  to  be  supposed  that  Lee  was 
at  that  moment  negotiating  for  a  pardon  for  a  crime  which 
up  to  that  moment  he  had  never  acknowledged  he  had  com- 
mitted, with  a  General  who  he  must  have  known  could  not 
pardon  crime.'*  Is  it  to  be  believed  that  General  Grant  in- 
tended to  exercise  the  pardoning  power  of  the  President,  after 
having  been  instructed  to  confer  with  Lee  only  on  military 
questions,  and  after  he  had  conferred,  so  that  he  had  no  other 
power?  (See  Grant's  letter  to  Secretary  of  War,  March  6th, 
1865.) 

It  would  seem  that  neither  amnesty  or  pardon  for  any 
prior  offences  against  the  laws  could  be  accorded  to  these 
prisoners  by  the  terms  of  surrender.  Indeed,  the  Lieut. 
General  had  no  authority  to  grant  amnesty  of  pardon,  even 
if  he  had  undertaken  so  to  do. 

If  we  are  right  in  these  conclusions,  then  these  stand  no 
differently  from  other  prisoners  of  war. 

It  has  not  been  an  unfrequent  occurrence  during  this  war 
for  either  belligerent  to  try  prisoners  of  war  for  alleged  offences 
against  the  civil  courts.  On  our  side  we  have  rarely  done  so, 
except  for  those  acts  done  not  in  military  array  or  before  the 
war.  Upon  the  part  of  the  Rebel,  trials  have  taken  place  of 
Union  officers  and  soldiers,  in  the  Courts  of  the  Confederate 
States  for  acts  done  in  arms  in  the  military  service  of  the 
United  States.  In  instance  of  this  was  the  case  of  Brig.  Gen. 
Neal  Dow,  captured  near  Baton  Rouge,  who  was  delivered 
over  by  the  Confederate  authorities  to  the  State  of  Alabama 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        605 

to  be  tried  for  acts  alleged  to  have  been  done  by  him  while  in 
command  of  the  District  of  Pensacola. 

A  more  notable  example,  however,  is  the  Proclamation  of 
Jefferson  Davis,  followed  by  an  act  of  the  Rebel  Congress, 
that  all  officers  commanding  negro  slaves  as  soldiers,  should, 
when  captured,  be  delivered  to  Governors  of  States  to  be 
tried  under  the  laws  thereof  for  inciting  negro  insurrections. 

It  certainly  does  not  lie  in  the  mouth  of  rebels  to  deny  the 
rights  to  try  prisoners  of  war  for  crimes  against  municipal 
laws,  committed  either  prior  to  or  during  the  war. 

From  the  above  considerations  I  am  constrained  to  the 
opinion  that  there  is  no  objection  arising  out  of  their  surrender 
(as)  prisoners  of  war  to  the  trial  of  Lee  and  his  officers  against 
the  municipal  law. 

Admitting,  however,  ex  Gratia,  that  the  words  "not  to  be 
disturbed  by  the  United  States  authorities  so  long  as  they 
observe  their  parole  and  the  laws  in  force  where  they  may 
reside"  does  give  these  prisoners  immunity  from  arrest,  or 
trial  by  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  the  question  arises  what 
is  the  extent  of  this  exemption,  as  to  time.^*  "So  long  as  they 
observe  their  parole."  What  is  that  parole.^*  not  to  take  up 
arms  against  the  United  States  Government,  until  properly 
exchanged,  i.e.,  so  long  as  they  are  prisoners  of  war. 

Therefore,  as  soon  as  these  men  cease  to  be  prisoners  of  war, 
all  supposed  obligation  to  them  ceases.  This  would  be  very 
clear  if  they  ceased  to  be  prisoners  by  being  exchanged.  Is  it 
any  less  clear  if  they  cease  to  be  prisoners  by  any  other  means  .f^ 

They  may  be  liberated  as  prisoners  of  war  by  the  Govern- 
ment for  any  or  no  cause,  at  its  pleasure.  They  must  cease  to 
be  prisoners  of  war  when  the  war  ceases.  They  are  held  by  a 
purely  military  convention  for  war  purposes.  The  force  and 
effect  of  all  such  conventions  cease  when  the  war  ceases.  The 
war  must  be  held  to  have  ceased  when  no  form  of  Governmental 
organization  conducts  it  to  which  belligerent  rights  may  be  ac- 
corded, and  with  which  exchanges  can  be  negotiated.  This  con- 
dition of  things  has  obtained  with  the  Rebellion.  The  war  is 
virtually  at  an  end,  and  Lee's  men  can  hardly  be  said  to  be 
prisoners  of  war,  even  without  any  action  of  the  Government. 

But  if  declared  exchanged,  or  set  free,  or  upon  the  cessation 
of  organized  hostilities,  there  would  seem  to  be  no  doubt  but 
these  men  are  amenable  to  all  laws,  and  to  the  consequences 
of  being  treated  like  other  offenders. 

Very  respectfully,  Benj.  F.  Butler 


606      LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  Samuel  Wilkeson 

Philadelphia,  April  26th,  1865 

Dear  General  Butler:  I  send  you  herewith  Pollard's 
book.  Since  my  return  to  my  7.30  work,  I  have  read  daily 
the  Letters  and  Reports  of  the  Army  of  Agents  that  the  Loan 
has  in  the  field.  They  give  me  a  new  sense  of  the  Power  that 
Andrew  Johnson  holds  in  his  hands,  —  the  unanimous  demand 
of  the  People  for  Radical  measures,  and  their  determined  purpose 
to  sustain  him  in  the  extremest  measures  that  he  may  take.  I 
quote  from  one  letter,  dated  at  Indianapolis,  April  22nd, 
which  is  a  sample  of  all: 

"One  sentiment  seems  to  pervade  all  classes  of  men  in 
regard  to  the  War  since  the  death  of  our  much  loved  President ; 
which  is,  a  hearty  support  of  the  present  policy  of  his  suc- 
cessor, and  growing  confidence  in  the  man.  The  people  are 
more  radical  than  the  leader,  and  would  to-day  assist  in 
hanging  every  Rebel  from  the  rank  of  Captain,  up.  They 
demand  the  work  shall  be  well  done." 

Yours  respectfully,  Saml.  Wilkeson 

From  General  Butler 

"WiUard's,"  April  iSth,  1865 

Hon.  Benj.  F.  Wade,  Chairman  of  the  Committee 
on  the  Conduct  of  the  War 

Sir:  I  am  under  obligations  to  the  committee  that  my 
attention  has  been  called  to  the  letter  of  one  Levi  R.  Greene, 
forwarded  to  the  committee  through  the  Navy  Department 
by  Wm.  A.  Parker,  commander  of  5th  Division  (James  River 
Squadron),  and  David  D.  Porter,  commanding  North  Atlantic 
Blockading  Squadron. 

I  can  only  say  that  I  have  no  recollection  ever  to  have  seen 
or  heard  of  either  of  the  parties  concerned  in  that  document, 
save  Parker,  who  remains  in  my  memory  as  the  Naval  OflBcer, 
commanding  the  division  that  ran  away  when  the  Rebel's 
rams  came  down  the  James  a  few  days  after  the  date  of  the 
letter. 

The  attention  of  the  committee  need  hardly  be  called  to 
the  form  of  this  apparently  malicious  attack.  The  writer, 
Greene,  three  times  over  requests  that  his  agency  in  making 
it  may  be  kept  secret.  Apparently  so  that  he  may  not  be 
held  responsible  for  it. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        607 

He  says  he  has  known  one  Howard  intimately  as  a  rebel 
sympathizer  and  secessionist;  that  Howard  shew  him  a  pass 
to  Newbern.  Passes  to  Newbern  from  Fortress  Monroe  were 
issued,  in  the  usual  course  of  business,  to  every  person  who 
came  from  the  north  and  took  the  oath  of  allegiance.  It  will 
be  observed  that  when  at  Newbern  one  would  hardly  be  nearer 
Wilmington  than  at  Fortress  Monroe,  and  scarcely  so  easy  of 
access.  Greene  then  states  Howard's  gossip  of  the  supposed 
statement  of  Peter's  thus  making  this  supposed  hear-say 
three  times  removed. 

This  statement  of  Howard,  so  far  as  I  see,  touches  the 
honorable  committee  quite  as  nearly  as  myself,  for  this  "rebel 
sympathizer  and  secessionist"  is  made  to  "express  his  opinion 
freely  that  there  was  but  little  patriotism  in  any  of  our  leading 
men."  Parker  and  Admiral  Porter  however,  could  transmit 
this  letter  without  injury  to  themselves,  as  they  do  not  come 
within  the  description. 

That  the  whole  affair  is  a  tissue  of  lies  on  the  part  of  Greene, 
to  curry  favor  with  his  commander  Porter,  who  was  in  contest 
with  me  where  he  makes  a  statement  of  a  fact  within  his  own 
knowledge  and  belief  which  can  be  verified,  is  easily  seen. 
He  says  that  "the  proprietor  of  the  Atlantic  Hotel  at  Norfolk, 
a  relation  of  Butler's  I  believe,  is  concerned  in  the  matter." 
Now  Mr.  Newton,  the  only  proprietor  of  the  Atlantic  Hotel 
I  ever  heard  of,  is  neither  a  relation  of  mine  or  a  person  with 
whom  I  ever  held  a  minute's  conversation  in  my  life.  The 
heart  or  the  character  of  an  officer  who  could  give  official 
sanction  to  the  circulation  of  such  stupid  falsehoods  is  not 
to  be  envied. 

But  I  have  troubled  you  too  long  with  this  bunglingly- 
made  slander.  [General  Butler] 

Printed  Extracts  enclosed  in  Foregoing  Letter 

U.  S.  Monitor  Onondaga,  A.ikens'  Landing, 

James  River,  Ya.,  January  \Qth,  1865 

Rear  Admiral  David  D.  Porter,  Commanding  N.  A. 
Squadron  Blockade  off  Wilmington,  N.C. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  herewith  a  statement 
made  by  Mr.  Levi  R.  Greene,  first  assistant  engineer,  in  charge 
of  engineer's  department  of  the  United  States  steamer  "Mas- 
sasoit,"  which  may  account  for  the  sudden  abandonment  of 
the  attack  on  Fort  Fisher  by  General  Butler. 


608       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

I  have  the  full  confidence  in  the  truth  and  veracity  of  Mr. 
Greene,  and  think  that  this  mystery  should  be  unravelled  and 
ventilated  by  proper  authority. 

'       '        Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

William  A.  Parker,  Commanding  5th  Division 

U.  S.  Steamer  "  Massasoit,"  James  River,  Va.,  January  \Uh,  1865 

Commander  Wm.   A.  Parker,  U.  S.  N., 
commanding  James  River  Squadron 

Sir:  The  following  is  a  copy,  furnished  at  your  request,  of 
a  letter  sent  by  me  this  evening  to  Senator  H.  B.  Anthony. 
With  a  few  exceptions,  it  is  the  same  as  the  one  submitted  to 
you  this  morning. 

In  the  event  of  his  declining  to  act  in  the  matter.  Admiral 
Porter  is  at  liberty  to  make  such  use  of  the  information  as  he 
may  think  it  warrants. 

'  Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Levi  R.  Greene,  U.S.N. ,  First  Assistant  Engineer 

U.  S.  Steamer  "  Massasoit,"  James  River,  Va.,  Jan.  lith,  1865 

Senator  H.  B.  Anthony 

Dear  Sir:  In  making  the  statements  I  am  about  to  do  to 
you,  it  is  with  the  confidence  that  if  you  see  sufi&cient  cause 
to  take  any  steps  toward  inducing  government  to  unravel 
the  matter,  you  will  do  so  without  giving  me  any  publicity 
in  the  affair,  and,  if  possible,  without  my  being  a  witness. 
Government  will  be  able  to  find  its  own,  and  sufficient  proof, 
however,  if  it  follows  the  matter  up.  I  have  only  hesitated 
in  making  it  known  before  for  want  of  direct  proof  and  dislike 
of  being  called  upon  as  a  witness. 

On  the  31st  of  last  month  I  was  returning  from  a  visit  to 
Providence,  and  met  on  the  wharf  at  Fortress  Monroe  a  man 
named  William  Howard,  an  Englishman,  and  formerly  in  the 
employ  of  the  Boston,  Providence,  and  New  York  railroad  as 
baggage-master.  He  usually  accompanied  the  train,  and  as 
my  duties  have  called  me  over  the  road  two  or  three  times  a 
week  for  the  last  two  years,  until  within  a  short  time,  I  have 
known  him  quite  intimately,  and  have  known  him  to  be,  at 
heart,  a  rebel  sympathizer  and  secessionist. 

The  morning  of  the  day  I  met  him  we  passed  up  to  Norfolk 
together.  In  reply  to  my  inquiries  as  to  how  he  came  there, 
and  why  he  left  the  railroad,  he  informed  me  he  was  "on  a  little 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        609 

money-making  expedition ;"  showed  me  a  passport  to  Newbern, 
North  Carolina,  furnished,  he  said,  through  General  Butler, 
and  then,  after  some  preliminaries,  said  in  substance  that  a 
friend  of  Butler,  named  Peters,  then  in  New  York,  had  3,000 
bales  of  cotton  in  Wilmington;  that  they  were  going  to  get  it 
out.  Butler  was  to  work  the  thing  through  and  have  half 
the  money;  that  he  was  to  furnish  passes,  and  he  (Howard) 
had  no  doubt  but  that  they  should  succeed.  That  himself 
and  some  other  person,  whose  name  I  do  not  remember,  were 
merely  acting  as  agents,  knowing  nothing  but  what  they  were 
told  to  do,  but  if  successful  would  make  money;  that,  being 
Englishmen,  they  should  have  no  difficulty  in  moving  within 
the  rebel  lines.  He  furthermore  stated,  what  I  had  already 
begun  to  see,  to  wit,  that  if  Wilmington  had  been  captured, 
Butler  would  have  lost  his  cotton,  as  it  would  have  fallen  into 
our  hands ;  and  expressed  his  opinion  freely  that  there  was  but 
little  patriotism  in  any  of  our  leading  men;  that  they  want 
money,  and  like  the  one  who,  as  he  expressed  it,  was  "doing 
such  mean  things  for  his  own  benefit,"  looked  out  first  for 
themselves. 

Howard  has  gone  to  Newbern,  I  suppose.  The  proprietor 
of  the  Atlantic  Hotel  in  Norfolk,  a  relative  of  Butler,  I  believe, 
is  concerned  in  the  matter. 

There  may  be  no  truth  in  Howard's  statements ;  if  there  is, 
detectives  will  soon  trace  it  out,  and  it  will  readily  be  seen  why 
Wilmington  was  not  taken,  though  it  is  hard  to  believe  any 
man  would  so  sell  his  country's  honor. 

You  can  use  this  letter  to  inform  the  proper  authorities,  for 
I  consider  it  my  duty  as  an  officer  and  a  lover  of  my  country's 
welfare  to  make  it  known,  but  the  result  can  be  attained  without 
my  gaining  any  publicity.     I  am. 

Very  respectfully,  yours, 
Levi  R.  Greene,  First  Assistant  Engineer,  U.  S.  N. 

From  General  Butler 

"Willard's,"  April  iSth,  1865 

General  Butler's  best  respects  to  the  President.  At 
what  time  will  the  President's  convenience  allow  General 
Butler  to  call.^  B^^^^  p^  g^^^^^^ 


VOL.  V — 39 


610       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  President  Johnson 

April  2Sth,  1865 

The  President  will  see  General  Butler  at  his  residence,  corner 
of  15th  and  H.  Streets,  this  evening  at  6.  p.m.  o'clock. 

From  President  Johnson 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  Ind,  1865 

To  Major  General  B.  F.  Butler 

There  is  no  desire  to  muster  oflScers  out  of  service  other  than 

a  reduction  of  the  army  to  the  wants  of  the  Gov.  in  time  of 

peace.     If  you  desire  any  exceptions  to  be  made  at  this  time 

you  will  please  indicate  them.  »  t 

•^  ^  Andrew  Johnson 

From  Salmon  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

Fort  Monroe,  Va.,  May  2nd,  1865 

My  dear  General:  It  is  not  always  best  to  yield  to  one's 
impulses,  but  it  certainly  can  do  no  harm  to  obey  that  which 
prompts  me  to  say  how  much  I  have  been  interested  in  all  the 
traces  of  your  administration  which  I  have  found  here.  The 
most  distinct  and  the  most  interesting  to  me  is  the  school  for 
the  colored  children  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Raymond.  Major 
James  rode  out  with  me  and  Nettie  to  Hampton  and  we  visited 
the  school  ^  in  the  course  of  the  drive.  D.  Fuller,  of  Baltimore, 
was  of  our  party,  and  it  did  me  good  to  see  how  profoundly 
affected  he  was.  He  talked  to  the  children  very  earnestly. 
The  building  is  admirable,  and  the  whole  arrangement  and 
management  seem  all  that  could  be  hoped  under  the  circum- 
stances. I  was  a  little  amused  as  well  as  satisfied  by  the 
imitative  talent  displayed  in  the  penmanship.  When  we  came 
away  Nettie  said,  "Well,  they  may  abuse  General  Butler  as 
much  as  they  please,  but  when  you  come  to  anything  that 
everybody  says  he  has  really  done,  it  is  always  something  good.'* 
Now,  there  is  a  young  girl's  testimony,  and  I  think  it  worth 
having.  She  would  be  a  little  displeased,  I  suppose,  and  a 
good  deal  surprised  to  know  that  it  reached  you. 

But  while  there  is  much  to  gratify  in  what  we  see,  there  is 
much  to  incite  my  anxious  feeling.  I  never  felt  so  deeply 
the  importance  of  having  a  great  man  at  the  head  of  the 
Freedman's  Bureau.     By  great  I  mean  of  course  great  in  organ- 

^  General  Butler's  name  is  never  mentioned  in  connection  with  the  establish- 
ment of  schools  for  colored  people. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       611 

izing  and  administrative  faculty.  What  is  to  become  of  the 
laboring  people  in  these  ex-slave  states  after  the  war.!*  We 
should  have  looked  forward  to  this  and  provided  for  it  before 
now.  The  problem  has  grown  in  vastness  and  difficulty  by 
delay.  If  the  tax  laws  had  been  wisely  carried  out,  or  had  the 
constitution  allowed  or  been  construed  as  allowing  confis- 
cation of  the  few,  the  difficulties  would  have  been  less.  By 
the  way,  what  is  your  opinion  as  to  the  true  construction  of  the 
forfeiture  clause  of  the  Constitution? 

I  am  writing  in  great  haste  and  I  fear  illegibly.  We  are  on 
our  way  to  Norfolk,  to  come  back  in  a  few  hours  and  then  to  go 
south.    Let  a  letter  find  me  at  Cincinnati  some  four  weeks  hence. 

Cordially  yours,  S.  P.  Chase. 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Mass.,  May  idth,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Capt.  Browtst  Apt.  Com.  Freedman's  Affairs,  Norfolk,  Va. 

My  dear  Captain:  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  note  which  I 
have  written  to  Gen.  Howard.  I  do  not  believe  it  is  best  for 
the  interest  of  the  negro  that  the  school  as  established  near 
Fortress  Monroe  for  colored  children  should  be  broken  up, 
or  essentially  changed.  I  trust  you  agree  with  me  in  my  opin- 
ion, as  it  will  be  within  your  department.  By  retaining  it  as 
it  is,  you  will  confer  an  obligation  which  will  be  remembered  by 

Yours  Truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  May  i9th,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Maj.  Gent.  O.  O.  Howard,  Supt.  Freedman's  Affairs, 
Washington,  D.C. 

General:  The  interest  we  both  feel  in  the  same  subject 
matter  will  doubtless  plead  my  apology  for  addressing  you 
this  note. 

When  in  command  of  the  Dept.  of  Va.  &  N.C.,  with  the  aid 
of  Mr.  Charles  A.  Raymond,  Chaplain  at  Chesapeake  Hospital, 
and  the  use  of  disabled  soldiers  as  teachers,  I  established  what 
was  intended  to  be  a  Normal  School  for  the  instruction  of  negro 
children.  I  built  the  schoolhouse  from  the  civil  fund  of  the 
Dept.  upon  confiscable  lands.  That  school  was  put  in  success- 
ful operation,  and,  as  I  am  informed,  has  been  a  very  great 
success.  Then  I  looked  about  for  a  Supt.  I  called  upon  a 
Mr.  Day,  who  had  been  teaching  under  the  patronage  of  some 


612       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

benevolent  institution,  to  see  if  he  would  take  charge  of  it, 
which  he  declined  to  do  unless  he  was  paid  twelve  hundred 
dollars  a  year,  and  had  a  horse  and  carriage  kept  for  him  by 
the  Government.  At  that  rate  he  was  not  employed,  but 
convalescent  and  disabled  soldiers  were  taken  from  the  neigh- 
boring hospitals.  In  the  changes  about  being  made  in  the 
Freedman's  Dept.  I  am  informed  that  the  Society  with  which 
Mr.  Day  is  connected  are  proposing  to  take  that  school  in 
their  hands. 

One  objection  to  Mr.  Day  was  in  my  mind  at  the  time  I 
attempted  to  negotiate  with  him,  viz.,  that  his  Society  was  of 
a  given  sect.  That  objection  would  still  continue.  I  think 
the  school  should  be  continued  under  the  charge  of  the  Govern- 
ment, and  I  would  suggest  that  the  charge  of  it  still  be  retained 
by  Mr.  Raymond,  who  does  it  in  addition  to  his  duties  as 
Chaplain,  and  that  the  mode  of  instruction  be  not  changed. 
I  would  be  expressly  obliged  if  you,  as  Commiss.  of  Freedman's 
Affairs,  or  by  a  Comms.  of  Afr.  Commsr.,  would  examine  the 
school  and  pronounce  upon  the  merits  of  its  organization,  as 
I  feel  satisfied  that  it  has  only  to  be  thoroughly  scrutinized  to 
be  made  the  foundation  of  an  educational  system,  and  what 
is  purported  to  be  a  Normal  School.  I  was  glad  to  see  the 
assignment  of  Capt.  Brown  as  Commissioner  for  the  State  of 
Va,,  as  his  care  of  his  charge  while  under  my  command  was  most 
efficient,  diligent,  and  praiseworthy.  I  think  if  his  attention 
was  called  to  it,  he  would  agree  with  me  in  my  estimate  of  the 
school,  although  it  was  not  in  his  District,  as  the  Districts 
were  arranged  under  my  General  Orders. 

I  have  troubled  you  with  this  note  in  the  hope  to  aid  a  little 

in  the  successful  working  of  the  very  important  affairs  under 

your  charge,  in  which  I  feel  a  deep  interest.     I  have  the  honor 

to  be,  Very  respectfully,  xr         i  j  •    j  j 

•^        ^  "^  Your  obedient  servant, 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Genl.  U.  S.  V. 
From  George  Whipple 

American  Missionary  Association,  61  John  Street,  New  York  City, 
June  9th,  1865  [Not  iu  chronological  order] 

To  Major  General  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

General:  We  are  confident  that  your  intention  in  building 
the  schoolhouse  near  Hampton,  Va.,  was  to  provide  for  the 
general  instruction  of  the  people  of  color.  In  my  frequent 
visits  to  Fortress  Monroe,  since  you  left  there,  I  have  been 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        613 

compelled  to  believe  that  your  philanthropic  purposes  have 
not  been  carried  out  by  those  now  in  control  there. 

Previous  to  the  opening  of  the  school  in  that  building,  a 
system  of  securing  attendance  upon  the  schools  was  established, 
leaving  no  children  of  suitable  age  to  attend  school  except  non- 
residents about  the  streets.  From  these  schools  at  Hampton, 
Mill  creek,  SlabtowTi,  and  other  places,  by  a  military  order, 
there  have  been  forcibly  detailed  four  hundred  and  thirty-six 
(436)  of  the  best  scholars  and  places  in  the  Government  school. 
The  practical  result  has  been  a  very  considerable  diminution 
in  the  number  of  children  taught  in  that  district,  as  the  average 
number  present  at  the  Govt,  school  is  reported  as  but  little 
more  than  half  the  number  detailed  from  our  schools,  and  the 
detailed  scholars  were  among  the  best  and  most  punctual. 

The  cause  seems  to  be  a  lack  of  interest  and  adaptation  on 
the  part  of  the  persons  having  charge  of  the  Govt.  School. 
The  education  of  an  oppressed  race  requires  a  deeper  interest 
than  they  manifest.  The  changes  that  have  taken  place  in 
that  department  have  led  this  association  to  ask  of  Gen. 
Howard  that  that  building  and  school  be  placed  under  the  care 
of  the  teachers  of  this  association,  and  we  pledge  ourselves 
to  furnish,  without  expense  to  the  Govt.,  teachers  and  schools 
acceptable  to  the  Bureau,  sufficient  for  the  instruction  of  all 
children  of  suitable  age  in  that  immediate  district.  Believing 
as  I  sincerely  do  that  your  intentions  will  be  far  more  extensively 
and  faithfully  carried  out  under  the  teachers  who  have  given 
these  scholars  all  the  instruction  they  have  hitherto  enjoyed, 
and  between  whom  and  the  children  is  mutual  good  will,  than 
under  the  present  management:  I  respectfully  but  earnestly 
beg  of  you  to  give  us  the  aid  of  your  influence  in  favor  of  such 
transfer,  by  a  line  to  me  which  I  may  be  at  liberty  to  show  to 
Gen.  Howard. 

Yours  with  high  esteem,  Geo.  Whipple,  A.  M.  A. 

P.  S.  If  needed,  I  would  refer  you  to  Capt.  O.  Brown,  of 
Norfolk,  Capt.  James  of  Newbern,  N.C.,  or  Capt.  Wilder,  all 
of  whom  have  care  for  the  colored  man,  by  authority  of  your 
appointment.     G.  W. 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  May  3,  1865 

To  Hon.  D.  K.  Carter,  Washington,  D.C. 

Dear  Judge  :  Enclosed  you  will  find  a  note  to  the  President. 
Read,  and  if  you  approve  it,  as  I  have  no  doubt  you  will. 


614        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

please  carry  it  to  him  yourself  and  urge  the  policy  upon  him. 
It  may  have  escaped  his  attention.     Any  news.'*     If  so  please 

Very  Truly  Yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 
Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Lowell,  May  3rd,  1865 

Hon.  Andrew  Johnson,  President  of  the  United  States 

Dear  Sir:  Availing  myself  of  your  kindness  in  allowing  me 
to  make  suggestions  of  such  thoughts  as  may  strike  me  relating 
to  public  affairs,  I  take  leave  to  bring  to  your  attention  what 
doubtless  may  have  been  a  subject  of  thought  with  yourself, 
the  present  condition  of  the  people  of  the  South  in  this  regard : 
the  surrender  of  their  forces,  and  the  stopping  of  the  war, 
happening  quite  late  in  the  season  for  planting.  Southern  men 
are  doubtful  what  is  to  be  the  policy  of  the  Government  in 
regard  to  confiscation,  and  in  regard  to  the  parcelling  out  of 
the  lands  to  the  Freedmen  and  the  refugees.  Such  doubts 
we  all  know  tend  to  paralyze  industry,  but  unless  they  plant 
in  seed  time  they  cannot  harvest,  and  in  the  present  state  of 
the  country  there  must  be  almost  starvation  the  coming 
winter,  which  will  call  for  aid  from  the  Government  unless 
provided  for. 

I  would  therefore  suggest  that  an  Executive  Proclamation 
in  regard  to  agriculture,  like  in  its  beneficent  purposes  that 
issued  by  the  President  in  regard  to  trade,  be  at  once  put 
forth,  to  reassure  the  people  of  the  South  upon  this  point, 
while  the  Government  is  maturing  its  policy  as  to  the  dis- 
position of  property  in  the  South,  and  getting  the  necessary 
machinery  to  work.  Seed  time  will  not  wait  for  that,  therefore 
let  it  be  stated  to  the  South,  under  your  signature,  that  what- 
ever may  be  final  policy  of  the  Government  as  to  the  dis- 
positions of  their  lands  and  property  of  the  South,  he  who  sows 
or  plants  shall  also  reap,  and  that  his  right  in  the  product  of 
the  soil  produced  by  his  labor  and  care  shall  appertain  to  him, 
whether  loyal  or  disloyal,  so  far  at  least  as  the  present  season 
is  concerned,  and  let  every  man,  white  or  black,  in  the  South 
be  exhorted  to  sow,  and  plant  everything  that  can  be  sown 
and  planted,  especially  corn  and  breadstuff s.  To  that  might 
also  be  added  the  production  of  meat,  especially  bacon,  the 
staple  food  of  the  South,  with  the  assurance  that  the  Govern- 
ment will  protect  them  in  the  production.  The  necessity  of 
immediate  action  upon  the  point,  even  while  the  Government 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        615 

is  determining  its  policy,  is  my  apology  for  troubling  you  with 
this  note:  and  that  it  may  meet  your  eye  I  will  enclose  it  to 
a  friend  asking  him  to  lay  it  before  you.     I  am, 

Very  respectfully  your  oht.  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler 


From  W.  A.  Nichols 

War  Department,  Adjt.  Gen.  Office,  Washington,  May  3rd,  1865 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  U.  S.  Vols., 
Lowell,  Massachusetts 

Sir:  In  connection  with  a  claim  of  one  J.  H.  McKee  for 
sugar  and  molasses,  said  to  have  been  taken  from  the  sugar 
house  of  S.  O.  Nelson  at  New  Iberia,  La.,  Nov.  10th,  1863  (?) 
by  the  U.  S.  authorities,  the  title  to  the  property  in  question 
is  alleged  to  have  been  derived  from  one  David  R.  Godwin, 
who  is  said  to  have  purchased  with  Confederate  money  under 
an  authority  from  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Department. 

The  papers  have  been  referred  to  the  Adjt.  Gen.  by  the  War 

Department,  with  directions  to  ascertain  from  you  what  permit 

if  any  was  given  Mr.  Godwin  to  purchase  cattle,  etc.,  with 

Confederate  money,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  them  within 

our  lines.     I  am,  Sir,  xr  ^r  n  i  j^         ± 

Very  respectjutly,  yr.  obdt.  servt., 

W.  A.  Nichols,  Asst.  Adjt.  General 

Lowell,  May  9th,  1865 

Respectfully  referred  to  Brig.  Gen.  Geo.  F.  Shepley,  for 
information  in  the  matter.     This  letter  to  be  returned. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Major  General 

PoRTiiAND,  Maine,  June  5th,  1865 

This  paper  received  this  day  via  Petersburg,  Va.,  Browns- 
ville, Texas,  and  Washington.  A  full  report  on  the  subject 
has  been  made  by  me  to  the  War  Dept.,  and  is  on  file  with  the 
statement  of  Gen.  Butler  among  the  papers  connected  with 

Godwin's  claim.  /-i    x^  a  j  ^    n  •     n 

G.  r .  Shepley,  late  Brig.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  June  7th,  1865  [Not  in  chronological  order3 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  forwarded  the  com- 
munication of  the  War  Department  of  May  3rd,  1865,  covering 


616       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  claim  of  D.  R.  Godwin,  to  Brig.  Gen.  Geo.  F.  Shepley  for 
his  report  and  remarks,  on  the  9th  ultimo. 

Owing  to  his  absence  from  his  command,  the  original  letter 
has  not  been  received  by  him.  On  the  2nd  of  June  I  sent 
General  Shepley  the  copy  of  that  communication,  with  the 
endorsement  of  the  9th  of  May  thereon.  I  have  received  his 
report,  which  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  with  a  copy  of  the 
letter  of  the  War  Department. 

My  own  recollection  confirms  entirely  that  of  General 
Shepley.  Godwin  was  permitted  to  purchase  cattle  with 
Confederate  money,  the  only  currency  received  by  the  rebels 
West  of  the  Mississippi  (save  gold,  which  was  not  permitted 
by  me),  for  the  use  of  the  Army  of  the  Gulf,  and  the  citizens 
of  New  Orleans.  In  doing  this,  Godwin  rendered  valuable 
services  to  the  Government.  To  enable  Godwin  to  make  the 
purchase  of  cattle  it  was  necessary  that  he  should  purchase 
other  produce  of  the  country.  This  was  done  to  avoid  the 
natural  suspicions  and  interferences  arising  from  a  different 
course. 

From  General  Turner  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters  lUh  A.  C,  Richmond,  Virginia,  May  7th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  only  had  an  opportunity  to  catch  a 
passing  glimpse  of  your  late  New  York  speech.  The  points 
I  caught  suited  me  and  I  thought  perhaps  they  were  President 
Johnson's  ideas,  and  I  took  much  courage.  But  I  don't  see 
any  move  made  to  put  them  in  practise  —  I  want  to  see  all 
the  political  leaders  in  this  rebellion  and  leading  Generals 
denied  all  political  enjoyment,  and  their  property  confiscated 
—  and  why  not  commence  immediately.^ 

It  is  not  satisfactory  to  us  to  see  a  dozen  or  more  Major 
Generals  of  the  rebel  service  headed  by  Gen.  Lee,  drawing  their 
rations  daily  of  the  Government,  and  then  ostentatiously 
displaying  their  uniforms  on  the  streets  and  in  public  places. 
The  way  matters  look  now,  we  don't  quite  understand  what 
we  have  been  fighting  for.  A  rebel  uniform  to-day  in  Rich- 
mond carries  a  man  where  a  Federal  uniform  will  not.  It 
takes  him  in  all  our  own  public  offices  and  further  into  society. 
He  is  stopped  and  made  much  of  in  the  streets,  where  a  Federal 
uniform  is  passed,  with  looks  of  scorn  and  contempt. 

The  "Army  of  the  James"  received  the  "Army  of  the  Poto- 
mac" yesterday  in  Richmond,  and  escorted  it  through  the 
city.     There  was  a  deal  of  satisfaction  in  it.     The  Army  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        617 

the  Potomac  is  en  route  to  Washington,  as  is  supposed,  to  be 
mustered  out.  Our  turn  we  expect  will  come  next,  when  they 
will  call  for  the  24th  Corps.  I  shall  have  to  bid  our  friend 
Shivas  good  bye.  I  am  puzzled  to  know  what  I  shall  do  in 
citizen's  habiliments. 

You  told  me  last  winter  that  when  this  rebellion  went  down 
it  would  go  all  in  pieces.  What  is  there  left  for  it  now,  and  only 
a  month  after  the  first  blow  in  this  campaign  was  struck.'* 
There  was  no  strength  in  the  rebellion  after  all,  because  it  was 
never  in  the  hearts  of  the  people. 

I  have  been  daily  expecting  to  see  you  called  upon  to  give 
your  services  again  to  the  country.  I  hope  it  may  be  the 
Portfolio  of  War,  when  the  establishment  of  a  permanent  mili- 
tary force  for  the  country  is  made. 

I  had  a  glorious  time  during  our  last  campaign — plenty  of 
hard  work,  hard  marching,  and  sharp  fighting.  I  had  a  fine 
division,  and  they  never  failed  me,  and  I  hope  they  never 
found  me  wanting. 

Remember  me  kindly  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  Miss  Blanche. 
I  hope  to  have  as  good  a  time  at  Lowell,  as  a  private  citizen, 
when  I  come,  as  though  I  was  a  Brigadier  General. 

Yours  sincerely,  J.  W.  Turner 

From  Benjamin  F.  Wade  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  May  9th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  The  petition  of  the  legislature  of 
Massachusetts  was  duly  received,  and  I  immediately  called 
upon  the  President  with  it.  I  made  it  the  occasion  of  a  renewed 
earnest  application  to  him  to  reconstruct  his  Cabinet,  and  place 
yourself  at  the  head  of  it  as  Secretary  of  State.  It  is  evident 
no  time  should  be  lost  in  defining  our  position  with  foreign 
nations,  the  great  question  of  reconstruction  (as  it  is  called) 
is  now  agitating  the  Cabinet,  and  there  is  certainly  but  one 
member  of  it  who  has  any  qualification  to  grapple  with  these 
great  questions  of  the  times. 

I  was  exceedingly  pleased  with  the  speech  you  made  in  New 
York  City  on  your  way  home.  It  placed  the  whole  subject 
of  reconstruction  in  so  clear  a  light,  that  I  was  much  in  hopes 
the  Executive  would  take  it  as  the  basis  of  their  system,  pro- 
vided they  are  determined  to  enter  upon  the  subject  at  this 
time,  though  my  own  judgment  is  that  it  should  be  delayed, 
at  least  until  Congress  meets,  to  which,  I  think  the  adjustment 
of  the  subject  belongs.     In  the  meantime,  let  those  states 


618       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

work  out  their  own  salvation  under  military  surveillance. 
If  they  fall  into  anarchy  and  cut  each  others  throats,  it  will 
teach  them  the  beauties  of  secession,  and  perhaps  reconcile 
them  to  the  stability  and  order  of  the  old  government.  I  am 
satisfied,  however,  that  Lincoln's  old  Cabinet  will  not  let  this 
matter  rest,  and  that  they  are  agitating  it  now.  They  cannot 
consent  to  wait  a  moment  for  our  erring  brethren  to  come  back 
into  the  government  and  take  their  old  position  again. 

Even  Seward,  with  his  broken  head,  is,  as  I  understand, 
urging  his  old  doctrines  upon  the  administration  again.  But 
I  have  great  faith  in  Mr.  Johnson,  and  believe  he  is  entirely 
sound  on  all  these  subjects,  yet  I  shall  never  feel  safe  while  he 
submits  to  such  surroundings.  From  all  I  can  learn  I  believe  he 
intends  to  reconstruct  his  Cabinet,  although  he  did  not  say  so  to 
me  in  so  many  words.  I  know  he  holds  you  and  your  counsels 
in  the  highest  estimation,  and  it  seems  to  me  while  these  great 
questions  are  pending  you  ought  to  reside  near  the  throne. 

Very  truly  your  friend,  B.  F.  Wade 

From  Geo.  J.  Gross  to  General  Butler 

820  Chestnut  Street,  Philadelphia,  May  10,  1865 

Sir:  The  appearance  in  print  of  Gen.  Whiting's  reply  to 
your  interrogations  should  settle,  overwhelmingly  the  points 
in  dispute,  and  especially  the  animus  of  the  wind-bag.  Porter. 

In  a  large  mixed  company  to-day  one  of  your  detractors 
asserted  that  "Gen.  Whiting  at  the  time  of  the  surrender  of 
Fort  Fisher  was  not  in  command !"  That  he  had  been  deposed, 
relieved,  or  something  of  the  sort,  and  altho'  the  fact  was 
pointed  out  that  he  signed  himself  "Major  Gen'l,"  and  speaks 
of  "his  official  report,"  the  person  in  question,  upon  the  author- 
ity of  some  resident  of  Wilmington,  N.C.  insists  upon  it  that 
Whiting  was  only  a  volunteer  —  was  not  the  ranking  officer  — 
that  Lamb  was,  etc.,  etc. 

Now,  General,  you  can  settle  all  this  in  very  short  order. 
You  of  course  know  the  precise  status  of  Whiting  in  the  Rebel 
Army.     Will  you,  at  your  convenience,  favor  me  with  it? 

Fully  impressed  with  the  belief  that  sooner  or  later  justice 
will  be  done,  &  that  Truth  will  triumph  over  Falsehood,  I  have, 
in  my  humble  way,  stood  up  for  you,  shall  so  continue  to  do,  & 
to  this  end  would  be  pleased  to  receive  what  I  ask  for  in  order 
to  silence  at  least  one  of  the  dirty  pack  snarling  at  your  heels. 

'  Your  obed'nt.  servt,  Geo.  J.  Gross 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        619 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

Washington,  May  Wth,  1865 

To  Maj.  General  Butler 

The  day  on  which  you  left  New  York  last  fall  after  the 
Presidential  election,  is  referred  to  as  an  important  date  in  the 
investigation  respecting  Pres't  assassination.  Will  you  please 
telegraph  me  on  what  day  of  the  month  and  week  you  did 
leave  New  York  in  November  last. 

Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Sec.  of  War 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  May  llth,  1865 

Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War, 
Washington,  D.C. 
I  left  New  York  on  the  Tuesday  morning  following  the 
Presidential  election,  November  fifteenth  (15)  1864. 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  May  14,  1865 

Dear  General  :  I  have  been  here  two  days  and  looked  the 
field  all  over.  Wade  told  me  he  had  written  you.  He  says 
that  Johnson  talks  first  rate,  but  don't  just  say  the  word. 
Carter  says  Stanton  told  him,  Wade,  and  Chandler  that  he 
would  resign  shortly.  I  have  no  doubt  this  is  true.  I  believe 
Stanton  will  quit  within  30  days.  Sherman  will  be  here 
Tuesday,  and  comes  to  make  fight.  He  cut  Halleck  dead  on 
his  way  through  Richmond.  Halleck  wrote  and  asked  him 
to  come  to  his  house.  Sherman  replied  that  he  did  not  desire 
to  see  him;  that  he  was  an  assassin,  etc.  There  is  fun  ahead, 
and  I  hope  good  will  come  out  of  the  fight.  Frank  Blair  is 
here,  and  his  ring  is  pushing  him  for  Sec.  of  War,  but  as  far  as 
I  can  learn  there  is  no  show  for  him.  King  continues  to  be 
close  to  the  President.  No  one  appears  to  have  any  idea  what 
Johnson  will  do;  as  far  as  I  can  learn  he  has  scarcely  consulted 
anyone,  and  is  waiting  to  see  what  will  turn  up.  Our  friends 
are  sanguine  that  he  will  do  what  is  wanted  soon,  but  to  be 
frank  with  you  I  have  no  more  faith  in  him  than  when  here 
before.  I  don't  like  the  Blairs  and  King  being  so  close  to  him. 
I  don't  believe  he  is  big  enough.  There  is  a  determination, 
however,  on  the  part  of  our  friends  to  stick  and  hang  until  he 
decided  matters  for  or  against  them,  and  I  have  no  doubt 


620       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

that  within  a  month  there  will  be  a  smash  up.  I  don't  think 
you  had  better  come  to  Washington  just  now.  Better  be 
here  about  the  time  Stanton  leaves.  You  had  better  write 
Carter  and  tell  him  to  find  out  just  the  time  and  let  you  know. 
Grant  says  Halleck,  Gillmore,  and  all  the  late  assignments  were 
made  without  consulting  him  by  Stanton.  The  people  of  No. 
Va.  and  So.  Carolina  are  making  a  big  fuss,  and  Johnson  will 
be  compelled  to  change  these  commanders.  The  indications 
are  strong  and  clear  that  there  is  a  storm  ahead,  and  your  plan 
now  is  to  keep  quiet  and  see  what  will  turn  up.  I  go  to  Norfolk 
tomorrow  and  then  home.     Will  write  you  again. 

Your  friend,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

N.  Y.  182  E.  18th  Street,  May  15th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  enclose  a  paragraph  from  the  New 
York  Ledger  of  this  week,  which  you  may  care  to  see.  I 
know  nothing  about  the  motive  of  its  insertion,  and  never 
heard  of  it  till  I  saw  it  in  print.  Nor  do  I  know  whether  there 
is  any  truth  in  it.  I  believe  there  is  truth  in  it.  I  think  that 
a  President  of  the  United  States  who  could  buy  Bennett  at 
any  price,  would  also  be  dictated  to  by  him,  even  to  the  degree 
charged  in  the  Ledger.  I  think  that  an  administration  (in 
whose  cause  you  had  incurred  odium)  that  permitted  you  to 
be  lied  out  of  New  Orleans,  would  also  abandon  you  to  the 
malice  of  the  basest  and  meanest  creature  that  ever  trod  the 
western  continent  —  a  wretch  that  was  an  open  traitor  during 
the  first  two  years  of  the  war,  that  caused  our  riots,  and  that 
only  pretended  to  support  the  Union  when  it  was  certain  to 
triumph.     I  boil  whenever  I  think  of  it. 

The  manner  of  Mr.  Lincoln's  death  canonizes  him,  but  it 
will  not  prevent  these  things  from  coming  out  in  due  time. 

We  all  marched  in  state  to  call  tipon  Mrs.  Butler  when  she 
was  here  —  baby  and  all,  —  but  she  had  just  gone,  the  same 
accident,  when  you  passed  through.  Better  luck  next  time. 
Ever  yours,  my  dear  General,  Jas.  Parton 

From  R.  H.  Williams  to  General  Butler 

No.  4  East  15th  St.  N.  Y.,  May  23,  1865     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Dear  Sir:  America  if  not  the  whole  world  has  long  known 
Bennett  of  the  N.  Y.  Herald  as  the  King  of  Bombast  and  brag — 
but  the  enclosed  which  I  cut  from  the  Herald  of  the  19th  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        621 

think  stands  fairly  out  as  specimen  No.  1  of  effrontery  and 
insolence. 

To  puff  himself  and  rebuke  you  he  stabs  both  the  late 
Executive  and  the  heads  of  the  Military  power,  after  presuming 
not  only  friendship  and  intercourse  of  the  most  intimate 
character,  but  the  guidance  and  dictation  of  their  popular 
course  (acknowledged  by  the  tender  of  a  most  important  mis- 
sion; worthily  earned  and  "endorsed  by  even  Horace  Greely  "), 
by  intimating  that  his  will  and  gratification,  not  justice,  was  the 
rule  of  their  action. 

The  dodge  of  first  publishing  in  other  papers  is  doubtless 
a  Bennettism. 

Fearing  that  you  might  miss  this  rare  specimen  of  arrogance, 
I  take  the  liberty  of  enclosing  it  —  with  the  assurance  (although 
personally  a  stranger)  that  I  have  been  a  close  observer  of  your 
course  and  action  throughout  the  rebellion,  and  the  severe 
and  at  times,  to  my  judgment,  unwarrantable  treatment 
meted  to  you  in  consequence  of  your  clearer  vision  and  inde- 
pendent action,  dictated  by  judgment  and  justice. 

May  the  day  come  when  honest  worth  and  energetic  & 
fearless  discharge  of  duty  shall  be  duly  appreciated  by  an  intelli- 
gent and  grateful  people. 

Respectfully  yours,  R.  H.  Williams 

From  General  Butler  to  R.  H.  Williams 

Thanks  for  your  courtesy.  I  had  read  the  slip  from  the 
Herald.  Whether  my  removal  was  at  the  instance  of  Bennett 
or  of  any  other  person  is  to  me  a  matter  of  indifference.  Con- 
scious of  having  endeavored  to  do  my  duty  to  the  country, 
I  can  wait  till  time  at  last  sets  all  things  even. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler 

Boston,  Mass.,  May  iOth,  1865 

To  GoLDWiN  Smith,  Esq.,  Oxford,  England 

My  dear  Mr.  Smith:  You  will  remember  the  medal  which 
we  had  under  discussion  when  you  visited  my  Head  Quarters 
on  the  James  River. 

I  venture  to  send  you  a  copy,  the  first  medal  ever  struck  in 
honor  of  the  negro  soldiers  by  the  white  man,  as  a  memento 
of  your  visit  to  the  Army  of  the  James.  But  one  other  copy 
goes  to  England,  and  that  is  to  Mr.  Eyre,  an  English  gentleman 


622       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

who  rode  with  me  upon  the  field  on  the  day  which  it  com- 
memorated, a  description  of  which  visit  is  in  Frazer  for  April. 
Please  accept  the  medal  as  a  token  of  the  good  wishes  of 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Alonzo  Draper 

Head  Quarters  1st  Div.  i5th  Ala.,  in  the  Field,  Va.,  May  iS,  1865 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  Gen.  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

My  dear  General:  I  have  to  acknowledge  your  very  kind 
letter  of  the  25th  instant. 

I  have  delivered  the  medals  and  your  messages  to  Major 
Gen'l  Weitzel. 

Measures  have  already  been  taken  to  ascertain  the  names 
of  enlisted  men  distinguished  for  gallantry  in  any  action  of  the 
last  campaign  against  Richmond,  and  a  list  will  probably 
be  sent  you  before  the  expiration  of  the  month.  The  2nd 
Division  is  already  embarked,  and  lay  yesterday  at  Hampton 
Roads. 

The  1st  Division  will  probably  embark  within  forty-eight 
hours.  It  is  understood  that  we  are  to  rendezvous  at  Fort 
Gaines. 

I  shall  look  forward  with  anxiety  for  changes  in  the  cabinet. 

I  trust  that  in  three  years  more  it  will  be  my  privilege  to 
take  the  stump  in  favor  of  Gen.  Butler's  election  to  the  Presi- 
dency. 

The  present  emergency  demands  an  Executive  possessing 
capacity,  integrity,  and  an  iron  will,  qualities  which  few 
persons  combine. 

If  the  election  could  be  held  to-day,  the  result  would  not  be 
doubtful. 

If  my  humble  abilities  can  be  made  serviceable  to  you  in 
any  way,  you  may  command  them. 

I  take  pleasure  in  subscribing  myself. 

Your  friend  and  most  ohdt.  Ser.,  Alonzo  Draper 

From  R.  D.  Mussey 

Executive  Office,  Washington,  D.  C,  July  1st,  1865 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

General:  I  saw  at  the  Mint  the  other  day  some  medals 
ordered  by  you  for  colored  troops.     I  wish  very  much  to  pro- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       623 

cure  one  of  them.  I  am  not  a  "colored  soldier,"  nor  have  I 
"ever  shown  conspicuous  bravery,"  but  directly  and  indirectly 
with  putting  arms  into  the  hands  of  ten  thousand  colored 
soldiers.  The  Director  of  the  Mint  informed  me  that  it  was 
necessary  to  have  your  permission  to  purchase  one.     I  am, 

'  With  high  regards,  very  truly  yours, 

R.  D.  MussEY,  Military  Secretary  to  the  President 


From  Burnham  Wardwell  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  May  list,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  find  there  are  parties  asking  for  the 
appointment  of  collector  at  the  port  of  Richmond,  Virginia, 
whose  claims  are  no  better  than  they  should  be.  S.  P.  Brown, 
Esq.,  an  old  friend  of  mine,  says  he  can  stop  the  appointment, 
and  if  I  can  get  a  letter  of  recommendation  from  Gen.  Butler 
I  can  get  the  appointment  or  he  can  get  it  for  me.  If  you 
will  give  me  a  letter  I  shall  be  under  further  obligations  to  you. 
I  leave  here  to-day  for  Rockland,  Maine.  A  letter  directed  to 
me  at  that  place,  care  of  Hon  W.  A.  Farwell,  will  meet  me  there. 
I  am,  dear  General,  your  obdt.  Servant,  B.  Wardwell 

P.  S.  A  word  or  two  about  what  was  done  and  is  now  being 
done  in  Richmond.  On  our  entrance,  the  first  object  or  duty 
was  to  feed  the  starving.  The  same  old  committee  that  had 
been  appointed  by  Jeff  Davis  and  Co.  was  appointed  by  our 
authorities.  The  same  ministers  that  have  been  mocking 
God  and  disgracing  man  for  years  by  preaching  treason  were 
allowed,  yes,  even  requested  to  preach  on.  The  same  or  many 
of  the  men  who  aided  in  burning  the  Confederate  vessels  on 
Sunday,  2  of  April,  before  the  next  Sunday  were  appointed 
sailing-masters  and  pilots  on  our  boats.  The  man  Graves, 
who  had  charge  of  building  Confederate  vessels  at  Norfolk 
when  that  city  was  evacuated,  went  to  Richmond,  took  charge 
of  the  Confederate  ship-yard  there,  worked  until  we  arrived, 
and  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  U.  S.  Government  ship- 
building and  repairing.  All  the  papers  are  in  full  blast,  some 
of  them  have  made  nominal  changes.  A  court  has  been 
appointed,  which  the  day  before  we  arrived  would  have  tried 
and  condemned  a  man,  girl,  or  boy  for  treason,  had  they 
dared  say  they  loved  our  old  Flag,  Stars  and  Stripes.  Winder's 
detectives  are  unmolested,  the  worst  of  them  doing  business 


624       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

in  the  city.  Railroad  property  and  R.  R.  Presidents  all  restored, 
Lee  is  called  the  great  Christian  General,  and  is  treated  as 
such.  Dear  General,  I  have  not  time  to  tell  you  of  the  many 
bad  things  our  officials  have  done  there.  We  held  a  little 
sly  Union  meeting  there,  the  object  of  which  was  to  send  for 
General  Butler.  Those  who  were  Union  from  policy  opposed 
it,  saying,  "Gentlemen  we  have  a  little  liberty  now.  If  we 
kick  we  shall  have  none."  Many  of  the  Secesh  and  some  of 
the  Unionists  are  anxious  to  see  Gov.  Pierpont.  I  think  we 
have  nothing  to  hope  for  in  him.  As  I  pass  through  Boston 
for  Maine  I  shall  stop  one  night  at  the  American. 

If  you  can  aid  the  very  few  Union  men  in  Richmond  in  put- 
ting Richmond  traitors  where  they  ought  to  be,  we  shall  be 
forever  under  obligation  to  you.  Albert  Atkins,  L.  Libbey, 
and  many  others  of  the  same  sort  are  very  different,  and  tell 

^       '  Your  ohdt.  Servant,  B.  Ward  well 

From  General  Butler 

The  Hon.  Sec.  of  the  Treasury 

Sir:  B.  Wardwell,  a  citizen  of  Richmond,  Va.,  was  as  a 
Union  correspondent  through  the  lines  with  me  during  the 
winter  and  spring  of  1864,  furnished  the  United  States  with 
valuable  information.  He  was  specially  interested  in  shielding 
and  feeding  Union  prisoners  in  Libby  until  he  was  obliged  for 
his  humanity  to  fly  for  his  life,  and  came  into  our  lines.  I 
kept  him  near  my  Head  Quarters  during  the  campaign  before 
Richmond  to  detect  and  prevent  secessionists  who  came 
through  under  pretence  of  being  loyal.  Mr.  Wardwell  did 
excellent  service.  I  found  him  intelligent  and  truly  loyal,  of 
unswerving  probity  and  truth,  I  should  think  him  of  all  others 
worthy  of  a  place  of  trust  in  the  Government  of  Richmond. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  John  Wilson 

Treasury  Department,  Third  Auditor's  Office,  May  26<A,  1865 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  U.  S.  Vols. 

Sir:  I  have  to  notify  you  that  on  settlement  of  the  account 
of  Capt.  P.  R.  George,  U.  S.  V.  A.  A.  G.  M.  for  the  4th  qr.  1861 
to  1st  qr.  1862,  you  were  debited  on  the  books  of  this  office 
as  follows,  viz:  —  for  amount  of  voucher  8,  1st  qr.  1862, 
being  a  payment  to  Col.  G.  F.  Shepley,  12th  Maine  Vols., 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        625 

Jan.  6th,  1862,  for  mileage  from  Portland,  Me.  to  Augusta 
and  return  in  Sept.  1861,  120  miles  at  10  cents  per  mile  $12.00: 
from  Portland  to  Boston  via  Lowell  and  return  via  Lowell, 
between  Oct.  2nd  and  3rd,  1861,  260  miles  at  10  cents  per  mile, 
$26.00:  from  Portland  to  Boston  via  Lowell  and  return  via 
Lowell,  between  Oct.  7th  and  9th,  1861,  260  miles  at  10  cents 
per  mile,  $26.00;  from  Portland  to  Boston  via  Lowell  and 
return,  between  Oct.  22nd  and  23rd,  1861,  245  miles  at  10 
cents  per  mile  $24.50;  from  Portland  to  Boston  via  Lowell 
and  return,  between  Nov.  4th  and  5th  1861,  245  miles  at  10 
cents  per  mile  $24.50  =$112.00  —  this  sum  say  one  hundred 
and  twelve  and  ^Vu  dollars  is  charged  to  you  under  para- 
graph 1007,  Rev.  Reg.  of  the  army  —  there  seeming  to  be  no 
necessity  for  the  journeys,  the  first  journey  seems  to  have  been 
made  before  the  organization  of  Col.  Shepley's  Regt.  You 
are  also  debited  on  the  books  of  this  office  as  follows,  viz:  For 
amount  of  voucher  32  "B"  1st  qr.  1862,  Capt.  P.  R.  George's 
accounts,  being  a  payment  to  Wm.  Beal,  Jan.  18th,  1862, 
for  his  services  as  instructor  to  the  drum  corps  of  the  12th  Me. 
Regt.  $54.00,  the  payment  is  not  a  proper  charge  against  the 
Q.  M.  Department,  and  having  been  made  by  your  order,  is 
now  charged  to  you  under  paragraph  1007  Rev.  Reg.  —  also 
you  are  debited  for  amounts  transferred  by  Capt.  George  on 
your  order  to  Col.  Stephen  Thomas,  8th  Vt.  Vols.,  as  per  re- 
ceipts of  Col.  Thomas,  dated  Nov.  30th,  1861,  for  Ten  thou- 
sand and  tVtt  dollars,  January  18th,  1862  for  Five  thousand 
and  tVtt  dollars,  Feb.  21st  1862  for  five  thousand  and  yA 
dollars  —  Col.  Thomas,  not  being  an  officer  of  the  Q.  M. 
Dept.,  the  payment  is  unauthorized  and  is  now  charged  to 
you  under  paragraph  1007  Rev.  Reg.  making  the  total  amount 
of  debit,  twenty  thousand  one  hundred  and  sixty-six  -^^^  dol- 
lars.    Your  early  attention  to  the  above  is  requested. 

Very  respectfully,  John  Wilson,  Auditor 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  May  iQth,  1865     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  John  Wilson,  3rd  Auditor  U.  S.  Treasurer, 
Washington,  D.C. 
Sir:   The  receipt  of  your  note  of  May  26th,  informing  me 
of  certain  debits  from  the  accounts  of  Capt.  George,  A.  Q.  M. 
to  me  because  of  supposed  informalities,  is  acknowledged.     Of 
course  at  this  length  of  time,  Captain  George  being  dead,  I 

VOL.   V — 40 


626       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

cannot  at  once  call  to  mind  the  reasons  why  the  several  orders 
which  you  mention,  directing  the  disbursements  of  these  sums, 
were  given,  or  the  circumstances,  or  purposes  under  which, 
or  for  which  they  were  given.  I  am  sure  the  disbursements 
were  proper,  and  in  regard  to  the  several  items  for  Col.  Shepley's 
travelling  while  under  orders  in  the  course  of  raising  his  regi- 
ment, which  you  say  are  disallowed  because  there  seemed  to 
be  no  necessity  for  the  journeys,  I  must  respectfully  deny 
the  power  of  the  Auditor  to  re  judge  over  the  heads  of  the 
Commander  of  the  Department  the  necessity  for  military 
orders  which  he  may  give  to  his  subordinates.  In  this  case 
I  do  know  that  being  sent  into  New  England  to  recruit  a 
Division  and  to  arm  and  equip  them  at  my  discretion,  by  an 
Order  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  approved  by  the  President, 
there  can  be  no  rights  in  the  Auditor  to  adjudge  when  it 
became  necessary  for  me  to  call  one  of  my  principal  officers 
to  my  Head  Quarters  for  the  purposes  of  consultation  or  of 
advising  him  in  his  duties,  or  any  other  proper  and  necessary 
occasions,  as  I  might  judge  fit.  I  will  examine  the  other 
matters  in  the  account  and  send  forward  to  the  office  such 
explanations  as  I  doubt  not  will  cause  the  amounts  to  be  stricken 
off  from  any  debit  to  me.  This  shall  be  done  as  soon  as  I 
can  confer  with  General  Stephen  Thomas  as  to  the  objects 
of  the  disbursements.     I  have  the  honor  to  be,  etc. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen.  U.  S.  Vols. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  Sept.  lith,  1866     [|Not  in  chronological  order^ 

From  an  examination  of  the  within  affidavit  and  the  accom- 
panying papers  and  reports  it  appears  — 

1st.  That  General  Butler,  having  been  authorized  by  the 
War  Department  to  raise,  organize,  and  equip  an  expedition 
for  the  United  States  Service  under  his  command,  funds  were 
advanced  for  the  purpose  and  charged  against  General  Butler. 

2nd.  That  of  these  funds  $20,000  were  turned  over  by  order 
of  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Thomas,  8th  Vermont  Volunteers 
for  the  purchase  of  horses. 

3rd.  That  these  funds  were  expended  in  the  purchase  and 
keeping  of  the  horses,  and  that  they  went  into  the  service. 

4th.  There  is  no  reason  to  suspect  the  integrity  of  Colonel 
Thomas  or  impeach  his  fidelity  or  the  fairness  of  the  trans- 
action.    The  transaction  occurred  in  the  early  part  of  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        627 

war  before  any  regular  system  had  been  established,  and  the 
expedition  was  organized  under  special  orders. 

The  Secretary  of  War  is  of  opinion  that  in  view  of  all  the 
facts  there  is  suflScient  evidence  that  the  money,  to  wit,  $20,000, 
was  fairly  and  properly  expended  in  the  service,  and  that 
General  Butler's  account  should  be  credited  with  that  amount 
accordingly,  and  he  so  directs. 

Edwin  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  Washington  City,  Sept.  15th,  1866 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Gen.  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

Sir:  I  am  directed  to  enclose  to  you  a  copy  of  the  endorse- 
ment made  by  the  Secretary  of  War  upon  the  aflSdavit  of  Colonel 
S.  Thomas  in  reference  to  the  disposition  made  of  the  sum 
of  $20,000,  turned  over  to  that  oflBcer  by  your  order  in  1861, 
and  now  charged  against  you  by  the  accounting  officers  of  the 
Treasury.     I  remain,  with  great  respect. 

Your  obedient  servant,  Edwin  M.  Stanton 

From  Major  Ochiltre 

"Mil.  Prison"  Johnson's  Island,  June  \st,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

My  dear  Sir:  Having  but  few  acquaintances  in  the  North 
with  whose  address  I  am  familiar,  I  venture  to  write  you  this 
note  and  ask  your  assistance  in  having  me  released  from  this 
Prison.  If  you  will  remember,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  forming 
your  acquaintance  at  the  Charleston  convention,  I  being  one 
of  the  delegates  from  Texas,  afterwards  at  Bait.,  where  I 
officiated  as  Secty.  to  the  "Institute"  Convention,  and  again 
at  your  own  house  in  Lowell,  where  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
enjoying  your  hospitality  in  company  with  Hon.  Mr.  Landlum, 
M.  C.  from  La.  Having  heard  from  many  of  my  brother  Con- 
federate officers  of  your  uniform  courtesy  and  kindness  to 
Prisoners  of  War,  I  presume  to  make  the  foregoing  request. 

If  you  do  interest  yourself  for  my  release,  it  is  but  proper 
that  you  should  know  my  Military  status  in  the  Conf.  Army. 
I  am  first  A.  A.  Gen.  with  Gen.  Sibley  in  his  "New  Mexico 
Campaign"  then  with  him  in  S.  W.  La.  (while  you  were  comdg. 
in  N.  O.).  I  then  served  on  the  staff  of  Lt.  Gen.  Longstreet 
in  the  campaign  of  '62  in  Va.,  then  as  A.  A.  Gen.  to  Lt.  Gen. 


628        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Richard  Taylor  in  Louisiana.  WTien  Gen.  Taylor  was  relieved 
from  duty  in  La.,  I  was  ordered  to  Virginia  again,  and  was  on 
duty  in  Richmond  for  near  a  year.  I  was  captured  at  the  battle 
of  "Sailor's  Creek,  Va."  6th  Ala.  (two  days  before  the  capitu- 
lation of  Gen.  Lee).  I  was  attached  at  the  time  (temporarily) 
to  the  staff  of  Major  General  FitzLee. 

I  deem  it  unnecessary  to  assure  you  of  my  conviction  that 
I  am  perfectly  satisfied  that  it  will  be  hopeless  and  extravagant 
to  longer  refuse  to  acknowledge  our  complete  defeat.  I  have 
looked  upon  it  in  this  light  since  the  surrender  of  Gens.  Lee, 
Johnson,  and  Taylor.  In  view  of  those  events,  I  made  appli- 
cation to  take  the  Amnesty  Oath  of  President  Lincoln  — 
before  the  promulgation  of  President  Johnson's  proclamation. 
I  am  now  willing  and  ready  to  subscribe  to  said  oath.  The 
number  of  prisoners  here  (over  3000)  —  most  of  whom  were 
before  me  —  will  necessarily  detain  me  for  a  very  long  time 
unless  I  can  obtain  a  special  discharge,  quite  a  number  of  the 
prisoners  are  leaving  under  these  specials  every  day  —  in  fact 
any  one  who  has  a  friend  to  make  the  application  for  him. 
I  have  read  the  Amnesty  Proclamation  of  President  Johnson. 
I  feel  authorized  to  declare,  upon  honor,  that  I  am  not  amenable 
to  any  of  the  exceptions  therein  contained.  If  I  only  knew 
the  address  of  Major  Gen.  Faxon,  or  Major  Gen.  Hazen,  or 
of  Major  Gen.  A.  McD.  McCook  of  your  army,  I  am  con- 
fident they  would  assist  me;  with  the  last  two,  I  was  very 
intimate  before  the  War. 

I  have  assumed  quite  a  liberty  in  addressing  you  this  letter, 
but  I  trust  you  will  appreciate  the  delicacy  of  my  position  here 
—  and  my  earnest  desire  to  be  relieved  from  a  captivity  which 
is  preying  upon  my  health  severely.  In  the  event  that  you 
choose  to  interest  yourself  in  obtaining  this  order  for  me,  I 
shall  ever  esteem  it  as  a  most  friendly  act  —  and  one  for  which 
I  shall  always  be  profoundly  grateful.  I  am  General, 
Very  respectfully,  Your  ohdt.  Servant, 
John  P.  Ochiltre,  Major  and  A.  A.  Gen.  C.  S.  Army 

From  General  Butler  to  Major  Ochiltre 

June  6,  1865 

Please  send  me  your  application  for  amnesty  and  pardon, 
stating  such  facts  of  your  military  status  and  history  as  you 
deem  material,  and  I  will  see  that  it  is  put  before  the  President 
with  such  representations  as  I  may  be  able  to  make  in  your 
behalf.     I  trust  I  shall  never  fail  to  recognize  the  claims  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        629 

those  who  are  so  unfortunate  as  to  be  Prisoners  of  War  upon 
me  as  upon  every  one  who  is  at  liberty  to  assist  his  fellow- 
citizens. 

From  W.  S.  Green  to  General  Butler 

Cambridge,  June  5th,  1865 

General:  I  have  not  received  the  papers  in  the  case  you 
wished  me  to  examine.  At  present  I  have  nothing  to  do,  and 
the  examination  of  the  case  would  be  but  a  matter  of  amusement. 
Before  long  I  may  be  engaged  in  other  matters,  and  as  I  never 
yet  was  able  to  do  two  things  at  one  time,  or  to  think  of  two 
things  at  the  same  time,  if  you  really  wish  me  to  do  anything 
for  you  about  the  case  you  should  see  that  I  have  the  papers. 

I  wanted  your  children  to  have  my  deer,  and  I  sent  for  him; 
this  is  the  answer,  "I  went  immediately  on  the  receipt  of  your 
note,  and  found  to  my  surprise  that  your  pet  deer  had  been 
shot  by  order  of  the  Provost  Marshal." 

Who  is  Col.  Martingdale?  Was  he  ever  upon  your  staff  .f* 
Is  he  a  gentleman?  He  has  taken  my  house  and  furniture 
away  from  me  because  he  outranked  me.  He  has  had  my 
deer  shot,  and  "the  mocking  bird,  his  tail  has  been  pulled 
out."     This  was  my  wife's  bird,  and  God  Damn  him. 

Yours  truly,  W.  S.  Green 

Papers  have  since  been  sent.     H.  H.  B. 

From  Charles  Lowe  to  General  Butler 

SOMERVILLE,  JuTic  7th,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  Returning  from  a  visit  to  Charlestown,  I 
brought,  as  a  present  to  you  from  Mr.  Redpath,  the  doorplate 
of  the  generous  individual  who  offered  $10,000  for  your  head. 

I  hoped  to  give  it  to  you  in  a  public  meeting  because  I  thought 
it  would  be  a  thing  of  general  interest,  and  Mr.  Eliot  tried 
(partly  with  this  view)  to  secure  your  presence  at  the  Unitarian 
Festival. 

I  wished  at  any  rate  to  give  it  to  you  in  person,  but  as  I 
have  been  unable  to  do  so,  I  will  keep  it  no  longer,  but  take 
great  satisfaction  in  transmitting  it  to  you. 

Very  respectfully  yours,  Charles  Lowe 


630        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Private.    Lowell,  June  9th,  1865 

Judge  J.  K.  Carter 

My  dear  Carter:  Pardon  me  for  calling  your  attention 
to  a  matter  of  which,  as  it  affects  a  man's  life  and  may  possibly 
come  under  your  judicial  action,  I  should  not  speak  were  not 
the  suggestion  in  favor  em  vitam. 

However  much  all  good  and  loyal  men  who  are  not  swayed 
by  mere  humanitarian  theories  and  idiosyncrasies  must  and 
do  desire  the  condign  punishment  of  Davis,  yet  it  is  of  much 
more  consequence  that  he  be  convicted  with  the  fullest  sanction 
of  every  principle  of  law  than  that  he  be  punished  at  all.  I 
know  that  however  much  you  would  regret  his  escape  by  a 
failure  of  legal  justice  as  a  man,  yet  the  judge  will  hold  the 
Law  with  the  stern  inflexibility  of  the  magistrate.  In  the 
indictment  which  I  have  seen  copied,  Davis  is  alleged  to  be 
guilty  of  treason  in  an  overt  act  committed  at  Fort  Stevens 
in  the  District  at  a  time  when  it  will  be  confessed  that  he  was 
absent  in  Richmond. 

Questions  will  then  arise.  1st.  Is  there  any  constructive 
presence  in  an  overt  act  of  treason  under  our  constitution? 
2nd.  Is  counselling,  advising,  procuring,  or  commanding  even 
an  overt  act,  the  respondent  not  being  present,  an  overt  act 
in  itself  .f*  If  so,  how  must  the  procurement  be  proved  whether 
by  two  witnesses?  If  an  overt  act  at  all,  is  not  the  procure- 
ment accessorial  in  its  nature,  and  although  in  treason  all  may 
be  principals,  yet  —  can  the  guilt  of  these  actually  committing 
the  overt  act  be  proved  so  as  to  affect  the  absent  procurer 
except  by  a  record  of  conviction?  I  have  been  amusing  myself 
in  examining  the  authorities  upon  these  propositions,  and  my 
mind  is  in  a  state  of  doubt  to  say  the  least.  Cannot  an  indict- 
ment be  framed  to  meet  these  objections,  and  other  overt  acts 
alleged  within  the  districts?  I  fancy  some  could  be  proven  so 
that  not  a  loophole  would  be  left.  This  Government  cannot 
afford  to  take  a  snap  judgment  upon  Davis.  You  know  my 
wishes  in  regard  to  his  punishment,  and  therefore  you  will 
not  misunderstand  my  anxiety  to  have  all  the  steps  for  his 
trial  carefully  scanned.     I  am. 

Most  truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        631 

From  Alexander  H.  Bullock  to  General  Butler 

Worcester,  15th  June 

My  dear  General:  Thanks  for  your  kind  note  of  to-day. 
But  I  am  not  coming  to  Lowell  on  the  17th,  for  I  have  prom- 
ised your  city  committee  to  deliver  myself  there  on  the  4th 
of  July.  I  ought  not  to  have  assumed  the  engagement,  but 
since  I  have,  I  judge  it  better  that  I  should  not  be  among  your 
folks  twice  in  so  short  a  time  —  especially  as  if  present  on 
the  17th,  I  might  have  to  say  something,  and  that  would  be 
talking  dry  my  welcome.  So  I  shall  have  to  leave  our  friend, 
the  Governor,  in  your  keeping. 

I  hope  you  are  to  speak  on  that  day,  as  of  course  you  will. 
It  is  time  that  men  who  have  something  to  say  should  say  it. 

Shall  I  find  you  at  home  on  the  fourth  .f*  I  am  anxious  to 
see  you  and  talk  over  national  concerns.  I  am  not  a  little 
disturbed  by  present  appearances.  If  the  South  is  to  be  handed 
over  bodily  to  the  few  white  Loyahsts,  it  will  be  an  impossible 
management  for  them  to  conduct.  And  if  this  list  is  to  be 
enlarged  by  admitting  such  other  whites  as  may  come  under 
the  terms  of  amnesty,  and  only  such,  then  what  is  to  prevent 
the  secessionists  having  the  whole  game  in  their  hands?  But 
I  believe  in  God,  public  opinion,  and  the  President,  that  all 
will  eventually  come  out  right. 

Pray  let  me  hear  from  you,  and  believe  me, 

Faithfully  yours,  Alex.  H.  Bullock 

From  Alexander  H.  Bullock  to  General  Butler 

Worcester,  I9th  June,  1865 

My  dear  General:  All  right,  and  as  it  should  be.  God 
bless  you  if  nobody  else  should,  as  however,  I  perceive  they  all 
did  —  for  what  you  said  and  said  so  pointedly  on  Saturday. 

This  is  all,  but  ever  so  little  I  could  not  withhold,  having 
just  read  your  remarks.  Shan't  I  hear  from  you  under  your 
private  trumpet?  Yours  faithfully,  Alex.  H.  Bullock 

From  General  Butler 

My  dear  Bullock:  I  had  a  balanced  mind  with  regard  to 
yourself  on  Saturday.  Pain  to  miss  you,  for  I  did  not  get  your 
note  till  afternoon,  and  joy  that  you  had  escaped  the  infliction 
of  the  terrible  heat  of  the  day.     Thanks  for  your  kind  note 


632        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

of  appreciation.  I  trust  I  am  right  in  this  reconstruction. 
I  know  I  am  upon  the  two  points  of  suffrage  and  confiscation. 

I  have  written  a  letter  to  the  meeting  at  Faneuil  Hall,  as  I 
cannot  be  present,  counseling  our  people  not  to  put  themselves 
in  opposition  to  the  Government  upon  this  question,  at  least, 
not  yet. 

His  Excellency  the  other  day  at  our  place  was  irritable, 
petulant,  and  cross  to  a  degree.  I  hope  such  frame  of  mind  is 
not  virtute  officii,  as  if  so,  I  shall  change  my  vote  next  Autumn. 
Most  truly  yours,  [Benj.  F.  Butler] 

From  W.  P.  Webster  to  General  Butler 

Norfolk,  June  iind,  1865 

Dear  General:  A  short  time  after  you  left  this  depart- 
ment, and  Major  Weymouth  had  joined  his  regiment  in  the 
west,  I  was  informed  that  Gen.  Grant  had  sent  an  order  for 
the  arrest  of  Weymouth  and  every  one  connected  with  his 
office.  The  only  person  left  here  was  his  clerk,  David  L. 
Ricker.  I  was  told  that  he  was  taken  to  the  old  Capitol  in 
irons  a  fortnight  ago.  I  met  Ricker  in  Norfolk.  He  told  me 
that  he  had  been  confined  more  than  three  months  in  the  old 
Capitol  as  a  witness  against  Weymouth,  that  they  had  not 
been  able  to  find  anything  against  Weymouth,  and  he  himself 
had  just  been  released  from  the  old  Capitol  as  a  witness,  and 
had  been  paid  his  $3  per  day  as  his  witness  fees.  To-day  I 
was  in  Portsmouth,  and  was  told  that  this  same  Ricker  was 
in  a  dying  state.  I  went  to  see  him,  and  the  physicians  say 
that  he  has  erysipelas  of  the  head  which  has  reached  his  brain, 
and  that  he  cannot  live  12  hours.  Ricker  is  a  Mason,  and  that 
order  are  attending  him.  They  say  that  he  has  $350  in  money 
which  they  have  taken  care  of,  and  they  will  take  charge  of  him. 
Ricker  is  from  Lowell.  I  think  his  mother  lives  on  Hamilton 
Corporation,  Weymouth's  mother  and  sister  (a  school  teacher) 
live  on  Prescott  Corporation,  and  know  the  family.  I  think 
Mr.  Field  better  see  the  family,  and  have  some  one  of  them 
come  on  and  see  to  him  or  his  effects.  The  doctors  say  his 
confinement  in  old  Capitol  has  caused  his  sickness. 

Gen.  Gordon  left  for  Boston  on  Tuesday  last.  He  made 
great  arrangements  for  a  grand  reception  the  evening  before 
he  left.  He  set  out  a  table  of  wines  and  refreshments  to 
profusion,  had  the  band  playing  all  the  evening,  invited  every 
one,  and  yet  there  were  not  ten  persons  present  except  officers 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        633 

who  went  as  a  matter  of  duty.  The  rascal  could  not  refrain 
from  abusing  you  at  all  points,  and  touched  on  the  Fort  Fisher 
matter  when  Gen.  Graham  shut  him  up  by  a  flat  denial  of  his 
statements.  He  reflected  on  Gen.  and  Mrs.  Graham,  and  his 
ovm  wife  denied  his  assertions  and  stopped  him.  I  think 
Gordon  is  the  worst  man  I  ever  knew.  Don't  think  that  we 
were  there,  —  neither  Mrs.  W.  or  myself  have  ever  called  at  his 
house.  I  have  not  spoken  to  him  3  times,  and  then  on  business. 
He  leaves  here  utterly  despised.  He  hopes  to  get  some  position 
in  the  Bureau  of  Freedmen,  or  to  get  into  the  regular  army. 
The  latter  is  his  fit  place.  We  shall  be  in  Lowell  by  the  first 
of  July.  The  boys  are  not  well.  Tell  Fisher  to  come  out  here 
and  look  after  his  steamer  "Relief."  I  think  I  have  secured 
a  decision  in  his  favor  of  the  commission  appointed  to  examine 
into  the  collision  with  the  Washington  mail  boat.  Gen. 
Graham,  Col.  Howard,  and  Major  Stevenson  were  the  com- 
mission.    The  two  first  are  for  the  "Relief." 

The  damages  to  the  "Relief"  were  $500,  to  the  Washington 
boat  more  than  $1000.  The  latter  is  owned  by  Government. 
The  "Relief"  has  given  way  again,  but  I  saw  her  towing 
another  vessel  to-day. 

Hildreth  can  come  here  now  in  safety.  Every  one  arrested 
has  been  released,  and  all  charges  dismissed,  and  Gens.  Ord  and 
Gordon  gone. 

A  Gen.  Miles  commands  here,  24  years  of  age.  He  knows 
no  one  and  nothing.  Gen.  Ludlow  says  that  he  can  make 
nothing  of  him  and  do  nothing  with  him.     I  am. 

Truly  yours,  W.  P.  Webster 

From  B.  War  dwell  to  General  Butler 

Richmond,  Virginia,  June  ilth,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  letter  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  Hon.  H.  Hamlin,  Farwell,  Wash- 
burn, and  many  others  also  gave  me  letters  of  recommen- 
dation. It,  however,  appears  that  Messrs.  Pierpont  and 
Butts  have  the  appointing  and  pardoning  power  for  the  people 
of  Virginia. 

Dear  General,  I  am  very  sorry  to  have  things  go  on  in 
Richmond  as  they  do.  The  2nd  day  of  May,  1862,  one  P. 
Cashmere  arrested  me  and  locked  me  up  in  a  negro  jail.  He 
is  now  in  the  employ  of  the  U.  S.  Government.  I  cannot  go 
up  or  down  street  without  meeting  men  who  did  all  they  could 


634        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

for  the  Rebellion,  now  petted  and  kindly  cared  for  by  our 
Government  officers.  Negroes  have  a  little  more  liberty  than 
under  the  old  Dispensation.  But  how  little  they  have  to  hope 
for  in  Virginia!  Manfully  the  Black  man  met  the  hateful 
traitor,  never  failing  (when  properly  led).  Pray  tell  me  if 
the  U.  S.  Government  intends  to  pay  them  off  for  all  the  serv- 
ices they  have  rendered  by  placing  them  again  under  the 
iron  rule  of  their  former  masters,  most  especially  when  those 
masters  are  traitors  to  our  Government,  and  still  continue  to 
resist  all  good  rules  and  regulations.     I  am,  Dear  Gen., 

Your  Unworthy  Serv.,  B.  Ward  well 

From  General  Butler  to  Simon  Cameron 

Lowell,  June  28,  1865 

My  dear  Cameron:  Col.  Ejnsman  says  to  me  that  you 
intend  coming  north  soon  after  the  2nd  of  July,  and  that  you 
again  threaten  to  do  that  which  you  have  so  often  faithfully 
promised  but  never  executed,  to  wit,  to  visit  Lowell.  Now 
"these  presents"  are  to  dare  you  to  perform  and  come  on. 
While  I  have  many  things  to  say  to  you,  yet  I  will  not  put 
them  on  paper,  as  I  trust  we  shall  soon  speak  to  each  other 
"face  to  face  that  our  joy  may  be  full." 

This  must  not  be  a  failure,  —  you  must  come.  But  there  is 
still  one  thing  wanting.  The  ladies  must  come  also.  Mrs. 
Butler  and  Blanche  unite  with  me  in  urging  the  pleasure  of 
their  presence.  Mrs.  Cameron's  health  I  hope  is  good,  but 
will  be  better  for  the  journey.  The  Misses  Cameron  will 
want  to  come  or  they  are  not  the  young  ladies  I  take  them 
to  be,  and  the  fast  friends  I  am  happy  in  knowing  them  to  be. 
You  must  bring  them  to  see  how  plain  Yankees  live. 

The  next  mail  will  bring  your  answer,  when  you  will  come, 
and  if  it  is  any  inducement,  Mrs.  Butler  and  I  will  promise 
to  go  anywhere  and  see  anything  of  interest  there  is  north 
of  Pennsylvania  and  south  of  Buffin's  Bay. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  E.  M.  Brown  to  General  Butler 

In  Judge  Snead's  court  last  week  one  of  the  license  cases 
was  tried  (a  case  when  the  party  had  refused  to  pay  license  to 
the  civil  authorities  —  you  will  remember  the  circumstances) 
and  the  jury  did  not  agree.  This  is  a  favorable  indication. 
Gen.  Milleon  defends  the  cases. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        635 

I  have  been  called  in  by  Gen.  M.  as  a  witness  to  prove  the 
authority  of  your  published  orders,  which  are  used  in  defending 
these  cases. 

The  Post  seems  to  please  the  majority  of  the  people  here  very 
much,  and  I  think  a  very  good  business  will  ultimately  grow 
out  of  it.  The  New  Bank  is  doing  well,  and  the  people  have 
been  more  hopeful  since  the  exit  of  Gen.  Gordon.  I  like  the 
latest  returned  from  the  rebel  army,  as  a  general  thing,  much 
better  than  I  do  original  loyal  Virginians.  Most  of  them  are 
better  men,  and  more  to  be  depended  upon,  and  you  need  not 
be  surprised,  in  the  first  political  contest  that  comes,  to  find 
these  men  and  the  Northern  men  working  together  against 
the  "loyaV  who,  as  Macauley  says,  are  always  disappointed 
by  "restoration."     Hoping  to  hear  from  you  soon, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servant,  E.  M.  Brown 


From  General  Butler  to  E.  M.  Brown 

July  5.  1865 

My  dear  Brown:  I  suppose  all  loyal  men  are  to  be  vexed 
by  the  rebels.  I  have  nothing  in  my  oflSce  which  would  be  of 
service.  In  the  Quartermaster's  office  at  Fortress  Monroe, 
or  the  Adjutant  General's  office,  should  be  found  and  will 
be  the  orders  about  the  printing  material,  I  think  under  Dix. 
I  gave  an  order  to  Col.  Biggs  to  transfer  the  office  to  you,  which 
I  think  will  be  found  in  his  office. 

My  deposition  in  form  of  legal  evidence  will  be  what  you 
will  shew.  Mr.  Wilson  or  Walker,  to  whom  give  my  regards, 
will  prepare  the  necessary  papers. 

The  Post  is  well  commanded.  The  loyal  Virginians  are  as 
a  rule  mean  rascals.  Do  not  make  a  mistake  on  the  question 
of  negro  suffrage.  y^^^^  ^^^^^^  B   p  B 

From  John  Clark  to  General  Butler 

Atlantic  Hotel,  Norfolk,  Va.,  Jtdy  3rd,  1865 

My  dear  General:  Colonel  Brown  has  given  the  story 
of  the  suit  against  us,  at  the  instance  of  Hathaway,  of  the 
Suppressed  Day  Book;  and  therefore,  I  shall  not  trouble  you 
upon  the  point  further  than  to  say  it  seems  to  me  the  govern- 
ment should  protect  us  and  stop  the  proceedings. 

Please  read  an  article  in  this  morning's  Post. 


636       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN   F.  BUTLER 

Why  can't  you  write  me  an  elaborate  article  on  the  military 
resources  of  the  United  States?     Do  it  as  a  pastime. 
My  regards  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  the  children. 

Very  truly  yours,  John  Clark 

From  General  Butler  to  John  Clark 

July  1.  1865 

My  dear  Clark:  Your  whole  question  of  reconstruction 
is  involved  in  the  license  cases.  States  rights,  my  dear  Demo- 
crat! States  have  never  lost  any  of  their  rights!  Every  gun 
fired  against  the  South  has  been  in  violation  of  state  rights. 
All  ought  to  be  paid  for.  Pierpont's  government,  it  is  true, 
was  and  is  about  as  shadowy  a  representation  of  state  rights  as 
one  could  wish,  but  then  Virginia  has  never  been  out  of  the 
Union.  Her  similacrum,  her  pride,  her  poverty,  her  insolence, 
her  laziness,  her  unalienable  right  to  be  poorly  cultivated, 
and  worse  peopled  has  always  remained  in  the  Union.  Hurrah 
for  Pierpont!  Hurrah  for  Snead,  and  all  the  other  sneaks  and 
cowards  who  remained  at  home  to  save  their  skins  and  property, 
and  called  themselves  loyal  Virginians.  I  never  saw  a  loyal 
Virginian  that  was  worth  a  curse  whose  skin  was  less  light  than 
the  ace  of  spades. 

Certain  it  is  that  the  only  decent  people  were  the  Secession- 
ists, however  much  I  deplore  their  crimes  &  folly. 

You  ask  me  to  write  an  article  on  the  military  resources  of 
the  Union. 

With  every  disposition  to  oblige  you,  no,  I  thank  you,  till 
those  resources  have  been  put  to  a  better  use  than  support- 
ing such  an  abortion  as  this  entire  Pierpont's  government 
reconstruction.  yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  John  Clark  to  General  Butler 

88  Atlantic  Hotel.  Norfolk,  Va.,  July  9th,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  didn't  expect  when  I  asked  you  to 
write  an  article  on  the  military  resources  of  the  United  States 
that  you  would  do  it,  first,  for  want  of  time,  and  second,  for 
the  reason  that  it  would  be  a  waste  of  intellect  to  send  such 
an  article  here  for  publication.  I  am  supposing  this  as  your 
reasoning;  and  now  let  me  combat  it.  A  striking  article,  in 
my  judgment,  upon  any  topic  would  be  as  likely  to  attract 
the  attention  of  the  country  if  first  printed  here  as  if  printed 
in  New  York.     So  much  wisdom  and  light  in  a  dark  place! 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        637 

Don't  you  see?     Therefore,  since  you  see  so  well,  why  don't 
you  give  me  a  page  or  two  of  thought  now  at  this? 

You  will  infer  from  the  nature  of  the  articles  I  have  copied, 
and  the  editorial  allusions  to  His  Excellency,  that  I  am  not 
very  likely  to  keep  step,  march,  to  "Gov."  Pierpont's  style  of 
Union  music! 

The  attempt  to  fasten  the  Post  on  this  soil  is  an  experiment. 
It  shall  have  a  fair  trial.  You  know  advertising  is  the  life  of 
daily  newspaper.  Dr.  J.  C.  Ayer  should  know  that  if  he 
wants  to  cure  the  North  Carolina  people,  he  must  advertise 
in  the  Post. 

The  administration  seems  to  be  uncertain  what  course  to 
pursue  in  regard  to  the  negro  voting  question.  The  wind 
does  not  seem  to  blow  strong  enough  from  any  point  yet  to 
give  it  direction.  I  do  not  propose  to  break  ground  upon  the 
subject,  in  this  "Gov."  Pierpont  is  like  me,  indeed,  I  think 
His  Excellency  is  opposed  to  negro  suffrage. 

Do  you  know  that,  as  things  are  now  managed,  the  Billie 
Smiths,  the  Lethchers,  the  Masons,  and  their  kind,  will  have 
everything  their  own  way  here  in  less  than  a  year.  See  a 
leader  in  the  Post,  which  will  reach  you  herewith  in  regard  to 
Richmond  editorial  notions. 

If  Mr.  Johnson  is  not  put  upon  his  guard,  the  Southern 
delegations  will  outwit  him.  They  are  subtle,  shrewd,  ex- 
perienced foxes.     But  you  know  them  all. 

The  weather  here  has  been  intensely  warm  for  ten  days 
back;  but  the  general  health  is  good. 

Is  General  Gordon  in  the  service,  or  has  he  been  mustered 
out?  I  owe  him  a  column  or  two,  in  the  form  of  a  first-rate 
notice.  He  is,  to  my  judgment,  the  meanest  snake  that 
crawls. 

Give  my  regards  to  Mrs.  Butler,  Miss  Blanche,  and  the 
boys,  and  believe  me  to  be. 

Most  faithfully  yours,  John  Clark 

From  General  Butler  to  John  Clark 

Dear  Clark:  Five  murders  in  one  night  in  Norfolk,  riots, 
brawls,  and  oppressions  of  the  inoffensive  blacks,  —  who 
wants  an  article  on  the  military  resources  of  the  U.  S.? 

Perhaps  you  had  better  ask  for  one  on  the  "prodigal  son," 
"our  erring  brothers,"  "loyal  Unionists,"  "repentant  rebels," 
"homogeneous  Americans,"  "Pierpont's  honesty,"  "Snead's 
capacity,"  "Gordon's  friendship,  manliness,  and  gratitude," 


638        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

"respectability  and  usefulness  of  military  commissions." 
Why  restrict  one  to  a  single  subject  when  the  whole  field  is 
so  open? 

I  will  say  to  Ayer  how  he  better  cure  the  people  of  Norfolk. 
Gordon  is  at  Washington.  I  do  not  know  whether  in  or  out 
of  the  service.     Love  to  Brown  and  believe  me 

Yours,  Butler 

From  F.  A.  Angell  to  General  Butler 

54  Elliot  Place,  Brooklyn,  July  7th,  1865     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

General:  You  may  think  it  presuming  in  me  to  write  to 
you,  especially  when  I  acknowledge  that  you  very  kindly 
wrote  to  me  last  year,  in  answer  to  my  request  for  your  auto- 
graph. Then  you  said,  in  substance,  that  you  would  be 
very  glad  to  write  me  on  any  subject  I  wished,  when  peace 
came  to  the  land. 

I  confess  that  the  temptation  to  have  in  my  autograph 
book  a  letter  from  you  written  in  accordance  with  your  promise 
of  last  year,  bids  me  write  and  make  the  request. 

There  are  many,  many  subjects  that  you  could  write  me 
about  to  profit  and  please  me,  but  it  is  hard  to  suggest  the 
subject,  as  great  men  often  do  not  like  to  publish  even  to  a 
few  their  views  on  many  questions  of  the  day.  Now,  of 
course  the  reasonable  opinion  of  us  anti-slavery  people  is 
that  those  who  should  be  allowed  to  vote  in  the  Southern 
States  are  the  loyal  only,  whether  white  or  black. 

Think  you,  can  we  depend  on  our  President  to  exert  his 
influence  to  keep  out  the  Southern  States  till  they  secure  to 
the  blacks  at  least  the  freedom  they  now  have  on  paper? 
Is  there  not  danger  that  the  Southern  States  will  reorganize, 
over-ride  the  spirit  and  letter  of  the  amnesty  proclamation, 
and  coming  back  make  the  lot  of  the  black  race  at  least  no 
better  than  before  the  war;  and,  in  short,  "play  the  devil'* 
with  us? 

It  is  a  pity  we  could  not  condemn  all  the  Southern  leaders 
to  hard  labor  for  life,  that  they  might  taste  that  which  they 
made  others  taste  of. 

Since  I  received  your  letter  last  year,  I  have  received  over 
fifty  autographs  and  letters,  and  have  heard,  among  others, 
from  Gens.  Grant  and  Sheridan,  Thomas,  Meade,  and  Howard, 
from  Messrs.  Greeley,  Phillips,  Sumner,  Gov.  Andrew,  and 
others. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        639 

Of  course  I  do  not  claim  any  right  to  your  time  or  any  por- 
tion of  your  patience,  very  probably  I  might  not  have  the 
confidence  to  ask  in  person  what  I  request  by  letter,  yet 
notwithstanding  all  this,  I  do  hope  to  hear  from  you.     In 

P  '     Yours  with  great  respect,  F.  A.  Angell 

From  General  Butler  to  F.  A.  Angell 

Dear  Sir:  A  man's  right  to  self-government  is  inherent 
and  inalienable.  It  does  not  depend  on  the  degree  of  his 
intelligence  or  on  other  accidents.  It  is  the  correlation  of 
self  defence.     Is  the  Negro  a  man.^^ 

But  it  is  said  that  the  Negro  will  vote  as  his  late  master 
directs,  and  thus  increase  his  master's  political  power.  Be 
it  so.  As  the  master  will  have  control  of  all  the  voting,  as 
he  had  before  the  war,  if  the  negro  does  not  vote,  I  do  not 
see  how  he  or  we  are  worse  off  if  the  negro  votes  with  him. 
If  the  master  votes  right,  let  the  negro  vote  with  him.  If  the 
master  votes  wrong,  then  we  gain  the  chance  that  the  negro 
may  not  vote  with  the  master.  That  chance  is  worth  some- 
thing. Thus  we  gain  and  can  lose  nothing  by  giving  the 
negro  the  right  of  suffrage. 

Respectfully,  [Benj.  F.  Butler] 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  July  12,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  Howard,  Comdg.  of  Freedmen's  Affairs 

Gen.  :  When  in  command  of  the  Army  of  the  James  I  caused 
a  very  substantial  hospital  to  be  built  at  Point  of  Rocks, 
near  Bermuda  Hundreds,  on  the  peninsular  between  the 
Appomattox  and  the  James,  of  logs,  composed  of  many  build- 
ings, with  the  design  that  after  the  capture  of  Richmond  the 
structures  should  be  used  as  a  freedmen's  village  to  accom- 
modate the  negroes  whom  I  foresaw  would  flock  to  Richmond. 
I  think  the  hospital  was  well  adapted  to  that  end.  It  should 
not  be  permitted  to  go  back  into  the  hands  of  the  former 
disloyal  owner,  because,  among  other  reasons,  hundreds  of 
our  soldiers'  graves  are  in  the  cemetery  near  it.  I  have  then 
ventured  to  call  the  matter  to  your  attention  for  such  action 
as  you  think  fit.  Respectfully  yours,  B.  F.  B. 


640       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Howard 

War  Department,  Bureau  of  Refugees,  Freedmen,  and  Abandoned  Lands, 

Washington,  July  lUh,  1865     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  Gen' I.  Benj.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

Dear  General:  I  have  received  yours  of  the  12th  inst. 
relative  to  the  place  at  Point  of  Rocks.  It  was  formerly  the 
property  of  a  Mr.  Jno.  Strachau.  It  is  now  in  my  hands  for 
the  purposes  you  mention,  and  of  great  service  to  us,  and 
shall  never  go  back  to  its  disloyal  owner  with  my  consent. 

Please  accept  thanks  for  its  acquirement,  and  your  kindness 
in  mentioning  it. 

Respectfully,  O.  O.  Howard,  Major  Gen'l.  Commissioner,  &c. 

From  General  Marston  to  General  Butler 

Exeter,  July  \Uh,  1865 

My  dear  General:  Your  note  of  the  6th  inst.,  with  the 
slip  containing  your  reply  to  the  toast,  "The  Volunteers," 
reached  me  last  evening.  I  immediately  enclosed  the  same 
to  Mr.  Snow  of  the  Intelligencer,  with  a  request  that  he  would 
publish  the  same,  which  he  will  doubtless  do  unless  he  should 
think  it  comes  too  late.  I  agree  with  every  word  you  said, 
and  am  glad  you  have  spoken  and  so  forcibly  that  the  people 
will  give  heed  to  it. 

But  for  the  damnable  treatment  of  our  well  men,  our  sick 
men,  our  wounded  and  our  dead,  who  fell  into  their  hands, 
I  should  have  been  quite  willing  to  play  the  magnanimous 
on  the  largest  scale.  As  it  is,  the  wretched  fiends  ought  not 
to  be  allowed  to  live  anywhere  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  I 
care  not  before  what  tribunal  they  are  arraigned,  so  they  be 
quickly  hanged. 

What  is  to  be  the  fate  of  the  colored  people.'^  If  not  pro- 
tected by  the  national  authority,  I  fear  they  will  fare  worse 
even  than  did  our  prisoners. 

To-day  I  am  in  a  less  hopeful  frame  of  mind  than  in  the 
darkest  hours  of  the  rebellion.  If  the  colored  people  are  not 
to  have  the  right  of  suffrage,  their  condition  will  be  pitiable 
indeed,  unless  we  record  them  as  the  wards  of  the  nation,  and 
protect  them  accordingly. 

But  suppose  they  have  the  right  of  suffrage,  will  they  not 
be  either  controlled  by  their  late  masters  or  be  treated  worse 
than  if  they  had  it  not?  Suppose  Congress  declines  to  receive 
delegations  from  the  states,  late  in  rebellion,  until  by  their 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       641 

constitutions  and  laws  they  allow  the  blacks  the  right  of 
suffrage?  Will  not  parties  be  immediately  formed  on  that 
issue?  and  if  so,  would  not  the  division  be  something  like  this 
—  the  admitting  the  delegations  and  leaving  the  question  of 
suffrage  to  the  several  states? 

The  President,  Gen.  Grant,  and  Sherman  and  three-fourths 
of  their  armies,  the  democratic  party  of  the  South  solid,  and 
on  the  other  side  the  Republican  party  proper. 

Pray  what  would  be  the  result  of  an  election  campaign  on 

that  issue?     I  am  somewhat  anxious  about  this  matter,  for 

after  all  the  blood  and  treasures  expended  in  this  war  I  want 

some  permanent  improvement,  some  substantial  good  to  the 

country  to  result  from  it.         ^^         .     i     ^  t.  ,r 

Yours  truly,  Oilman  Marston 

From  Benjamin  F.  Wade  to  General  Butler 

Strictly  Confidential.     Jefferson,  July  \Qth,  1865 

My  dear  Sir:  Before  I  left  Washington  I  received  your 
letter  and  speech,  and  also  a  memorial  from  all  the  State 
officials  of  New  Hampshire,  addressed  to  the  President, 
earnestly  requesting  him  to  appoint  you  to  some  place  in  the 
Cabinet.  I  lost  no  time  in  seeking  an  interview  with  him 
and  laid  the  memorial  before  him. 

I  informed  him  that  the  sentiments  contained  in  that 
petition  were  not  peculiar  to  New  Hampshire,  and  were 
equally  shared  by  all  the  loyal,  earnest  men  of  Ohio,  and  I 
had  no  doubt  by  a  large  majority  of  the  people  of  the  free 
States.  I  did  not  hesitate  to  say  to  him  that  the  policy  he 
was  pursuing  with  regard  to  reconstruction  was  filling  many 
of  our  best  men  with  serious  alarm,  and  that  I  believed  it  to 
be  his  bounden  duty  to  call  around  him  the  ablest  men  in  the 
nation,  and  those  in  whom  the  public  had  the  most  con- 
fidence. He  took  it  all  in  good  part,  ordered  his  private  Sec- 
retary to  label  the  memorial  in  so  plain  a  manner  that  he 
could  put  his  hand  on  it  at  any  time,  night  or  day,  and,  with- 
out committing  himself,  left  me  to  understand  that  he  was 
highly  in  favor  of  its  sentiments.  Were  it  not  for  the  experi- 
ence we  have  both  had  in  regard  to  the  impressions  made 
upon  his  mind  (while  the  event  has  shown  us  to  have  been 
entirely  mistaken),  I  should  have  but  little  doubt  that  you 
would  soon  be  called  into  the  public  service.  Your  speech 
in  my  judgment  contains  the  true  principles  on  which  the 
government   should   be   administered.     They  are   so  plain  I 

VOL.  V — 41 


642       LETTERS    OF    GEN.    BENJAMIN   F.    BUTLER 

can  hardly  see  why  there  should  be  two  opinions  respecting 
them. 

Immediately  on  my  return,  I  was  taken  down  with  erysipelas 
in  my  foot,  which  has  completely  prostrated  me,  and  rendered 
me  incapable  of  getting  about. 

My  wife  joins  me  in  kind  remembrances  to  Mrs.  Butler 

^  *  Truly  yours,  B.  F.  Wade 

From  General  Butler  to  Benjamin  F.  Wade 

July  20 

My  dear  Wade  :  I  am  to  thank  you  for  another  in  addition 
to  all  your  kindness. 

If  we  are  to  go  on  as  we  are  now  tending,  I  certainly  do  not 
desire  to  take  part  in  the  Government.  All  is  wrong  —  we 
are  losing  the  just  results  of  this  four  years'  struggle. 

The  most  vivid  hope  I  have  is  that  the  rebels  will  behave  so 
outrageously  as  to  awaken  the  Government  and  the  North 
once  more  out  of  the  dream  of  brotherly  Union  where  brotherly 
love  is  not.  My  ground  for  that  hope  is  that  heretofore,  under 
Providence,  whenever  all  looked  gloomy  for  our  cause,  some- 
thing of  outrage  or  extravagant  pretentions  have  been  put 
forth  on  the  part  of  the  South  which  has  brought  our  people 
to  their  senses. 

May  it  so  happen  again.     I  think  it  is  happening. 

I  am  grieved  to  learn  of  your  ill-health,  and  trust  nothing 
serious  will  result  from  it. 

I  am  about  to  leave  home  for  Sharon  Springs,  N.Y.  for  a 
few  days.  Might  not  the  waters  be  a  benefit  to  you.f^  Mrs, 
Butler  sends  kindest  regards  to  Mrs.  Wade  and  yourself. 

Most  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  Lieutenant  Nicodemus 

Geobgetown,  D.  C,  July  iOth,  1865 

General  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

General:  I  am  ordered  by  the  War  Department  to  in- 
vestigate the  claims  against  the  United  States  of  F.  Epstein, 
M.  David,  H.  Steen,  Julius  Louis,  and  Herman  Sommers. 
These  persons  were  taken  near  Brandon  on  James  River  by 
armed  transport  "General  Jessup"  Jan.  25th,  1864,  were 
reported  to  you  as  blockade  runners,  and  their  vessel,  the 
schooner  "Thomas  J.  Dawson,"  cargo  and  personal  effects, 
were  confiscated  by  you.     There  were  certain  lists  and  memo- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   643 

randa  of  the  property  belonging  to  each  party,  which  Lt. 
Hanis,  the  commanding  oflBcer  of  the  "General  Jessup," 
deposes  he  placed  in  your  hands.  These  are  not  to  be 
found. 

I  searched  all  the  records  of  the  Provost  Marshal's  office  at 
Fort  Monroe,  Va.  Will  you  be  so  kind  as  to  inform  me 
where  those  lists  may  be  found,  and  information  as  to  what 
the  property  netted  to  the  United  States. 

If  you  are  not  able  to  comply  with  the  above,  be  pleased  to 
place  me  in  communication  with  Maj.  Lt.  C.  W.  Farrington, 
John  Cassels,  C.  M.  Whelden,  and  Lt.  C.  G.  Field.  By 
complying  with  the  above,  you  will  greatly  oblige  very  respect- 
fully. Sir, 

Your  ohdt.  Servant,  Wm.  H.  Nicodemus,  Lt.  Col.  U.S.A. 

From  General  Butler  to  Lieutenant  Nicodemus 

Col:  Some  time  in  Jan.,  1864,  General  Graham  with  his 
army  boats  made  an  expedition  up  the  James,  and  there 
captured  a  sloop  and  schooner  with  some  Jews  and  property 
on  board.  When  in  Washington  I  asked  the  Sec.  of  War 
what  should  be  done  with  such  cases.  He  replied,  "If  you 
give  the  captured  as  prizes  to  the  men,  I  shall  never  inquire 
after  it."  Whereupon  I  caused  the  property  to  be  sold  by 
the  order  of  Provost  Marshal,  and  it  was  paid  into  the  civil 
fund,  but  directed  to  be  kept  separately,  because  I  intended 
to  distribute  it.  The  capture  of  the  enemy  afterwards  of  a 
portion  of  the  force  prevented  this  distribution.  That  money 
proceeds  of  that  property,  was  duly  accounted  for  and  turned 
over  with  other  monies  to  Maj.  Seward  I  doubt  not,  and 
receipt  taken  by  Mr.  Field.  You  can  get  all  the  details  each 
in  their  department  if  you  will  write  to  Mr.  Field  and  Mr. 
Farrington  at  Lowell,  to  Major  Cassels  at  Pittsburg,  or  Lt. 
Col.  Whelden  at  Pittsfield,  Mass.  Major  Cassels  can  probably 
give  you  the  whereabouts  of  the  papers  relating  to  this  trans- 
action. The  whole  was  a  lawful  prize  to  the  Government. 
Any  other  information  will  be  cheerfully  furnished. 

B.  F.  B. 

From  J.  K.  Herbert 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  22/65 

To  the  President 

Sir:  I  desire  Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler  to  visit  Washington 
on  important  private  business  of  my  own,  and  as  there  is  a 


644        LETTERS  OF   GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

General  Order  prohibiting  General  Officers  from  coming  here 
without  leave,  I  respectfully  request  that  such  leave  be  granted 
him.     I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Your  most  obH.  sent.,  J.  K.  Herbert 

Executive  Office,  Washington,  D.  C,  July  22/65 

Respectfully  referred  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  who  will 
cause  the  within  request  to  be  granted. 

Andrew  Johnson,  Pres. 

From  the  Secretary  of  War 

War  Department,  Washington  City,  July  22,  1865 

At  the  request  of  J.  K.  Herbert  leave  is  given  Major  General 
B.  F.  Butler  to  visit  Washington  on  private  business  for  the 
said  Herbert. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  Jas.  A.  Hardie, 

Inspector  Gen'l. 

From  President  Johnson 

By  Telegraph /rom  Washington,  July  24,  1865 

To  Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler 

By  direction  of  the  Pres.,  leave  is  given  you  to  come  to 
Washington.     Please  acknowledge  receipt. 

E.  D.  Townsend 

From  James  Parton  and  Wife  to  General  Butler 

Brattleboro,  Vt.,  July  lUh,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler 

My  dear  General:  Your  note,  enclosing  a  proof  of  your 
Fourth  of  July  speech,  came  round  to  me  a  day  or  two  ago, 
and  I  had  no  resource  but  to  send  the  speech  to  H.  G. 

I  was  entirely  satisfied  with  the  speech,  as  with  every  word 
you  have  uttered  since  April,  1861.  I  want  all  the  people 
slain  who  had  anything  to  do  with  the  murder  of  the  prisoners, 
and  all  the  rest  forgiven  when  they  repent  —  you  to  be  the 
judge  whether  or  not  their  repentance  is  genuine.  The  speech 
was  eloquent  as  well  as  right. 

I  am  here  for  the  summer  —  with  all  my  tribe.  It  is  a 
delightful  place. 

General,  I  am  at  once  astonished  and  disgusted  to  find 
how  many  people,  otherwise  reasonable,  have  the  impression 
that  you  made  an  immense  fortune  at  New  Orleans.     It  is 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        645 

really  a  melancholy  instance  of  the  power  of  calumny.  I 
have  long  wished  that  on  some  convenient  occasion  you 
would  meet  this  whole  charge,  explain  how  it  arose,  and  give 
it  a  clear  denial,  defying  contradiction.  This  you  have  never 
done,  and  the  fact  that  you  have  never  done  it  is  commented 
on.  Such  a  denial  would  not  silence  copperheads  or  Bennett, 
but  it  would  satisfy  many  good  people. 

I  ought  not  to  advise  one  who  understands  the  public 
better  than  I  do,  nevertheless  I  have  wished  this. 

Mrs.  Parton  desires  to  be  remembered  to  Mrs.  Butler  and 

your  daughter,  as  I  do,  and  joins  me  in  saying,  that  we  are 

very  truly  yours,  t  t»  ttt 

•^  *^  James  Parton  and  Wife 


From  General  Butler  to  James  Parton 

July  26th 

My  dear  Parton:  Your  kind  note  gives  me  much  pleasure. 
Thank  Mrs.  Parton  for  her  continued  interest;  for  yourself, 
you  are  always  so  kind  that  one  forgets  the  due  courtesies. 
What  "occasion"  can  I  take  to  refute  the  calumny.'*  I  have 
been  wishing  for  the  Smith  suit  to  come  on,  when  I  hope 
under  oath  to  put  that  matter  right.  I  am  just  starting  for 
Sharon  Springs  with  Blanche  and  Mrs.  Butler,  who  send  love. 

Yours  truly,  Butler 

From  B.  Wardwell  to  General  Butler 

Richmond,  Virginia,  July  26,  1865 

Dear  General:  Yesterday  was  our  election  day  for  city 
officers.  Mayor,  Commonwealth's  Atty.,  in  fact  all  the 
officers  of  any  importance  who  were  elected  were  violent 
secessionists,  many  of  them  having  been  commissioned  officers 
under  the  Confederate  or  Mob  Government.  Now,  I  am 
most  anxious  to  know  whether  we  are  to  go  back  into  the 
hands  of  those  who  caused  all  our  troubles,  or  not.  I  would 
not  have  attempted  to  have  remained  here  had  I  supposed 
things  would  have  taken  the  turn  they  have.  No  one  has 
any  use  for  a  Union  man  here.  In  fact  many  of  our  Union 
men  are  discouraged,  worn  out.  Is  there  any  hope  of  our 
having  a  Military  Governor,  or  any  assistance  from  the 
Government  we  lost  all  the  property  we  had  in  defence  of,  or 
must  we  submit  to  the  rule  of  those  scoundrels  who  so  wickedly 
treated  us  and  all  others  who  dared  do  or  say  a  word  in  favor 


646        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

of  our  Government?     Hoping  for  a  word  of  encouragement. 

Your  Ohdt.  Servant,  B.  Ward  well 

P.  S.  Since  the  elections,  many  of  the  violent  secessionists 
are  looking  quite  as  independent  as  they  did  when  receiving 
the  smiles  of  Maj.  General  E.  O.  C.  Ord,  who  was  all  smiles 
to  violent  and  wealthy  traitors.     B.  W. 


From  S.  J.  Hollensworth  to  General  Butler 

Aug.  ind,  1865,  Oswego,  Tioga  Co.,  N.  Y. 

Dear  Sir:  The  colored  people  of  the  Southern  tier  counties 
of  N.  Y.,  and  the  Northern  tier  Penna.,  are  going  to  have  an 
Emancipation  Celebration,  Aug.  10th,  and  the  committee 
have  authorized  me  to  extend  an  invitation  to  you,  our  best 
friend;  and  should  you  conclude  to  come  we  will  pay  your 
expenses  and  all  further  charges. 

Very  respectfully  yours  for  our  enfranchisement, 

S.  J.  Hollensworth,  Corresponding  Secretary 

From  General  Butler 

August  9 

Your  kind  invitation  reached  me  to-day  on  my  return 
home,  too  late  for  my  attendance  at  your  meeting.  My  best 
wishes,  however,  go  out  to  you.  Let  the  colored  people 
maintain  their  rights  as  citizens  with  dignity,  forbearance, 
under  the  wrongs  which  will  be  put  upon  them  by  prejudice 
and  ignorance.  Let  them  show  by  industry  and  frugality  and 
obedience  to  the  laws  that  they  are  worthy  of  those  rights, 
and  I  am  sure,  as  the  sun  shines  on  the  just  and  the  unjust, 
they  shall  attain  every  right  which  belongs  to  the  citizens 
of  the  United  States.  Respectfully,  B.  F.  B. 

From  E.  W.  Whipple  to  General  Butler 

Post  Office,  Norfolk,  Va.,  August  lith,  1865 

Dear  General:  You  will  doubtless  remember  that,  a  little 
more  than  a  year  ago,  Mr.  Warren  W.  Wing,  who  was  then 
Post  Master  of  this  city,  was,  at  your  request,  removed  from 
oflBce,  and  on  the  recommendation  of  Gen.  Shepley  I  received 
the  appointment.  I  still  hold  the  office,  but  understand 
that   Mr.  Wing,  at   the  request   of   Governor   Pierpont,  has 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        647 

been  re-appointed,  and  am  expecting  his  arrival  in  a  day  or 
two  to  take  possession  of  the  office. 

The  object  of  this  communication  is  to  request  you,  in  some 
moment  of  leisure,  to  inform  me  why  Mr.  Wing  was  removed, 
and  what  were  the  charges  against  him.  I  wish  the  informa- 
tion for  future  use.  Shortly  after  you  left  this  department, 
Gov.  Pierpont,  who  had  not  dared  to  come  here  for  more 
than  a  year  (fearing  that  he  would  be  arrested  by  your  order, 
as  a  disturber  of  the  peace) ,  arrived  in  the  city,  called  a  public 
meeting,  and  by  means  of  posters  succeeded  in  getting  a 
large  audience. 

The  principal  portion  of  his  address  to  the  people  consisted 
of  abuse  of  you  and  your  administration.  After  many  asser- 
tions that  I  knew  to  be  untrue,  he  finally  uttered  another  so 
monstrous  that  I  arose  from  my  seat  and  informed  Gov. 
Pierpont  that  his  last  assertion  was  false,  and  every  man, 
woman,  and  child  in  Norfolk  knew  it  to  be  so. 

For  this  offence  I  am  removed  from  office  at  the  particular 
request  from  Gov.  Pierpont  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States.     I  remain.  General, 

Ever  your  friend,  E.  W.  Whipple 

From  General  Butler  to  E.  W.  Whipple 

My  dear  Sir:  I  had  Mr.  Wing  removed  because  I  had 
doubts  of  his  loyalty.  As  all  the  disloyal  are  coming  into 
power  now  in  Virginia,  I  should  suppose  Wing  would  be 
reinstated  with  a  drunken  scoundrel  for  a  Governor.  I  should 
think  Wing  would  be  a  proper  Post  Master  of  his  selection. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  August  15th,  1865 

Hon.  Wm.  M.  Dixon,  Cincinnati,  Ohio 

My  dear  Judge:  I  assume  that  I  am  indebted  to  you  for  a 
marked  copy  of  the  Commercial  containing  your  review  of 
Gen.  Cox's  letter,  therefore  I  venture  to  address  you  this 
note. 

Thanks  for  the  calm  and  able  manner  in  which  you  have 
discussed  the  extraordinary  propositions  of  your  candidate 
for  Governor. 

Although  I  have  the  high  respect  for  General  Cox  as  a 
soldier  and  citizen,  and  would  treat  all  that  he  says  with  due 


648        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

consideration,  yet  the  monstrous  assertions  of  fact  and  prin- 
ciples enunciated  by  him  would  hardly  leave  me  cool  enough 
to  quietly  consider  them. 

If  the  results  arrived  at  by  Gen.  Cox  as  to  the  condition, 
hopes,  and  future  of  the  negro  are  in  truth  the  advance  which 
the  nation  has  made  in  its  four  years  of  travail  and  blood, 
then  we  have  succeeded  only  in  perpetuating  the  most  heinous 
national  crime  against  four  millions  of  people  of  which  history 
will  ever  bear  record. 

Have  we  liberated  the  negro  to  hate  him;  fought  for  his 
emancipation  for  four  years  only  to  deepen  our  dislike  to  him; 
called  upon  him  to  stand  side  by  side  with  us  in  the  shock  of 
arms,  our  dead  buried  on  the  same  battlefields  with  him  in  a 
common  grave,  only  to  intensify  our  pride  of  Race.'* 

Have  we  broken  up  a  social  condition,  which  at  least  he 
found  tolerable,  to  put  him  in  one  where  his  existence  is  an 
impossibility? 

The  supposition  that  the  negro  can  be  segregated  in  a 
given  portion  of  this  country,  apart  from  the  white  man,  in  a 
separate  community  occupying  a  part  of  our  seaboard,  whether 
as  a  dependency  or  an  independency,  to  say  nothing  of  con- 
stitutional objections,  is  simply  absurd  and  worthy  only  of 
the  statesmanship  which  dictated  Gen.  Sherman's  order  to 
enlist  all  the  young  and  able-bodied  into  the  army,  and  give 
to  the  other  heads  of  families  forty  acres  of  a  nice  swamp  to 
raise  a  grain  that  can  only  be  cultivated  by  extensive  and 
costly  ditching  for  flowage  and  machinery  for  cleansing. 

Or  worse,  an  appropriation  of  the  choice  Sea  Island  cotton 
lands  to  the  negro,  upon  which  he  could  hardly  be  defended 
for  a  series  of  years  by  the  whole  power  of  the  United  States. 
These  are  the  choicest  lands  of  the  South,  and  are  to  be  given 
up  to  the  negro  because  we  hate  him,  and  have  learned  an 
intensity  of  pride  and  race  as  against  him.  One  would  have 
thought  that  the  experiment  of  the  Indian  reservations  in 
Georgia  would  have  taught  us  better  than  this. 

The  only  excuse  that  I  have  ever  seen  for  this  order  is  the 
same  put  forth  in  the  editorial  of  the  Commercial,  to  wit,  that 
the  negro  preachers  upon  being  asked  by  Mr.  Stanton  and 
Sherman,  said  that  they  thought  it  was  best  for  the  blacks  to 
live  apart  by  themselves.  Not  an  unlikely  reply  from  their 
standpoint  and  experience  of  living  with  the  whites  in  a  state 
of  slavery. 

As  the  "Leaders  of  the  Black  Race,"  as  they  are   called 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        649 

they  would  naturally  desire  to  have  their  constituents  under 
their  own  control,  free  from  all  control  or  influence  of  white 
men  who  might  control  them  in  their  pride  of  race.  But 
alas!  if  the  opinions  of  these  "black  leaders"  are  to  be  taken 
as  the  solution  of  this  most  difficult  ethnological,  political, 
and  governmental  question,  what  becomes  of  our  pride  of 
race  —  what  of  the  argument  that  the  black  man  has  not 
intelligence  enough  to  govern  himself,  if  we  allow  the  black 
preachers,  untaught  save  the  glimmering  of  learning  vouch- 
safed to  them  by  slavery  and  amid  chimeras,  to  determine  this 
great  problem  of  the  age,  the  political  enigma  of  the  century? 

Should  these  blacks,  then,  be  not  Gospel  ministers  but 
cabinet  ministers,  not  Black  Leaders,  but  Generals  of  Armies, 
and  I  entirely  agree,  able  to  make  negotiations  of  peace  in 
surrender  quite  equal  to  the  Sherman  and  Johnson  treaty. 

If  these  are  General  Cox's  views  on  this  question,  it  may 
be  open  to  discussion  whether  Vallandigham,  elected  as  an 
open  enemy,  may  be  preferred  to  a  halting  friend  paralyzing 
the  true  sympathies  of  loyal  men.  Vallandigham  would  be 
squarely  against  the  loyal  and  true  men,  and  would  cause  no 
division  in  their  ranks. 

Let  us,  however,  be  under  no  fear  on  this  question.  The 
right  of  suffrage  is  under  bonds  to  the  amount  of  more  than 
the  three  millions  of  dollars,  that  it  shall  be  given  to  the 
negroes.  Without  their  aid  to  make  a  loyal  South,  our  debt 
will  be  repudiated  by  those  who  shall  come  into  power,  and 
by  their  allies  in  the  North.  Can  we  suppose  the  Southern 
rebel  will  vote  to  pay  for  subduing  himself,  while  the  grateful 
negro  will  gladly  pay  any  price  for  the  invaluable  boon  of 
freedom  to  himself  and  his  race  forever  .^^ 

But  this  note  is  already  too  long  to  allow  farther  develop- 

Believe  me,  yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 
From  Colonel  J.  C.  Kelton  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  Adjutant  Generals  Office,  Washington,  Aug.  iSrd,  1865 

General:  Your  official  report  of  the  Hatteras  Expedition, 
Aug.  30th,  1861,  has  been  lost  from  the  files  of  this  office.^ 

Please  forward  a  copy  of  your  retained  copy  thereof  to  the 
Adjutant  General,  who  is  now  preparing  the  reports  of  battles, 
etc.,  etc.  for  publication.     Very  respectfully, 

Yr.  obdt.  servt.,  J.  C.  Kelton,  Col.  A.  A.  G. 

1  Report  lost  a  second  time,  for  first  time,  see  letter  to  Grant,  January  11,  1885. 


650         LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  September  5th,  1865 

By  direction  of  Major  General  Butler,  I  forward  herewith 
enclosed  copy  of  his  report  of  the  Hatteras  Expedition,  as 
requested  in  your  communication  to  the  General  of  Aug.  23rd, 

Very  respectfully,  Henry  O.  Bennett 
From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

Freeport,  III.,  August  iith,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  received  your  letter  five  days  ago,  and 
was  glad  to  hear  from  you.  You  say  you  will  start  West  soon 
after  the  State  Convention.  I  have  heard  that  you  talk  of 
allowing  your  name  to  be  used  for  Governor.  Now,  I  doubt 
the  propriety  of  this  unless  you  have  a  dead  open  &  shut  on 
the  nomination.  You  must  not  be  voted  for  unless  you  are 
nominated.  I  received  a  letter  from  Jefferson,  Mo.,  saying 
that  an  invitation  for  you  to  come  to  Mo.  had  been  forwarded 
me  at  Washington  under  the  impression  I  was  there.  I  wrote 
them  to  duplicate  and  send  direct  to  you.  I  am  quietly  at 
home,  trying  to  make  a  living,  which  is  up  hill  work.  I  can't 
get  down  to  one  horse  work.  I  have  a  strong  notion  of  going 
to  New  Orleans  this  winter,  to  try  and  do  something  there. 
I  am  not  able  to  devote  my  time  to  politics  exclusively  or  I 
would  do  that. 

I  sent  the  money  to  you  for  the  reason  that  the  parties  who 
owed  the  mortgage  I  sent  you  desired  to  pay  the  interest  and 
part  principal,  and  wanted  the  mortgage  and  notes  here,  so 
I  raised  the  money  and  sent  for  them.  I  feel  under  obliga- 
tions to  you  for  the  accommodation,  and  if  I  get  in  a  tight 
place  for  money  will  call  on  you  again. 

Write  and  let  me  know  a  couple  of  weeks  before  you  start 
West.  I  would  like  much  to  go  East,  but  I  cannot  leave. 
I  have  my  affairs  tied  up  in  such  a  way  that  they  require  my 
attention  here.  Especially  as  I  want  to  arrange  matters  so 
that  I  can  go  South  if  opportunity  offers. 

My  brother  is  in  N.  O.,  and  doing  well.  Turner  is  anxious 
that  I  should  join  him  in  business  somewhere  as  soon  as  he 
can  get  out  of  the  service,  as  he  don't  expect  to  receive  promo- 
tion in  regular  army  that  will  warrant  his  remaining.  If  I 
go  south  to  engage  in  business,  I  will  have  to  do  it  on  my 
nerve,  as  my  money  is  so  tied  up  in  real  estate  and  other  matters 


LETTERS  OF   GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       651 

that  it  will  take  from  one  to  two  years  to  get  it  out.  My 
speech  that  I  sent  you  will  not  make  me  many  friends  at 
Washington  or  among  the  State  men  in  New  Orleans.  I 
wish  now  I  had  made  it  harder  on  some  parties.  I  understand 
D.  L.  Hough,  who  you  wrote  to  in  regard  to  Hudson,  is  East. 
I  wrote  him  yesterday.  I  don't  believe  it  will  pay  for  you 
to  publicly  notice  his  pamphlet.  Wait  and  see  what  turns 
up.  I  will  go  with  you  to  Mo.  if  you  conclude  to  visit  that 
part  of  the  West.  Grant  is  at  home  in  Galence,  and  I  under- 
stand will  go  up  river  and  also  visit  several  of  the  principal 
places  in  the  West  before  returning  to  Washington.  Every- 
body must  have  their  day.     Remember  me  kindly  to  Mrs. 

Butler  and  Blanche.  x^         j     i      7  t  ^r  c 

I  ours  truly  always,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

Have  you  sent  in  your  resignation  or  are  you  waiting  for 
that  good  time  coming  you  speak  of  in  your  letter,  when  the 
President  will  get  his  eyes  open,  and  change  his  milk  and  water 
policy.     I  see  all  the  Volunteer  officers  that  would  be  worth 

a  d m  to  govern  those  states  are  resigning,  — Logan,  Foster, 

etc.  I  hope  you  are  right  about  the  future,  but  my  faith  is 
weak,  unless  Congress  compels  Johnson  to  change.      J.  W.  S. 

From  Samuel  Wilkinson 

(1865) 

Dear  General  Butler  :  The  enclosed  may  be  useful  to  you. 

I  have  suggested  to  Mr.  Greely  to  go  on  with  you  when  you 
go.  It  will  be  better  thus.  He  leaves  N.  Y.  on  Friday,  and 
returns  on  Sunday  morning  —  every  week.  You  had  better 
arrange  your  departure  with  reference  to  this,  his  habit.  .  .  . 

There  is  a  beautiful  fitness  in  sending  Printers  and  Editors 
to  represent  us  in  the  most  important  countries  in  Europe. 
Benjamin  Franklin  honored  his  country  and  honored  his 
craft.  There  is  more  in  Greely's  snoring  than  there  is  in  all 
the  Adamses  that  perform  Departed  Greatness  before  Massa- 
chusetts or  British  audiences  in  their  most  electrified  and 
strained  estate. 

Let  us  both  endeavor  to  forget  the  frightful  platitude  and 
babyishness  of  the  expressed  desire  to  have  the  rebels  brought 
to  "feel  thoroughly  ashamed  of  themselves"!!!! 

Yours,  etc.,  Sam'l.  Wilkinson 


652       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  Horace  Greeley  to  General  Butler 

Office  of  the  Tribune,  New  York,  Aug.  lUh,  1865 

My  dear  Sir:  I  have  your  despatcli.  I  am  glad  you  did 
not  call  for  me  to  go  to  Washington.  The  fact  is,  I  don't 
want  to  go.  We  must  carry  favor  to  Washington,  before  we 
can  exact  (or  expect)  any  there. 

Only  convince  President  Johnson  that  public  opinion  de- 
mands negro  suffrage  and  he  will  secure  it  for  us.  But  our 
present  duty  is  to  make  public  opinion  in  favor,  when  Presi- 
dential opinion  will  gladly  follow. 

I  enclose  a  rough  draft  of  a  suffrage  provision  which  I  guess 

we  might  carry.     Please  consider  it,  and  tell  me  how  to  mend 

it,  and  how  we  may  do  better.        -rr  tt  r^ 

"^  Yours,  Horace  Greeley 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 
Of  the  Right  of  Suffrage 

1st.  Every  person  who  has  lawfully  exercised  the  right  of 
suffrage  in  this  State,  prior  to  1861,  shall  henceforth  and  till 
his  death  be  a  legal  voter  therein,  unless  disqualified  by  emigra- 
tion or  by  conviction  of  crime;  and  the  names  of  all  persons 
thus  entitled  shall  be  duly  registered  and  recorded  in  their 
several  election  districts  or  precincts,  each  subject  to  transfer 
in  case  of  removal  from  one  precinct  to  another  within  the 
State. 

2nd.  To  this  register  shall  be  added,  on  or  directly  after  the 
1st  of  January  in  each  year,  the  name  of  each  adult  male 
citizen  residing  in  such  district  or  precinct  as  shall  have  read 
understandingly  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  and  of 
this  State,  and  has  paid  a  State  tax  during  the  year  preceding. 

3rd.  Taxes  shall  be  levied  and  collected  without  discrimina- 
tion of  color  or  race,  and  all  forfeits  held  by  individuals,  and 
on  all  Confederate  (.'*)  property  save  that  which  is  entirely 
devoted  to  Governmental,  religious,  educational,  or  charitable 
uses;  but  the  wearing  apparel  and  household  effects  of  each 
family  to  the  value  of  $100  shall  be  exempt  from  taxation. 

From  Major  H.  E.  Noyes  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  August  i7th,  1865 

General:  I  take  the  liberty  of  sending  you  a  copy  of  the 
order  of  Jeff  Davis  declaring  you  outlawed.     I  got  it  from 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        653 

among  the  official  papers  of  Howell  Cobb,  when  Gen.  Wilson's 
cavalry  occupied  Macon.     I  am,  General,  Etc., 

Henry  E.  Notes,  Caj)t.  2nd.  U.  S.  C,  But.  Major 
U.  S.  A.  A.  D.  C. 

From  General  Butler  to  Major  Noyes 

My  dear  Sir:  Thanks  for  your  kind  thoughtfulness  in 
sending  me  the  official  copy  of  Davis'  Proclamation,  for  which 
I  am  greatly  obliged.  This  paper  shows  what  they  would 
have  done  to  us  if  they  had  caught  us  and  dared  to  do  it,  i.e. 
hang  us  without  trial.  Why  should  not  we  hang  some  of 
them  after  trial  and  conviction  .^^  „         ff  u     n  V  Ji 

From  Judge  D.  K.  Carter  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  August  IQth,  1865 

Esteemed  Friend:  After  the  delightful  visit  which  termi- 
nated in  our  separation  at  New  York,  I  am  again  at  the  seat 
of  Government,  the  temporary  population  of  which  is  made 
up  exclusively  of  rebels  working  defiantly  for  mercy.  The 
executive  power  is  occupied  exclusively  with  the  dispensation 
of  its  Graces.  The  Godlike  attribute  of  pardon  is  exercised 
by  the  priest  with  a  fullness  which  "bowels  of  compassion" 
fails  entirely  to  express. 

Universalism  has  heretofore  been  regarded  heretic,  inas- 
much as  it  professes  to  save  all  men  from  their  sins.^ 

The  Secretary  of  War  is  absent.  I  had  an  interview  with 
the  Prest.,  in  which  I  satisfied  myself  that  there  would  not  be 
any  more  active  employment  for  your  military  commission, 
and  that  there  would  be  a  demand  for  your  legal  services  in 
aid  of  the  government,  in  connection  with  which  if  you  have 
not  already,  you  will  receive  a  despatch  requesting  your 
presence  here  soon. 

The  health  of  the  President  is  not  as  firm  as  we  could  desire. 
His  labor  is  unremitting  in  the  direction  I  have  already  inti- 
mated. I  am  doubtful  whether  his  recent  illness  was  the 
effect  of  bilious  disease  or  over  fatigue.  Remember  me  kindly 
to  Mrs.  B.  and  Blanche. 

Yours  truly,  D.  K.  Carter 

1  The  president  has  found  a  new  way  more  ultra  dispensation 
which  proposes  to  save  all  men  in  their  sins. 


654        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Dodge 

Confidential.    Washington,  D.  C,  August  30th,  1865 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

I  ARRIVED  in  Washington  from  the  West  last  evening.  As 
I  did  not  receive  a  reply  to  my  last  letter  in  regard  to  spending 
a  few  days  at  Newport  with  you,  I  have  concluded  that  you 
decided  to  remain  at  home.  I  noticed  in  the  papers  your 
arrival  at  New  York,  and  was  pleased  to  see  you  had  left  the 
"Hoffman  House"  and  stopped  with  Leland  at  the  "Metro- 
politan." I  devoted  last  evening  entirely  to  your  enemies. 
I  accidently  met  Gen.  Hawley,  and  inquired  of  him  why  he 
opposed  you.  He  is  now  out  of  the  service,  and  is  about  to 
return  to  Connecticut,  to  resume  his  old  profession  as  news- 
paper Editor,  and  "could  now  express  his  opinion."  In  fact 
he  said  some  hard  things  of  you,  which  I  knew  to  be  false. 
I  asked  if  you  had  ever  injured  him  either  in  military  or  civil 
life:  he  said  you  never  had,  but  on  the  contrary  had  been 
very  kind.  I  informed  him  that  he  was  an  ungrateful  wretch, 
and  demanded  from  whom  he  had  received  his  information  — 
who  do  you  think  it  was.'^  That  dirty  C.  W.  Butts  at  Norfolk. 
I  told  him  that  Butts  deserved  anything  than  the  confidence 
of  a  reputable  citizen,  and  that  in  his  own  city  no  one  respected 
him.  I  then  explained  the  facts  of  the  case,  and  he  said  he 
was  wrong  to  listen  to  such  reports,  and  in  the  future  would 
be  more  guarded,  as  he  was  now  convinced  that  your  record 
was  clear. 

At  that  moment  Cadwallader,  in  charge  of  the  Herald 
OflSce,  came  up  and  paid  his  respects  to  me.  I  told  him  that 
I  desired  to  see  him  on  business,  and  we  went  to  my  room. 
I  asked  him  why  he  wrote  such  severe  articles  about  you, 
and  called  his  attention  to  several  he  had  written,  reminding 
him  of  the  kindness  you  had  shown  him.  He  thought  perhaps 
he  was  wrong.  He  had  opposed  an  action  in  your  political 
life,  —  the  time  you  broke  up  the  "Douglas  Democracy"  — 
and  that  had  perhaps  influenced  him  against  you.  Again  — 
he  thought  that  certain  of  your  decisions  were  arbitrary,  but 
could  now  look  back  and  decide  that  you  were  right.  He 
then  said  that  the  articles  written  at  the  time  you  were  relieved, 
in  which  he  said  "one  thing  that  caused  your  removal  was 
your  appointing  to  positions  of  trust  and  responsibility  oflBcers 
that  were  corrupt,"  referred  to  Major  Cassels.  He  under- 
stood that  you  remarked  that  you  had  made  but  one  mistake. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        655 

and  that  was  in  appointing  him  in  a  colored  regiment  to  save 
him  from  the  draft.  I  told  him  that  it  was  very  likely,  for 
that  in  the  same  position  I  would  have  said  so  myself.  He 
admired  your  ability,  and  in  future  you  would  have  no  cause 
to  complain  of  him,  and  promised  that  he  would  write  no  more 
such  articles,  but  would  support  you.  He  desires  me  to  tell 
you  so,  although  he  thought  perhaps  you  would  not  recognize 
him  if  you  should  meet,  but  he  himself  would  bury  the  hatchet 
and  hoped  you  would. 

Doubtless  you  noticed  the  article  headed  "Sec.  Stanton" 
in  the  Boston  Traveller,  making  him  to  be  the  savior  of  the 
country.  The  article  was  written  in  the  office  of  a  claim  agent, 
for  no  object  than  as  a  matter  of  policy  to  secure  favor.  Who 
do  you  think  wrote  it.'^  Cazaran,^  the  jail-bird  you  had  in 
the  "ditch."     The  Herald  would  not  publish  it. 

When  will  you  be  in  Washington?  I  have  been  informed  you 
are  expected  here  soon.     I  shall  remain  here  for  a  few  days. 

Write  me  at  the  Q.  M.  General's  office.     Please  remember 

me  to  your  family.  ^    ,  f  •     j  n        c   t^ 

Iruly  your  jnend,  Geo.  h.  Dodge 

From  Mrs.  Butler 

Lowell,  Sept.  (1865) 

Dear  Dr.  McCormick:  Another  courtesy  from  you! 
I  was  so  much  your  debtor  before,  so  poorly  repaid  your 
kindness  when  I  left  your  letter  unanswered,  that  this  last 
attention  has  truly  "heaped  coals  of  fire  on  my  head."  You 
must  think  me  ungrateful,  the  most  forgetful  of  beings. 

Believe  me,  though  months  have  gone  by,  and  your  letter 
not  answered,  forgetfulness  made  no  part  of  the  delay.  I 
wanted  the  medicine  you  have  sent  so  very  much  that  I  could 
not  but  ask  for  it  if  I  wrote.  Reluctant  that  this  should  seem 
the  principal  object  in  writing,  I  let  the  days  slip  by,  resolving 
that  each  succeeding  week  should  atone  the  impoliteness. 
You  have  generously  passed  by  what  looked  like  neglect,  and 
sent  the  medicine  so  much  desired. 

We  have  lost  the  summer.     Our  plans  were  complete  for 

^  Augustus  Cazaran  was  convicted  in  New  York  July  3rd  1855,  crime,  "obtained 
goods  under  false  pretenses,"  was  sentenced  to  Sing  Sing  Prison  for  3  years,  and  was 
discharged  July  2nd,  1858,  was  at  that  time  28  years  of  age,  and  was  a  reporter  by 
profession.     He  had  previously  served  out  a  term  here  of  2  years  and  8  months. 
I  certify  the  above  to  be  a  true  extract  from  the  Records  of  this  prison, 

Thomas  E.  Sutton,  Agent  and  Warden, 
Sing  Sing  Pbison,  August  lith,  1864 


656        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

two  months  away  from  home.  The  time  divided  between 
Sharon,  Saratoga,  and  Newport;  the  wardrobes  perfect  as  we 
could  devise.  You  appreciate  a  lady's  toilette  quite  beyond 
your  sex  in  general,  and  can  therefore  understand  and  sym- 
pathize in  the  disappointment  when  one  is  deprived  of  the 
pleasure  of  displaying  it,  as  at  the  beautiful  butterfly  draperies 
that  should  flaunt  and  fade  with  the  season.  We  were  a 
fortnight  at  Sharon  —  rooms  engaged  at  Saratoga.  At  the 
end  of  that  time,  my  finger  that  pained  me,  from  the  day  we 
left  home,  became  more  and  more  inflamed.  Mr.  Butler 
pronounced  it  a  felon  (surely  it  deserved  to  be  sent  to  the 
galleys),  but  it  was  thought  better  to  cut  it  to  the  bone  or  it 
would  cut  me  off  a  finger  joint.  I  preferred  to  return  to  Dr. 
Kimball,  that  the  knife  might  be  handled  with  zest  and  spite, 
—  as  the  case  deserved.  Was  it  not  vexatious  that  we  must 
quit  those  charming  haunts,  return  with  an  avalanche  of 
trunks,  and  submit  to  an  operation  for  a  disease  that  is  usually 
confined  to  washerwomen?  But  for  the  pain  I  suffered,  I 
think  Mr.  Butler  was  glad  to  get  away  from  watering  places 
he  dislikes  back  to  the  quietude  of  home,  and  his  daily  game 
of  billiards.  We  have  an  exquisite  table  in  the  room  you  oc- 
cupied as  a  sleeping  chamber.  When  my  hand  could  bear  a 
glove  we  were  to  start  again  for  Newport.  Mr.  Butler  ex- 
pected to  make  the  sacrifice,  but  for  his  backwardness  in  so 
excellent  a  cause,  a  fever  crept  in  and  that  hung  about  him 
nearly  a  fortnight.  When  he  grew  better,  Blanche  began  to 
falter,  with  a  slow  fever  starting  from  a  cold,  as  did  her  father's. 
She  is  still  too  weak  for  much  exertion.  Dr.  Kimball  advises 
care  to  preserve  the  strength  she  has  left.  He  thinks  that  in 
both  cases  it  is  miasmia  from  being  so  long  south.  Poor 
Blanche,  it  was  only  on  her  account  that  I  wished  to  be  away. 
She  was  very  indifferent  to  going.  Quite  as  willing  to  stay 
at  home  as  her  father.  I  do  not  think  she  has  felt  strong 
during  the  summer.  She  was  very  lovely  at  Sharon,  her  rich 
color  and  style  unlike  any  other.  Do  not  believe  this  is 
altogether  a  mother's  partiality,  no  one  regards  her  so  critically 
as  I  do.  At  times  she  is  exquisite  with  her  dazzling  complexion 
and  the  golden  glory  round  her  head. 

The  splendor  of  the  season  is  over.  The  hotels  and  watering 
places  deserted.  Our  pretty  dresses,  some  of  them  not  yet 
worn,  are  folded  away  in  the  drawers.  Another  year  they 
will  be  out  of  style  and  out  of  favor.  Ah,  me!  the  pity  of  it, 
Doctor,  the  pity  of  it! 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       657 

Col.  Kinsman  informs  me  you  will  return  in  Dec.  I  was 
very  glad  to  hear  it.  I  have  thought  you  might  be  disap- 
pointed in  returning  to  California.  No  place  where  we  have 
been  very  happy  will  wear  the  same  charm  a  second  time. 

Of  course,  you  hear  of  all  the  political  movements  that  are 
passing  here.  Events  have  followed  rapidly  from  the  assassi- 
nation of  the  President  to  the  present  time.  I  thought  to 
write  you  an  account  of  the  murder  —  our  leaving  Washington 
on  the  very  night,  getting  the  news  at  Jersey  and  returning 
immediately.  But  I  remembered  the  telegraph  would  trans- 
mit all  of  importance,  and  my  news  be  stale  when  received. 
Political  parties  when  Congress  meets  are  expected  to  make 
decided  moves.  You  will  find  more  to  interest  here  than  in 
California. 

Mrs.  Heard  is  relieved  from  pain.  We  cannot  but  entertain 
the  hope  that  she  will  regain  her  health,  but  not  I  fear  the 
beauty  of  her  form.  She  is  very  grateful  for  your  attention 
and  skill  that  has  helped  to  prolong  her  life.  We  talk  of  you 
very  often. 

Blanche  and  I  are  reminded  of  you  daily  when  the  horses 
and  pretty  dog  are  trotting  along  with  us. 

Col.  Kjnsman  says  that  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Kinsman  will  be  very 
glad  to  return  North. 

As  ladies'  wishes  have  much  weight  with  gallant  gentlemen, 
we  are  quite  sure  you  will  return  this  winter. 

Capt.  Clarke,  the  younger,  leapt  from  a  wagon  while  the 
horse  was  running  and  broke  his  leg.  Capt.  De  Kay  has 
been  here  lately  on  sick  leave  with  fever  and  ague. 

The  boxes  came  a  week  ago,  your  letter  this  morning. 
Though  so  good  as  to  send  the  medicine,  I  did  not  venture  to 
expect  another  letter.  I  am  very  much  obliged,  and  con- 
gratulate you  on  the  prospect  of  realizing  handsomely  from 
your  mines.  Their  prosperous  state  will  not,  we  hope,  make 
your  residence  there  a  necessity. 

Blanche  sends  her  best  regards.  So  would  all  our  friends 
you  have  met  if  they  knew  I  was  writing.     Believe  me,  with 

°  °      '  Most  sincerely  yours,  Sarah  Butler 

From  C.  F.  Winslow  to  General  Butler 

WoBURN,  Mass.,  September  7ih,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  Mrs.  Aldrich,  Plummer's  sister,  whom  you  will 
remember  as  an  intelligent  and  cultivated  lady,  not  however 

VOL.  V — 42 


658      LETTERS    OF    GEN.    BENJAMIN   F.    BUTLER 

so  situated  in  life  as  to  command  much  means  or  influence, 
is  longing  to  have  her  brother  relieved,  if  he  can  be,  from 
further  imprisonment. 

Having  disinterestedly  made  some  effort  to  save  his  life 
after  his  condemnation,  it  is  supposed  by  his  sister  that  I  can 
aid  her  again  in  obtaining  his  pardon.  But  having  no  public 
position,  weight,  or  influence,  I  feel  powerless.  I  am  willing, 
however,  to  do  all  I  can. 

Mr.  Pelton,  during  my  absence  from  the  country  last  spring, 
made  a  joint  effort  with  Rev.  Dr.  Lothrop  to  this  end,  and 
had  reached  Baltimore,  as  I  understand,  on  this  errand  when 
Mr.  Lincoln  was  assassinated.  Nothing  has  been  done  since. 
X)r.  Lothrop  is  now  absent  in  Europe. 

Mr.  Pelton  and  I  have  recently  talked  the  matter  over,  we 
have  thought  of  you.  I  have  the  impression  that  you  alone 
can  procure  his  pardon  by  the  turning  of  your  hand. 

How  much  pleasure  it  would  give  me  if  you  would  do  it, 
and  finish  what  it  cost  you  so  much  time,  money,  and  loss  of 
friendship  and  respect  among  the  New  Bedford  merchants 
and  whalers  to  effect,  and  still  leave  unfinished. 

Mr.  Haynes,  the  warden  of  the  prison,  thinks  he  ought  to 
be  pardoned  for  various  reasons,  and  will  say  all  that  might 
be  desirable  if  you  required  him  to  say  anything. 

Hereafter  it  may  come  right  to  serve  you  in  some  way; 
and  I  will  do  almost  anything  for  you  if  you  will  now  accom- 
plish what  neither  of  us  could  at  first  fully  do.  I  ask  this  for 
his  sister  and  in  the  name  of  Christ. 

Yours  truly,  C.  F.  Winslow 

From  General  Butler  to  C.  F.  Winslow 

My  dear  Sir:  You  will  bear  me  witness  that  I  used  every 
exertion  in  behalf  of  Plummer.  Such  was  my  duty  as  counsel. 
I  memorialized  President  Buchanan  to  save  his  life;  that  was 
my  duty  as  Counsel,  as  my  neglect  so  to  do  might  have  told 
against  my  client.  But  my  duty  has  been  done.  If  I  were 
President,  I  would  not  pardon  Plummer.  Justly  convicted, 
I  should  have  executed  him.  I  am  glad  his  life  is  saved,  but 
I  would  not  let  him  out  of  prison,  and  I  will  not  ask  the  Presi- 
dent to  do  what  I  would  not  do  myself. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        659 

From  Lieutenant  Wright 

ScARBORO,  Maine,  Se-pt.  \5th,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

Genl.  :  This  being  the  third  anniversary  of  the  battle  of 
Ponchatoula,  I  am  reminded  of  the  events  of  that  day. 

I  think,  Sir,  there  is  a  disposition  among  historians  to  neglect 
or  underrate  that  engagement.  The  events  of  that  day  are 
still  as  fresh  in  my  memory  as  though  they  had  transpired  but 
yesterday.  I  notice  some  errors  in  all  the  accounts  of  the 
transactions  I  have  ever  seen  in  print. 

Now  that  the  war  is  ended,  and  we  have  plenty  of  time  to 
consider  the  events  that  have  transpired,  would  it  not  be  well 
to  see  that  history  speaks  correctly,  and  gives  to  each  engage- 
ment the  prominence  due,  and  to  those  who  fought,  and 
especially  to  those  who  died,  the  honor  due.  Brave  men  died 
at  Ponchatoula.  Shall  it  be  that  in  after  years  those  who  read 
our  histories  of  the  war  shall  fail  to  find  any  mention  of  the 
engagement  at  Ponchatoula.'* 

I  would  not,  however,  urge  the  matter  upon  your  attention, 
but  would  respectfully  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  some 
of  our  prominent  historians  need  a  little  looking  after  in  order 
that  justice  may  be  done.  If  it  would  please  you,  I  will  give 
you  a  minute  account  of  all  that  came  under  my  own  observa- 
tion on  that  day. 

With  much  respect,  your  obt.  servant, 

Horatio  Wright,  Late  1st  Lieut.  Col.  12th  Maine 

From  General  Butler  to  Lieutenant  Wright 

Sept.  19,  1865  p.m. 

My  dear  Sir:  True  history  cannot  be  had.  Men  will  gain 
names  in  history  for  conducting  campaigns  successfully  who 
only  slaughtered  their  men.  Generals  will  have  fame  for 
great  military  talent  who  never  won  a  battle.  It  will  be 
thought,  until  true  history  is  written,  a  great  achievement  to 
have  taken  seven  thousand  two  hundred  men  with  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  thousand.  How,  then,  can  you  expect  your 
gallant  little  achievement,  when  one  hundred  men  took  a 
town  and  withstood  six  times  their  number,  to  have  a  fair 
place  in  history  .f* 

No  more  gallant  or  glorious  achievement  took  place  in  the 
war  than  the  affair  of  Ponchatoula,  but  that  is  the  reason  why 
it  will  not  have  a  place  in  history.        y^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^  ^  ^ 


660       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  W.  Rogers  Hopkins  to  General  Butler 

Box  314,  Geneva,  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y.,  August  15th,  1865 

Sir:  You  may  recall  my  name  as  one  who  was  detailed  by 
Capt.  Blake,  U.  S.  N.,  to  serve  under  your  orders  at  Annapolis 
in  1861.  I  venture  on  the  strength  of  that  acquaintance  to 
address  you  now. 

The  papers  report  that  you  are  about  publishing  a  pamphlet 
relating  to  your  military  operations,  and  I  venture  to  send  you 
a  paper  that  may  throw  light  on  the  action  of  the  Navy  De- 
partment in  the  matter  of  the  Fort  Fisher  explosion. 

I  wrote  a  letter  when  at  the  Smithsonian  Institution  in 
Washington,  I  think,  to  Mr.  Sumner,  U.  S.  Senator,  asking 
him  to  forward  it  to  the  Sec.  of  the  Navy.  I  have  not  a 
copy  of  this  letter.  Professor  Henry  allowed  me  to  leave 
copies  of  my  communication  with  the  Sec.  in  a  transferring 
book  he  kept  for  private  letters.  I  suppose  I  read  the  letter 
to  him,  as  was  my  custom,  but  he  has  probably  forgotten  it. 
This  letter  book  was  probably  destroyed  in  the  fire. 

A  copy  of  this  letter  would  be  of  little  use  unless  it  could  be 
proved  that  it  was  received.  Mr.  Fox,  with  his  usual  fairness, 
would  deny  having  received  it. 

The  first  letter  recommended  the  explosion  of  powder  where 
a  vessel  could  be  laid  close  up  to  the  walls  of  a  fort.  Fort 
Sumter  was  recommended  as  a  fit  place  for  the  trial.  I  spoke 
of  an  Albany  sloop  as  a  vessel  fit  for  the  service. 

I  venture  to  recommend  that  if  you  feel  an  interest  in  what 
I  have  to  communicate,  you  inquire  of  Major  Poor,  who  is,  I 
think,  the  Sec.  of  Mr.  Sumner,  and  ask  if  he  had  a  copy  of 
this  letter.     It  was  written  in  the  spring  or  summer  of  1863. 

The  letter,  a  copy  of  which  I  send,  may  not  have  been  sent 
to  Mr.  Sumner.  It  would  hardly  be  advisable  to  publish  it 
unless  the  Sec.  of  Mr.  S.  has  the  letter  or  recollects  it. 

I  should  have  had  stormers  in  boats  within  two  thousand 
yards  of  the  water  front,  and  stormed  there  before  the  garrison 
recovered  from  the  demoralizing  effect  of  the  explosion.  I 
should  have  little  dread  of  the  effects  of  splinters.  These  would 
have  been  blown  over  thousands  of  acres,  and  probably  reduced 
to  dust.  Of  course,  a  false  attack  should  have  been  made  on 
the  land  side  simultaneously.     I  am.  Sir,  very  respectfully, 

W.  Rogers  Hopkins,  late  Asst.  Professor  N.  S.  N. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        661 

From  General  Butler  to  TV.  Rogers  Hopkins 

My  dear  Sir:  I  thank  you  for  the  kind  interest  which  led 
you  to  send  me  your  note  concerning  the  explosion  of  the 
powder  boat  at  Fort  Fisher. 

All  your  conditions  for  the  explosion  of  masses  of  powder 
are  just.  The  truth  is,  Porter  and  his  officers  got  frightened, 
did  not  beach  the  vessel,  neglected  all  means  of  getting  a 
simultaneous  explosion,  and  only  set  fire  to  one  end  of  the 
powder,  which  blew  the  rest  into  the  sea.  The  experiment 
was  not  tried,  and  failed  as  everything  Porter  has  ever  at- 
tempted to  do  has  failed.  ,^  ,     7     t»   t^  t. 

Yours  truly,  13.  F.  Butler 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Geneva,  January  9th,  1865     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Hon.  Charles  Sumner 

Dear  Sir:  As  the  place  of  exploding  large  quantities  of 
powder  under  the  walls  of  fortifications  was  originally  pro- 
posed by  me  either  directly  or  indirectly  to  the  Navy  Depart- 
ment, I  hope  I  shall  not  be  thought  presumptuous  in  asking 
your  attention  to  the  causes  of  the  failure  at  Fort  Fisher, 
especially  as  I  have  the  impression  that  I  mentioned  the  plan 
to  you.  It  would,  I  think,  have  been  but  fair  to  have  allowed 
me  to  give  my  plans  in  detail  before  they  were  acted  on. 

If  the  papers  say  true.  Admiral  Porter  retired  ten  miles, 
apparently  to  avoid  the  wave  from  the  explosion.  As  the 
powder  vessel  was  blown  up  in  shallow  water  (or  should  have 
been),  say  four  feet,  his  engineer  should  have  known  from  the 
law  of  undulations  that  the  utmost  wave  from  crest  to  hollow 
would  be  eight  feet  high.  The  Admiral's  gig  would  have  been 
safe  from  such  a  wave. 

I  would  have  stored  the  powder  in  several  vessels  of  shallow 
draft,  decked  with  heavy  timber  to  increase  the  force  of  the 
explosion  the  powder  perhaps  interpersed  with  bottles  of 
nitric  acid.  Prof.  Wurts  method  for  retarding  explosions  and 
increasing  their  force.  I  would  have  beached  these  vessels 
abreast  close  together,  and  fired  each  in  several  places  by  the 
Prussian  galvanic  method,  as  was  done  in  the  explosion  of  the 
Chalk  Cliff  mines  in  England.     I  am.  Sir,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obdt.  Servant, 
Wm.  Rogers  Hopkins,  late  Asst.  Professor  N.  S.  N. 


662        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler  to  James  Parton 

Lowell,  Sept  16,  1865 

My  dear  Sir:  You  may  rely  upon  the  accuracy  of  the 
description  of  the  following  incident  in  the  life  of  General 
Patrick,  who  is  running  for  some  oflBce  under  the  auspices  of 
the  New  York  Democracy. 

General  Patrick  was  Provost  Marshal  General,  on  duty  at 
Richmond  soon  after  its  surrender.  A  staff  oflficer,  a  Lieuten- 
ant Col.  of  Volunteers,  who  was  on  duty  there  and  without 
quarters,  called  on  the  General  when  this  conversation  in 
substance  took  place. 

"Gen.  Patrick,  I  haven't  any  quarters.  There  is  a  house 
belonging  to  a  Rebel  officer,  and  of  course  confiscated  to  the 
Government,  which  I  should  like  to  take  possession  of  and 
live  in,  otherwise  I  shall  have  to  commute  my  quarters,  and 
draw  pay  from  the  Government  for  them.  I  should  like  your 
permission  to  take  possession  of  it." 

Gen.  Patrick:  "Certainly  you  shall  have  the  house;  the 
Government  ought  to  take  it.  Whose  house  did  you  say  it 
was  Colonel.''" 

Lt.  Col.:  "It  belongs  to  the  notorious  Rebel  General  John 
H.  Winders,  who  was  in  command  of  Andersonville  Prison, 
and  murdered  so  many  of  our  soldiers  there  by  starvation  and 
his  cruelties." 

Gen.  Patrick:  ^'Gen.  Winders,  did  you  say?  No-o-o.  No! 
Col.,  I  can't  let  you  have  Gen.  Winders'  house.  Gen.  Winders 
was  my  classmate  at  West  Point.  Can't  you  find  some  other 
house,  that  does  not  belong  to  a  West  Point  officer.'*" 

Exit  Staff  Officer  disgusted. 

Please  get  this  published  in  the  Tribune  and  some  other 
papers  in  New  York.  The  incident  may  be  relied  on.  I  have 
it  from  Lt.  DeKay,  formerly  of  my  Staff. 

My  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Parton.      ^^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^  ^  ^ 

From  John  Clark  to  General  Butler 

Norfolk,  Va.,  Sept.  20,  1865 

My  dear  General:  What  is  in  the  future?  Is  Norfolk  to 
be  the  be-all  and  end-all  of  us?  Are  you  to  be  buried  in  Lowell? 
Is  the  country  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  "regulars,"  so  that  a 
graduate  of  West  Point  is  to  have  equality  in  the  future,  no 
matter  which  side  he  has  espoused  during  the  past  four  years? 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        663 

I've  read  and  printed  your  Worcester  speech,  but  do  not  learn 
enough  from  it.  I  want  to  know  whether  it  is  worth  while  — 
for  any  good  I  may  do  —  to  stay  in  this  dismal,  intolerable 
den  of  darkey  worship. 

Let  me  have  a  free  word;  for  I  am  an  invalid  of  four  months' 
pains. 

Remember  me  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  Miss  Blanche  and  the 

Yours  truly,  John  Claek 

P.  S.  Do  you  get  the  Post  regularly.?  It  is  sent  daily. 
How  is  my  (our  common)  friend  Gordon? 

From  General  Butler  to  John  Clark 

You  write  like  an  invalid.     I  leave  for  Washington  next 

Tuesday,  and  will  there  know  whether  I  am  to  be  "buried  in 

Lowell."     I  trust  not.     How  does  the  Post  flourish?     I  get  it 

regularly.     Is  it  a  paying  institution?     You  do  not  tell  me 

how  you  like  the  speech  —  as  you  do  not,  I  suppose  you  do 

not  agree  to  its  doctrines.     Shall  I  see  you  at  Washington  on 

Friday  or  Saturday? 

My  best  respects  to  Col.  Brown.        ,^         j     7     t.   t^  t. 
•^  ^  Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  Colonel  Day  to  General  Butler 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  Provost  MarshaVs  Office,  State  House,  Boston, 

September  Wth,  1865     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

General:  You  will  doubtless  remember  that  while  in 
command  in  South  Eastern  Virginia  you  issued  an  order, 
under  which  colored  men  enlisting  under  Genl.  Orders  of  War 
Department  No.  227,  Series  of  1864,  were  obliged  to  leave 
one-third  of  the  State  Bounty  to  which  they  were  entitled, 
in  the  hands  of  an  officer  designated  by  yourself  for  the  purpose 
named  in  said  order. 

Application  having  been  made  to  His  Excellency,  Gov. 
Andrew,  by  the  above-named  recruits  for  information  as  to 
the  condition  of  the  fund  raised  under  your  order  referred  to, 
and  that  any  unexpended  portion  thereof  may  be  (if  proper) 
returned  to  the  contributors  thereto,  and  His  Excellency  hav- 
ing charged  me  with  the  duty  of  making  such  enquiries  as 
shall  enable  him  to  reply  to  said  application,  I  have  the  honor 
to  ask  of  you, 

1st.     A  copy  of  your  order  referred  to. 


664        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

2nd.  The  name  or  names,  military  rank  of  the  officers  to 
whom  monies  have  been  paid  by  Mass.  State  Paymaster's 
under  said  order. 

3rd.     The  place  of  deposit  of  said  monies. 

Jfih.     The  present  condition  of  the  fund  thus  accumulated. 

5ih.  Whether  any  reason  (and  if  so  what)  exists  why  the 
balance  of  said  fund  (if  any  there  be)  should  not  be  returned 
to  the  contributors  thereto. 

Should  you  be  unable  to  answer  the  above  questions,  I  shall 
be  under  great  obligations  if  you  will  indicate  the  sources  to 
which  I  should  apply  for  the  desired  information. 

Will  you  be  kind  enough  to  direct  any  reply  with  which  you 
may  favor  me  to  Barnstable,  Mass.     I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Very  respffy  your  obdt.  Servant, 
Joseph  M.  Day,  Col.  and  Prov.  Mar.  Com. 

From  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Day 

Sept.  25  [1865] 

Dear  Sir:  Your  note  of  enquiry  was  duly  received,  but  my 
engagements  have  prevented  an  earlier  reply.  I  will  enclose 
a  copy  of  the  order  referred  to.  You  will  see  that  it  only 
applies  to  negroes  credited  to  Massachusetts  enlisted  in 
Virginia  and  North  Carolina  —  in  the  United  States  colored 
troops.  As  all  colored  men  by  the  same  order  were  obliged 
to  be  mustered  into  the  regiments  then  serving  in  the  Depart- 
ment, I  cannot  state  the  names  of  the  officers  to  whom  pay- 
ment was  made,  but  all  that  was  paid  was  turned  over  to  Maj. 
Geo.  C.  Carney  of  Quartermaster's  dept..  Superintendent  of 
Negro  affairs,  by  whom  the  most  accurate  record  was  kept  of 
the  persons  from  whom  he  received  the  money.  The  money 
was  made  the  foundation  of  a  capital  of  a  Savings  Bank  for 
colored  troops,  was  invested  in  7,30s  amounting  to  over 
$60,000.  None  of  it  was  spent  under  my  administration,  and 
was  turned  over  to  Maj.  Gen.  Ord's  financial  staff  officer  by 
Maj.  Carney  when  he  was  relieved  from  duty,  and  a  receipt 
taken  therefor. 

What  the  present  state  of  the  fund  is  I  know  not,  but  if 
administered  as  other  funds  were,  turned  over  in  the  same 
way  by  myself  and  officers,  it  has  been  misspent  for  objects 
for  which  it  was  not  raised.  The  order  raising  it  shows  the 
purpose  for  which  it  was  raised.  I  know  of  nothing  farther 
which  will  aid  your  inquiry.  y^^^  respectfully,  B.  F.  B. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        665 

From  General  Ingalls 

Sept  28,  1865 

On  the  30th  of  July  the  "Battle  of  the  Mine"  was  fought. 
On  the  9th  of  August,  near  noon,  there  occurred  a  fearful 
explosion  in  the  midst  of  the  City  Point  depot,  killing  and 
wounding  some  250  employes  and  soldiers,  throwing  down  over 
600  feet  in  length  of  warehouses  and  tearing  up  some  180 
linear  feet  of  the  wharf.  It  was  found  that  a  barge  laden  with 
ordnance  stores  had  been  blown  up.  Immense  quantities 
of  shot  and  shell  were  thrown  into  the  air,  and  much  of  it  fell 
in  the  encampment  of  the  lieutenant-general,  wounding, 
however,  only  one  —  Colonel  Babcock,  of  his  staff.  The 
lieutenant-general  himself  seems  proof  against  the  accidents 
of  flood  and  field.  It  was  assumed  at  the  time  that  the  explo- 
sion was  the  result  of  carelessness  on  the  part  of  some  one  in 
or  near  the  barge,  but  the  developments  made  in  the  trial  of 
the  assassins  of  the  late  President  would  show  that  it  was 
the  dastardly  work  of  that  infernal  rebel  "torpedo  bureau" 
in  Richmond.     The  damages  of  the  depot  were  soon  repaired. 

Official  Records,  War  of  Rebellion,  Series  3,  Vol.  5,  Page  383. 

From  Governor  Plaistead  to  General  Butler 

Bangor,  Oct.  1st.  1865 

My  dear  General:  At  the  last  commencement  of  Water- 
ville  College,  the  Alumni  voted  to  erect  a  Memorial  Hall,  in 
honor  of  her  sons  fallen  in  the  war,  and  also  to  found  a  Military 
Professorship  in  connection  with  the  college.  The  committee 
appointed  to  mature  the  plan  and  carry  it  into  effect  chose  a 
sub-committee;  myself,  Maj.  Gen.  C.  H.  Smith,  and  Hon. 
J.  H.  Drummond,  to  confer  with  you  with  a  view  to  obtain 
your  cooperation  and  assistance  in  maturing  the  details  of  the 
plan,  and  in  carrying  the  plan  into  execution.  This  committee 
will  be  pleased  to  call  on  you  at  your  residence  within  this 
month  if  agreeable  to  you,  if  we  can  know  at  what  time  you 
will  be  at  home  and  can  see  us. 

The  desire  of  the  Alumni  to  establish  the  Military  Professor^ 
ship  is  very  strong,  on  the  ground  of  benefit  both  to  the  College 
and  to  the  Country.  They  believe  it  is  demanded  by  the  spirit 
of  the  times.  The  capacity  of  West  Point  cannot  be  adequate 
to  the  future  wants  of  the  country,  and  besides,  is  it  republican, 
is  it  safe  that  we  should  depend  on  that  institution  alone,  for 
the  oflBcers  of  our  army.^^     Were  ours  a  military  government. 


666       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

like  that  of  France,  the  education  of  its  mihtary  officers  at 
one  Government  School  would  seem  to  be  in  exact  accordance 
with  the  nature  of  the  Government.  But  in  our  republican 
system,  when  the  people  own  the  lands  so  generally  distributed, 
what  danger  have  we  to  fear  except  from  military  force?  The 
army  is  to  be  a  power  in  the  country  quite  different  from 
»ivhat  it  has  been,  and  it  must  be  a  matter  of  great  concern,  — 
the  spirit  that  shall  animate  it. 

I  cannot  repress  the  feeling  that  West  Point  as  the  sole  manu- 
factory of  army  officers  ought  to  be  abolished,  and  that  the 
policy  of  the  government  should  rather  be  to  encourage  military 
instruction,  discipline,  and  exercise  in  connection  with  our 
colleges,  granting  commissions  in  the  army  to  those  students 
who  excelled  in  their  attainments  in  military  science;  believing 
that  our  Army  Officers  would  then  be  more  free  from  class 
imbecility,  conceit,  and  prejudice,  and  imbued  with  more 
liberal  and  patriotic  sentiments.  They  would  not,  as  now, 
be  taken  from  the  people  and  educated,  as  in  a  nunnery,  but 
educated  among  the  people  —  with  the  young  men  who  are 
to  fill  the  other  learned  professions,  and  where  they  would 
more  fully  imbibe  the  spirit  and  partake  the  sentiments  of  the 
people.  I  firmly  believe  but  for  the  determination  and  patriot- 
ism of  the  people,  represented  in  the  Army  by  our  volunteer 
officers,  the  Republic  would  not  have  been  saved.  It  will  be  a 
sad  day  if  the  Republic  shall  ever  become  dependent  on  one 
institution  or  one  set  of  men  for  its  safety  or  success  in 
arms.  From  these  considerations,  it  seems  to  me  that  the 
Alumni  of  Waterville  are  making  a  good  move  in  the  right 
direction. 

I  am  writing  the  history  of  my  regiment,  11th  Me.  Vols.  — 
am  out  of  the  service;  left  the  Army  last  spring,  but  not  without 
the  satisfaction  of  entering  Richmond  with  the  Army  of  the 
James.  It  would  have  done  your  soul  good,  General,  could 
you  have  heard  the  general  expression  of  regret  among  the 
officers  and  soldiers  of  that  Army,  when  they  entered  the  rebel 
capitol,  that  their  old  General  was  not  with  them.  I  believe 
no  general  ever  connected  with  the  Army  of  the  James  possessed 
so  much  of  the  confidence  and  affection  of  those  brave  boys  as 
he  who  organized  it,  —  planted  it  at  the  gates  of  Richmond, 
and  fought  it  on  every  field  on  which  it  was  engaged.  It  was 
a  splendid  army.  I  shall  ever  be  proud  of  having  belonged  to 
it.  The  old  3rd  Brigade,  1st  Div.  10  Corps,  was  superb. 
Its  record  is  something  to  be  proud  of.     No  better  men  ever 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       667 

fought  or  died  for  their  country.  We  believed  in  your  ideas  of 
fighting  —  never  to  fall  back,  never  yield  a  picket  line. 

Fight,  regardless  of  numbers  of  flanks.  An  officer  flanked 
and  driven  in,  an  officer  disgraced  and  his  command  a  demoral- 
ized one.  I  had  to  "  explain  in  writing  "  to  Gen.  Terry  for  main- 
taining my  picket  line  upon  these  principles,  giving  as  a  reason 
that  I  wished  my  men  not  to  act  unworthily  of  the  Army  of 
the  James.  I  lost  5  com.  officers  and  41  enlisted  men  from  one 
regt.  in  one  fight  on  the  picket  line,  but  maintained  my  front, 
while  two  regts.  to  my  left  were  "driven  in"  or  captured. 
But  it  made  every  man  of  mine  a  hero,  after  that,  and  taught 
the  Rebels  to  respect  us.  Besides,  we  had  no  "gallant "  charges 
to  make  in  recapturing  the  line.  I  heard  one  of  my  officers, 
with  his  clothes  riddled  with  bullets,  say  in  that  fight,  "By 

G d.  General  Butler  shall  never  reprimand  me  for  leaving 

the  picket  line."  Was  not  that  beautiful,  as  showing  the  moral 
power  of  a  commander?  Our  fighting  days  are  over,  General, 
save  in  the  field  of  politics.  In  that  field  you  may  command  us 
still,  to  a  man.     I  remain,  General,  with  great  respect  and 

devotedly,  your  obdt.  Servt,  H.  M.  PlaisteadI 

From  General  Butler  to  Governor  Plaistead 

My  dear  General:   On  my  return  home  I  got  your  note 

relating  to  the  Military  Professorship  and  Memorial  Hall  at 

Waterville.     I  should  be  most  happy  to  meet  you  and  your 

associates  on  the  subject,  and  would  name  a  day  with  pleasure 

were  I  not  at  the  moment  on  the  wing.     As  soon  as  I  am  settled 

I  will  communicate  with  you,  meanwhile  I  shall  be  thoughtful 

on  the  subject  so  as  to  digest  some  plan  when  we  meet.     For 

your  expressions  of  confidence  and  esteem,  receive  my  sincerest 

thanks.     I  am  sure  nothing  can  be  a  higher  reward  to  a  General 

for  services  done  than  to  possess  the  good  will  and  respect  of 

those  gallant,  brave,  and  deserving  officers  who  have  served  with 

him.     My  greatest  satisfaction  is  to  believe  that  quite  all  of 

my  good  officers  have  given  me  their  love  and  respect.     And 

it  is  almost  an  equal  delight  to  think  that  quite  all  the  vicious 

ones  hate  me  intensely.  ht    ^  j     ?  -n   -r^  t^ 

•^  Most  truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 

1  Major  General  of  Volunteers  and  Governor  of  Maine 


668       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 
From  Thomas  I.  Durant 

New  Orleans,  ind  October,  1865 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Massachusetts 

My  dear  Sir:  I  have  received  and  answered  today  your 
telegram  in  regard  to  General  Banks.  I  know  of  no  act  of  his 
indicating  a  design  to  establish  himself  as  a  citizen  of  Louisiana. 
Such  has  often  here  been  stated  to  be  his  design,  but  never  from 
a  source,  or  in  a  shape  that,  in  my  opinion,  rendered  the  state- 
ment in  the  slightest  degree  obligatory  upon  him.  Yesterday, 
I  received  from  Hon.  F.  W.  Bird,  of  the  Executive  Council, 
a  letter  on  the  same  subject,  which  I  answered  very  fully. 

The  work  of  reconstruction  is  going  on  too  fast.  Wisdom 
requires  that  a  system  of  probation  should  be  established  by 
Congress,  to  last  for  several  years,  and  so  arranged  as  to  give 
the  population  of  both  races  political  training  and  moral  and 
intellectual  education.  This,  with  the  influx  of  emigrants  from 
the  loyal  i.e.  non-slave-holding  states,  would  in  a  few  years 
produce  such  a  condition  of  things  as  would  render  it  safe  for 
the  state  to  be  readmitted  into  the  Union.  If  the  state  were 
admitted  at  once,  even  with  the  black  race  admitted  to  full 
suffrage,  they  would  find  it  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  for  want 
of  political  training  and  the  ability  to  read  and  write,  to  sustain 
themselves  against  the  whites:  my  apprehension  may  be 
exaggerated,  but  prudence  would  dictate  its  adoption:  "best 
safety  lies  in  fear;"  it  could  not  do  harm  to  delay,  for  that  can 
always  be  cut  short,  but  a  hasty  step  cannot  be  retraced. 

The  withdrawal  of  the  military  forces  of  the  United  States 
from  Louisiana  would  be  an  act  of  madness:  no  radical's 
opinion  would  be  in  favor  of  it ;  not  one  would  be  safe.  Those 
who  have  occupied  advanced  positions  here  in  favor  of  the 
suffrage  of  the  colored  man  would  be  slain  or  driven  from  the 
state;  if  they  did  not  resort  to  flight.  The  Southern  Star, 
a  paper  published  here,  said  in  its  edition  of  Sunday,  the 
1st  September,  that  the  eye  of  the  people  and  the  Government 
was  upon  those  who  held  out  to  the  negro  the  prospect  of  being 
allowed  to  vote,  and  that  they  would  speedily  be  brought  to  the 
condign  punishment  they  so  justly  merited.  This  reference 
to  the  people  points  to  mob  violence,  assault,  and  assassination. 
What  the  Government  will  do  I  know  not.  The  paper  has  been 
established  by  the  immediate  friends  and  in  the  interest  of 
Gov.  Wells,  and  proclaims  itself  to  be  "official  organ  of  the 
state  of  Louisiana  and  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans."     If  they 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        669 

are  permitted  to  use  such  menacing  language  now,  what  would 
they  not  perform  when  military  protection  was  withdrawn 
from  us?  The  article  was  written  in  relation  to  a  registration 
now  being  made  by  the  colored  people  of  the  city,  under  the 
auspices  of  a  committee  styled  "the  Central  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  friends  of  universal  suffrage":  the  object  of  the 
registration  is  to  choose  a  delegate  to  go  to  Congress  and  pre- 
sent a  petition,  and  advocate  the  views  of  those  in  favor  of 
extended  suffrage;  and  claim  only  the  rights  which  a  delegate 
from  a  territory  generally  is  allowed. 

Our  committee  called  a  state  convention.  It  was  premature, 
but  no  harm  was  done:  only  nine  parishes  outside  the  city 
were  represented;  one-half  the  convention  were  of  African 
descent;  you  will  see  our  resolutions  in  New  Orleans  Tribune 
and  our  address. 

Not  one  of  the  press  of  New  Orleans,  except  the  Tribune, 
noticed  our  proceedings  in  any  way.  We  want  a  powerful 
organ  here.  New  Orleans  is  the  centre  of  the  South ;  it  will  be 
a  great  and  influential  city.  The  Republican  Capitalists  ought 
to  establish  here  a  newspaper  to  speak  their  sentiments:  I 
wish  you  would  reflect  on  this  and  confer  with  others  on  the 
subject.     I  remain. 

Yours  truly  and  most  respectfully,  Thomas  I.  Durant 

From  Thomas  TV.  Conway  to  General  Butler 

New  Orleans,  Oct.  5th,  1865 

I  HAVE  thought  a  thousand  times  of  writing  to  you  since 
I  have  been  placed  in  charge  of  the  affairs  of  this  Bureau  in 
this  state.  I  have  discovered  that  your  name  among  the  poor 
whites,  and  especially  with  all  the  colored  people,  is  spoken 
with  a  feeling  which  would  make  the  impression  upon  the  mind 
of  a  stranger  that  they  regarded  you  as  a  God.  Were  you  to 
put  your  feet  upon  the  streets  of  this  city,  fifty  thousand  people 
would  desire  to  pave  your  pathway  with  rich  flowers. 

You  are  loved  here  as  I  had  never  seen  a  man  loved  since  I 
was  born.  The  colored  people  esteem  you  as  their  deliverer. 
I  have  been  in  their  company  on  convivial  and  social  occasions, 
when  upon  the  mention  of  your  name  they  would  cease  their 
enjoyment  and  shed  tears  of  gratitude  for  your  services  to 
them. 

The  marks  of  your  administration  are  fresh  before  our  eyes 
here,  though  many  would  love  not  only  to  blot  you  from  the 


670       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

earth,  but  to  erase  every  remembrance  which  is  left  in  their 
minds  of  your  stern  but  just  administration. 

Can  you  not  visit  Louisiana?  It  would  be  an  event  in  your 
life  which  would  be  remarkable,  not  only  in  your  history  but 
in  the  history  of  this  epoch.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  being  in  your 
command  in  East  Virginia,  when  I  was  Chaplain  of  the  9th 
N.  Y.  v.,  Hawkins'  Zouaves,  at  Newport  News,  We  dined 
together  once  in  my  tent,  when  Gen.  Phelps  and  I  messed  to- 
gether, and  you  paid  us  a  visit  one  day. 

I  esteem  your  speech  in  the  presence  of  the  Massachusetts 
republicans  very  highly.  It  must  strike  all  loyal  men,  north 
and  south,  as  a  true  statement  of  the  case.  Allow  me  to 
thank  you  for  it. 

Afifairs  here  are  growing  worse  and  worse.  Loyal  men  are 
known  to  be  selling  their  property  with  a  view  of  going  north 
to  live,  because  "it  is  getting  too  hot  here"  —  too  intolerable 
for  those  who  love  the  Flag  sincerely.  Why  does  our  govern- 
ment allow  a  policy  which  results  this  way.^* 

Very  respectfully,  Thomas  W.  Conway,  Asst.  Commissioner 

General  Butler  to  Thomas  W.  Conway 

Dear  Sir:  I  have  to  thank  you  for  your  kind  letter  from 
New  Orleans,  conveying  the  pleasant  intelligence  that  I  have 
places  in  the  hearts  of  the  poor  whites  and  blacks  of  Louisiana. 
This  information  is  doubly  delightful  to  me  because  it  shows 
that  I  have  obtained  what  I  sought.  You  will  remember 
that  in  my  farewell  address  to  the  people  of  New  Orleans  I 
said  (I  quote  from  memory),  I  shall  be  gratefully  remembered 
in  the  cabins  of  the  lowly  if  not  in  the  saloons  of  the  rich  and 
powerful. 

We  have  not  yet  obtained  for  the  people  of  color  all  that  we 
have  fought  for,  but  we  will  do  so  ere  we  have  done  striving. 
Your  own  endeavors  to  do  right  by  the  colored  race  have  been 
dictated  by  the  liveliest  interest  in  the  welfare  and  devotion 

*^  ^^^^'  Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Weitzel  to  General  Butler 

Brownsville,  Texas,  Aug.  lith,  1865    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  General:  I  have  received  your  letter,  and  thank 
you  sincerely  for  it.  My  corps  occupies  from  Indianola  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande  and  up  the  Rio  Grande  to  Roma. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        671 

The  whole  corps  front  is  about  350  miles  long.  All  the 
officers,  myself  included,  have  had  the  bone-break  fever,  and 
many  the  chronic  diarrhoea.  The  men  are  dying  fast  with 
scurvy,  and  not  a  vegetable  to  be  had.  I  have  to-day  nearly 
2500  cases  of  scurvy  in  the  corps.  I  have  talked,  written, 
entreated,  and  supplicated,  but  as  yet  have  received  no  vege- 
tables. 

I  commenced  before  we  left  City  Point  to  preach  anti- 
scorbutics, knowing  that  scurvy  would  be  the  worst  enemy. 
I  have  not  seen  a  potato  for  three  weeks,  and  a  good  vegetable 
dinner  would  be  the  greatest  treat  I  can  imagine. 

The  people  here  are  so  lazy  that  they  do  not  plant  anything. 
I  fortunately  brought  enough  garden  seed  with  me,  and  my 
whole  command  is  planting  their  own  gardens  now. 

Gen.  Stiele,  my  immediate  commander,  is  a  very  fine  sensible 
officer,  the  perfect  antipodes  of  old  Ord. 

For  want  of  transportation  we  have  been  receiving  our 
supplies  slowly;  but  there  are  signs  of  improvement  in  this 
respect. 

The  Mexicans  on  the  other  side  are  quarrelling  among  them- 
selves, and  wondering  what  we  have  so  large  a  force  here  for. 
"We  are  cultivating  friendly  relations  with  both  sides,  in  the 
English  sense  of  the  word. 

Both  sides  don't  seem  to  have  a  very  creditable  reputation 
for  honesty;  the  leaders  and  most  of  the  men  having  been 
brought  up  as  highway  robbers. 

All  the  foreign  troops  have  been  removed  from  this  frontier 
since  our  arrival.  The  foreign  officers  were  quite  rebel  and 
insulting  to  us,  especially  the  French. 

Mrs.  Weitzel  has  written  me  that  she  has  received  your  bust 
from  some  one,  she  does  not  know  who.  I  suppose  of  course, 
you  sent  it,  and  I  thank  you  for  it. 

The  country  here  is  flat  and  sandy  without  any  trees.  No 
amusements  or  pastimes.  Dull  as  it  can  be,  and  the  conse- 
quence is,  that  many  want  to  go  home.  I  want  to  stick  it 
out  as  long  as  the  corps  is  kept  as  an  organization,  but  I  feel 
this  banishment  very  keenly.  I  often  think  it  a  duty  I  owe 
myself  to  go  home.  I  have  served  Uncle  Sam  long  enough  in 
God-forsaken  countries  and  climes.  Are  they  going  to  keep  this 
corps  in  service?     Or  will  the  next  Congress  break  it  up? 

My  sincere  regards  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  the  family,  and 
again  thanking  you  for  your  kindness  to  me,  I  remain, 

Truly  yours,  etc.,  G.  Weitzel,  Major  General 


672        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secretary  of  War  ^'^-  ^'  ^^^^ 

Sir:  Capt.  Horace  B.  Fitch,  A.  D.  C,  and  Capt.  Lewis 
Weitzel,  A.  D.  C,  then  on  Gen.  Weitzel's  staff,  served  on  my 
staff  on  the  twenty -ninth  of  September,  1864,  in  the  absence 
of  Gen.  Weitzel.  These  young  gentlemen  behaved  with  great 
gallantry,  and  are  deserving  of  Brevet  promotion,  therefore. 
Maj.  Gen.  Weitzel  for  other  services  recommends  Capt. 
Fitch  for  Lt.  Col.  and  Capt.  Weitzel  for  Major  —  but  declines 
to  recommend  them  for  the  services  performed  under  my  eyes 
in  his  absence  because  such  recommendations  as  he  writes  me 
would  more  appropriately  come  from  myself.  I  have  no  hesi- 
tation in  (naming)  Brevet  Lt.  Col.  Fitch  and  Brevet  Maj. 
Weitzel  for  an  additional  Brevet  each  for  gallantry  and  merit 
on  that  day.     It  is  promotion  fairly  earned. 

Respectfully,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler  to  General  Weitzel 

Oct.  9,  1865 

My  dear  Weitzel:  Please  find  recommendations  to  Capt. 
Fitch  and  Weitzel,  to  whom  give  my  regards.  I  do  not  think 
because  Gen.  Ord  abused  the  Government  by  recommending 
his  brothers  who  were  not  at  Fort  Harrison  any  reason  why  I 
should  refuse  the  men  who  were  there  and  behaved  well.  We 
met  with  a  loss  in  Draper.  I  laid  your  case  as  to  vegetables 
before  the  Sec.  of  War,  and  he  promised  to  see  to  it. 

Truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Turner  to  General  Butler 

Head  Quarters,  District  of  Henrico,  Richmond,  Va.,  Oct.  16th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  have  not  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving 
a  line  from  you  since  you  left  us  last  winter.  I  do  not  take  it, 
however,  that  I  am  under  any  ban. 

When  the  campaign  closed  last  spring  I  scarcely  expected  to 
find  myself  here  or  in  the  service  this  late  in  the  fall,  —  I  fancied 
that  by  this  time  I  would  most  probably  be  "spinning  long 
yarns  of  the  deeds  we  had  done"  with  Shaffer  at  that  "seaport" 
town  of  his,  or  discussing  the  prospects  of  a  man  succeeding, 
who  should  at  nearly  the  meridian  of  life  change  his  mode  of 
life  and  the  pursuit  which  he  had  followed  from  boyhood. 

Instead,  however,  of  talking  logic  with  Shaffer,  I  am  still 
here  trying  the  best  I  know  how  to  govern  these  people. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        673 

I  take  it  from  the  course  pursued  by  the  Government  for  the 
last  six  months  in  dealing  with  the  people  of  the  South,  more 
especially  in  the  last  two,  that  the  theory  of  "reconstruction" 
is  that  having  overcome  the  rebellion,  we  will  accept  a  restor- 
ation of  the  affairs  of  our  country  by  requiring  only  the  eman- 
cipation of  slavery,  —  that  the  theory  adopted  will  punish  no 
one  for  having  engaged  in  the  rebellion,  will  confiscate  no 
property. 

Now  that  the  war  is  closed,  and  the  supremacy  of  the  United 
States  government  established  all  over  the  South,  these  people 
are  told  that  they  can  resume  their  former  relations  with  the 
government  and  enjoy  all  their  former  rights  and  privileges, 
and  shall  suffer  no  pains  nor  penalties  for  having  attempted 
to  dissever  this  country,  on  the  one  condition  that  they  will  free 
all  their  slaves. 

I  don't  know  but  what  I  would  have  arrived  at  pretty  nearly 
the  same  end,  though  I  differ  in  opinion  as  to  the  length  of  time 
necessary  to  accomplish  it.  I  do  not  believe  these  people  are 
in  the  proper  mood  and  temper  to  be  entrusted  with  administer- 
ing the  affairs  of  this  country.  They  are  no  different  from 
the  rest  of  mankind,  and  it  is  but  natural  that  they  should 
believe  a  cause  righteous  for  which  they  have  fought  so  desper- 
ately four  years,  and  now  that  it  is  overthrown,  look  with  sorrow 
upon  its  remains,  and  regard  the  power  which  overthrew  it 
with  aversion  and  bitterness. 

Nor  do  these  people  deny  it.  Hence  I  say  they  are  not  fit 
subjects  to  rule  over  one  who  was  an  instrument  of  their  defeat. 
I  would  have  waited  till  time  had  softened  the  asperities  of 
their  temper,  and  let  the  revival  of  trade  and  commerce  ex- 
ercise its  benign  influence  before  I  would  have  permitted  them 
to  have  taken  part  in  the  politics  of  the  country. 

I  am  now  desirous  of  turning  over  the  city  government  of 
this  city.  Nothing  more  can  be  accomplished  by  holding  on 
to  it  longer  —  much  good  I  think  has  been  done  by  my  action, 
but  now  these  people  are  growing  stronger  every  day  by 
reason  of  the  policy  of  reconstruction,  and  they  will  soon  beat 
me  on  an  appeal  to  Washington,  and  I  wish  to  retire  in  good 
order  while  there  is  time. 

But  for  the  greenbacks  which  the  troops  circulate,  and  the 
aid  which  the  military  furnish  these  people,  there  would  be  a 
famine  throughout  Virginia  to-day. 

As  for  my  own  future,  I  am  greatly  perplexed,  and  at  times 
a  little  despondent.     It  is  only  a  question  of  a  short  time  now 
VOL.  V— 43 


674       LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

when  I  will  be  called  upon  to  go  back  to  my  old  grade  as 
Captain,  and  I  have  got  to  make  my  election.  When  I  think 
of  going  back  to  the  limited  sphere  of  action  which  I  had  before 
the  war,  it  almost  gives  me  the  nightmare  —  the  future  is 
buried :  —  an  easy  humdrum  sort  of  life,  which  may  be  accept- 
able to  some,  but  which  would  be  torture  to  me.  But  again, 
when  I  reflect,  on  the  other  hand,  that  it  is  changing  a  pursuit 
which  I  have  followed  for  fourteen  years  —  from  boyhood, 
and  have  given  to  it  the  study  and  thought  of  my  best  years, 
and  the  sundering  of  that  association  no  where  so  close  as  in 
the  Army,  it  makes  me  hesitate.  To  commence  life  anew, 
in  an  untried  avocation  at  my  age  is  taking  a  great  many 
chances  against  success. 

Excuse  me.  General,  for  boring  you  with  my  personal  matters, 
but  out  of  the  mouth  the  heart  speaketh,  and  I  am  full  of  this 
now. 

Remember  me  kindly  to  Mrs.  Butler  and  Miss  Blanche. 

Yours  sincerely,  Jno.  W.  Turner 


From  General  Butler  to  General  Turner 

Oct.  30th,  1865     [Not  in  chronological  order]^ 

My  dear  Turner:  Right  glad  am  I  to  hear  from  you> 
although  you  have  the  right  to  complain  of  me  as  a  most  remiss 
correspondent.  No  one  has  watched  your  course  with  more 
interest,  and  so  far  as  I  can  judge  of  it  with  more  of  com- 
mendation than  myself. 

You  are,  I  see,  approaching  that  period  that  must  soon  come 
to  so  many  of  your  companions  in  arms,  when  you  must  lay 
down  the  baton  of  command  for  the  duties  of  a  subordinate 
position.  The  prospect  is  unpleasant,  but  it  is  true  this  must 
soon  be  contemplated  by  hundreds.  Some  will  seek  remedy 
by  resigning,  and  thus  ridding  themselves  of  the  dull  ennui 
of  camp  or  garrison  life.  Some  will  get  leave  of  absence  to 
travel,  to  break  the  fall. 

Let  me  advise  you  as  I  would  a  brother  to  do  neither,  at  least 
at  present.  You  are  peculiarly  fitted  for  your  profession, 
and  will  work  easily  in  it  in  any  station.  But  beyond  this, 
the  peace  is  but  temporary.  Either  foreign  or  domestic  war 
within  four  years  is  moral,  physical,  positive  necessity  to 
national  life. 

You  will  be  of  the  right  age  to  take  part  in  it  with  all  the 
advantages  of  your  present  experience.     The  chance  is  too 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        675 

good  to  throw  away.  Do  not  resign  or  quit  your  profession. 
You  will  be  needed. 

I  did  not  intend  to  make  that  deduction  when  I  began  this 
note,  but  I  have  been  led  into  it  by  the  earnestness  of  my 
thought. 

I  have  every  day  been  threatening  to  come  down  and  see 
you,  and  mean  to  do  so  still,  but  man  proposes  et  la  del  se 
dispose. 

We  hear  that  you  are  contracting  matrimony  (now  want 
no  confessions).  This  is  well  if  the  lady  is  all  Gen.  Turner 
would  fancj^  not  one  who  would  only  while  away  a  lazy  hour 
of  camp  life. 

I  have  a  grievous  cause  of  complaint  against  you.  Why 
did  you  not  come  and  see  us  when  you  were  in  New  York? 
We  expected  you,  and  Mrs.  Butler  would  almost  have  killed 
the  fatted  calf  for  you,  not  as  a  prodigal,  but  as  one  from  a 
"far  countrie." 

You  see  I  have  not  written  a  word  of  politics,  I  am  so  soured, 
so  disgusted,  so  sick  of  the  WTong  being  done  to  the  dead  and 
living  by  the  apathy  of  the  country,  that  I  dare  not  trust  myself 
to  write. 

I  do  not  so  much  complain  of  the  policy  as  of  the  indifference 
of  the  people  to  the  best  interests  which  they  have  won  by  so 
much  of  sacrifice,  and  are  throwing  away.  Libby,  Belle 
Isle,  Salisbury,  Millen,  are  all  forgotten.  Andersonville  only 
is  kept  in  remembrance  by  the  trial  of  a  miserable  cur  who 
only  did  his  master's  bidding.  That,  too,  will  fade  away 
as  he  vanishes,  and  the  opportunity  to  make  a  homogeneous 
people  united  as  are  the  East  and  West  is  lost,  and  I  fear  for 
ever.  God  is  just  —  we  have  not  been  punished  enough, 
and  it  will  come.     But  a  truce  to  politics. 

Mrs.  Butler  and  Blanche  send  regards,  and  hope  soon  to 

see  you.     Believe  me,  xr  -d   -o  -d 

'^  Yours  as  ever,  B.  F.  B. 

From  Wendell  Phillips  to  General  Butler 

October  i-ith,  1865 

Dear  Sir  :  It  seems  to  me  that  this  administration  is  send- 
ing us  over,  bound  hand  and  foot,  into  the  power  of  the  rebels 
—  men  talk  of  Congress  saving  us  —  more  cannot  be  expected 
of  Congress  than  the  Republic  conventions  have  promised 
and  that  is  nothing. 

The  administration  needs  to  be  defied  and  overawed  by  such 


676        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

an  exMbition  of  popular  sentiment  as  you  and  Sumner  and 
one  or  two  others  could  easily  elicit. 

To  be  effectual,  this  should  be  attempted  before  Congress  meets. 

I  want  much  to  advise  this  to  you  — 

Are  you  ever  in  Boston? 

I  am  away  this  week,  but  shall  be  home  next  week,  and 
should  be  very  much  obliged  if  you  will  drop  me  a  line  through 
the  P.  O.,  telling  me  where  and  how  I  can  have  half  an  hour's 

•^     '  Yours  truly,  Wendell  Phillips 

From  the  Assistant  Adjutant  General  to  General  Butler 

Adjutant  General's  Office,  Washington  D.  C,  Oct.  iUh,  1865 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  request  you  to  inform  this 
Office  what  disposition  was  made  of  the  records  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  the  Gulf,  while  under  your  command.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  Your  obdt.  Servant,  Asst.  Adjt.  Gen. 

From  General  Butler 

To  the  Adjt.  General  ^''-  ^^'^   ^^""^ '""  ^^^^^^^s^c^^  «^der] 

General:  When  I  was  relieved  from  commanding  the 
Department  of  the  Gulf,  all  books,  papers,  and  documents  of 
the  department  were  left  in  the  several  offices  to  which  they 
appertained.  There  was  but  one  exception,  and  that  a  book 
of  memorandums  which  was  brought  away  by  mistake,  and 
upon  requisition  of  the  Asst.  Secretarj^  of  War  was  returned, 
with  a  note  under  date  March  20th,  1865.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  B.  F.  B.,  Major  Gen.  Vol. 

From  Alexander  Troup  to  General  Butler 

Office  of  Daily  Evening  Voice,  91  Washington  Street,  Boston,  October  iSth,  1865 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler:  I  have  been  instructed  by  the  Com- 
mittee of  Arrangements  on  getting  up  a  grand  rally  of  working- 
men  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  evening,  November  2nd, 
for  the  purpose  of  agitating  the  reduction  of  hours,  to  request 
you  to  be  present  on  that  occasion,  and  address  the  assemblage. 
A  reply  at  your  earliest  convenience  is  requested. 

Yours,  etc., 
Alex.  Troup,  Chairman  Com.  of  Arrangements 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       677 

From  General  Butler 

Dear  Sir:  My  engagements  will  not  permit  me  to  be 
present  to  meet  the  working  men  in  a  mass  meeting  upon  the 
hours  of  labor.  I  have  been  interested  in  this  question  nearly 
twenty  years,  and  the  experience  of  riper  age  only  confirms  my 
earlier  impressions  that  there  should  be  a  limit  or  measure  to 
the  hours  of  labor  by  legislation  enactments,  as  there  is  to 
every  other  marketable  commodity.  Such  a  standard  would 
tend  to  equalize  the  prices  of  labor;  to  insure  fair  prices  for 
fair  work;  to  relieve  the  poor  and  dependent  from  the  grasping 
and  avaricious,  and,  by  elevating  the  laborers,  to  make  labor 
as  honorable  as  it  is  useful,  and  necessary  to  the  well  being  of 

•^*  Respectfully  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  the  Secretary  of  War  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  Washington  City,  October  i6th,  1865 

General:  You  desired  to  know  beforehand  when  an  order 
to  muster  out  Major  Generals  would  be  made. 

General   Grant  has  just  sent  in  an  order,  which  will  be 

^'  Yours  Truly,  Edwin  M.  Stanton 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  9,8th,  1865 

To  the  President,  Washington 

An  order  to  muster  me  out  as  Major  General  is  about  to  be 
issued.     Is  that  desired  by  the  President.'* 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Oct.  98th,  1865 

To  the  Secretary  of  War 

I  HAVE  tendered  my  resignation.  It  is  forwarded  by  mail. 
Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  show  it  to  the  President.'* 

Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Washington,  Oct.  28th,  1865 

The  President 

Sir:  Having  entered  the  service  of  the  country  for  the  war 
in  the  position  I  now  hold,  the  only  official  position  ever  held 
by  me  under  the  Government,  and  the  war  being  now  closed 


678        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

so  far  as  military  operations  are  concerned,  learning  that  the 
Government  has  no  further  need  of  service  from  me  as  a  Major 
General  of  Volunteers,  I  respectfully  beg  leave  to  resign  my 
commission  from  this  date.     I  have  the  honor  to  be. 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen  I.  Vols. 

From  General  Butler 
To  the  President  ^°^^^^'  ^"'-  ^'^'  ^^^^ 

Telegram  not  received  till  last  night.  For  the  purpose 
before  indicated  must  not  the  following  officers  be  excepted 
from  the  muster  out?  —  Generals  David  Hunter,  Daniel 
Butterfield,  Carl  Schurtz,  John  W.  Geary,  Israel  Vogdes, 
E.  A.  Wilde.  I  suppose  these  may  be  on  the  list  as  not  in  com- 
mand.    Some  of  them  may  not  be.  t.  t-.    t. 

•^  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Nov.  15,  1865 

Hon.  Thaddeus  Stevens,  Lancaster,  Penn. 

My  dear  Sir:  I  should  be  glad  to  see  you  if  possible  upon 
matters  presented  by  the  present  political  crisis. 

The  manner  in  which  this  question  of  admission  of  the  South- 
ern members  of  Congress  is  treated  would  seem  to  have  much 
to  do  with  the  successful  contest  of  the  issue. 

I  take  leave  to  send  you  a  slip  showing  the  construction  put 
upon  the  second  section  of  the  Constitutional  amendment  by 
Southern  men,  by  the  Copperheads  of  the  North,  see  comments 
of  the  Express,  from  which  it  is  taken,  and  what  is  claimed  to 
be  the  Construction  of  the  Administration.  This  must  be  met 
at  once,  in  my  judgment. 

How  anybody  can  say  the  word  "appropriate"  is  a  restrain- 
ing word  in  that  law  is  beyond  my  comprehension. 

When  will  you  be  in  Washington?  I  hope  to  be  there  next 
week,  or  shall  I  meet  you  in  New  York? 

Truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 

From  Thaddeus  Stevens  to  General  Butler 

Lancaster,  Nov.  18th,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  I  shall  be  glad  to  see  and  consult  with  you  about 
our  condition.  I  expect  to  be  in  Washington  about  the  middle 
of  next  week.  I  should  be  glad  to  see  you  at  my  room,  297 
S.  B.  Street,  Capitol  Hill.  I  shall  certainly  be  there  some  day 
next  week. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   679 

It  seems  to  me  that  we  must  put  the  rebel  states  under 
territorial  government  at  once  or  they  will  work  into  Congress 
one  by  one  through  Executive  influence.  I  hope  Massa- 
chusetts will  be  right.     Can  you  put  Dawes  on  the  right  track? 

Thaddeus  Stevens 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  November  iOth,  1865 

Hon.  Henry  Wilson 

My  dear  Sir:  Enclosed  please  find  my  idea  of  the  way  in 
which  to  commence  the  fight  with  southern  injustice  to  the 
negro. 

I  deem  the  Preamble  necessary  because  Congress  ought  to 
declare  in  some  form  that  legislation  and  legislative  satisfaction 
of  legislation  are  both  valid  when  done  by  the  required  majori- 
ties .of  those  states  only  who  were  loyal.  We  have  so  treated 
legislation  in  other  matters,  why  not  in  regard  to  the  Negro.'* 
If  you  cannot  reckon  loyal  majorities  only,  then  our  National 
debt  is  without  legislative  sanction,  our  appropriation  bills 
void,  and  our  treaties  unratified.  The  amendment  has  received 
the  sanction  of  three-fourths  of  all  the  legislatures  of  all  the 
states  that  had  any  legislatures  at  the  time  it  was  submitted. 

Now,  suppose  two-sevenths  more  States  than  now  are  framed 
out  of  territories  such  as  Colorado,  Utah,  New  Mexico,  or  by 
the  division  of  the  old  States,  is  the  amendment  to  be  void  if 
not  adopted  by  their  legislatures?  Nobody  could  doubt  on 
that  question.  Well  then,  why  are  the  other  States  which  have 
no  legislatures  to  be  counted,  at  least  till  they  have  them  more 
than  these  which  may  hereafter  be  made  out  of  new  territory. 
Again,  the  Preamble  is  necessary  as  a  declaration  that  the  freed- 
men  have  become  citizens  of  the  United  States  by  the  operation 
of  the  Amendment,  and  thus  to  overturn  the  lingering  remains 
of  the  authority  of  the  Dred  Scott  decision.  Again,  the  Pre- 
amble is  necessary  in  view  of  the  construction  Seward  has 
given  of  the  Second  Section  of  the  Amendment. 

South  Carolina,  by  the  message  and  according  to  the  recom- 
mendation of  her  Provisional  Governor,  has  put  on  record  this 
construction  as  a  contemporaneous  explanation  of  the  meaning; 
at  this  time  she  adopts  the  amendment  with  intent  to  claim  a 
breach  of  faith  in  any  other  opposing  legislation  of  Congress. 
Let  Congress,  therefore,  put  on  record  a  declaration  accom- 
panying legislation  upon  the  subject  of  matters  defining  the 
true  intent,  meaning,  and  interpretation  of  that  Second  Section, 


680       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

so  that  hereafter  no  sophistry  can  claim  that  the  word  "appro- 
priate" is  a  restraining  word. 

The  whole  Preamble  seems  to  be  necessary  in  order  to  hold 
the  weak-kneed  brethren  of  the  Republican  party,  who, 
troubled  upon  the  question  whether  the  states  are  in  or  out  of 
the  Union,  will  be  carried  by  the  claim  that  they  ought  to  vote 
to  admit  some  states  so  as  to  have  the  ratified  constitutional 
amendment  by  the  requisite  majority.  Indeed,  the  whole 
Preamble  and  bill  has  been  drawn  so  that  whoever  shall  vote 
for  it  will  vote  to  give  life  and  effect  to  the  Constitutional 
Amendment  and  in  favor  of  liberty  and  equal  rights,  not  rais- 
ing, however,  any  question  of  the  rights  of  suffrage,  and  who- 
ever votes  against  the  bill  votes  against  the  Constitutional 
amendment,  against  equality  of  rights,  and  for  the  black 
code  of  the  South  with  its  whipping  of  women  and  hunting  of 
men  with  guns  and  hounds. 

The  second  section  of  the  bill  seems  to  be  necessary  for  the 
reason,  upon  examination  of  the  proposed  amended  black 
codes  preparatory  to  reconstruction  at  the  South.  It  will  be 
seen  that  they  all  provide  that  vagrancy  or  indisposition  of  a 
negro  to  work  is  a  crime  for  which  the  negro  shall  be  sold  in 
servitude  as  a  punishment  by  the  decision  of  a  petty  magistrate 
or  justice  of  the  peace.  To  give  a  jury  trial  to  the  negro  in 
such  cases  will  throw  an  impediment  in  the  way  of  those  codes 
which,  in  my  judgment,  in  practice  will  be  unsurmountable. 
My  object  has  been  not  to  make  a  code  of  laws  which  shall  be 
applicable  to  the  freedman,  but  to  put  on  record  by  this  bill 
the  most  solemn  legislative  declaration,  and  an  act  which  should 
at  once  sweep  away  all  distinctive  laws  against  him. 

If  you  shall  get  from  this  note  or  draft  of  the  bill  sent  with 
it  any  suggestions  which  will  be  of  use  to  you,  and  therefore 
aid  to  the  common  cause,  I  shall  have  attained  all  I  could  hope 
from  the  thought  I  have  given  to  the  subject. 

/  am  very  truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 

Another  copy  directed  to  Hon.  Thaddeus  Stevens 


From  General  Butler 

December  1st,  1865 

Hon.  McPherson,  Clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives 

Dear  Sir:  It  is,  I  believe,  the  fact  that  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  United  States  have  never  yet  held  their  ses- 
sions (under  ?)  a  flag  of  American  bunting.     The  United  States 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   681 

Bunting  Company,^  under  the  encouragement  by  the  Act  of 
Congress  of  March  3rd,  1865,  have  organized  in  this  city  for 
the  purpose  of  manufacturing  bunting,  that  hereafter  our 
Soldiers  and  Sailors  can  fight  under  a  truly  American  flag. 
The  company  propose,  therefore,  to  present  to  Congress  an 
American  flag.  The  manager  of  the  Company  desires  me, 
therefore,  to  ask  if  you  will  have  the  goodness  to  give  him  the 
size  of  the  flags  raised  upon  the  Capitol,  so  that  the  company 
may  make  one  and  send  you  for  the  use  of  the  House. 

Very  respectfully.  Your  obdt.  Servt.,  [B.  F.  B.|] 
Same  letter  to  Col.  J,  W.  Forney,  Clerk  of  Senate 

From  John  I.  Davenport  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  D.  C,  December  3rd,  1865 

My  dear  General:  I  think  before  you  come  to  Washing- 
ton, or  when  you  do,  you  will  need  to  have  with  you,  or  all 
prepared,  your  orders  in  relation  to  Fort  Fisher. 

Gen.  Grant's  report,  which  will  be  published  in  a  day  or  two, 
I  understand  declares  that  you  delayed  and  suppressed  various 
despatches  sent  by  him  to  Weitzel  in  regard  to  the  Fort  Fisher 
expedition. 

It  seems  to  me  too  late  in  the  day  for  a  man  who  has  been 
before  the  committee  on  conduct  of  war,  and  had  all  the  oppor- 
tunity possible  to  make  out  his  case,  to  now  come  out  with 
a  lying  charge  in  an  oflScial  document.  Your  friends  here  are 
quite  excited  over  the  matter.  I  hope  General^  you  will  show 
up  this  man.  I  know  you  will  and  can  if  you  so  deem  it  politic 
at  this  time. 

Grant  praises  Meade  quite  strongly,  notwithstanding  you 
and  I  both  know  he  tried  his  best  to  relieve  him  in  March  last, 
but  could  not. 

This  thing  makes  me  so  angry  that  I  can  hardly  act  decently, 
particularly  when  I  meet  some  poor,  weak-minded  fools  who 
ask  "what  now  will  Butler  do.^*" 

I  want  to  see  you  very  much  when  you  come  on,  which  I  hope 
will  be  soon,  and  believe  me,  General,  to  be  ever  your  friend 
and  never  more  so  than  when  you  are  abused  and  villijied  by  those 
who  owe  you  something  for  their  position  —  as  does  Grant. 

Very  truly  yours,  John  I.  Davenport 

Address  me  care  Hon  E.  D.  Morgan,  U.  S.  Senate, 
Washington,  D.C. 

1  General  Butler  organized  the  U.  S.  Bunting  Co. 


682        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 
From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Dec.  1865 

Mr.  Commander  A.  C.  Rhind 

Somebody  has  sent  me  a  printed  letter  of  yours  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Navy,  which  you  desire  to  have  placed  on  the 
records  of  the  Committee  on  the  Conduct  of  the  War,  because 
you  say  the  testimony  of  Gen.  Butler  "presumes  to  question 
the  performance  of  a  duty  assigned  you  which  you  cannot 
suffer  to  go  abroad  uncontradicted." 

But  Rhind,  where  is  the  contradiction?  You  say  Gen. 
Butler  was  at  Beaufort,  sixty  miles  off,  when  the  powder  boat 
was  exploded  (not  very)  near  Fort  Fisher,  so  said  Gen.  Butler. 
You  say  he  does  not  know  how  near  the  powder  boat  was  to 
the  fort.  When  asked  by  the  committee,  the  very  first  words 
Gen.  Butler  says,  are,  "I  do  not  know,  nor  do  I  believe  anybody 
else  on  our  side  does"  (I  will  give  you  some  reasons  for  this 
belief  before  I  get  through). 

You  say  the  vessel  was  towed  in,  he  says  she  was  towed  in. 
He  says  that  it  was  proposed  to  beach  her  within  250  yards 
of  the  fort;  you  say  in  your  letter  to  Admiral  Porter,  dated 
Dec.  26th,  Committee  Report,  page  130,  owing  "to  the  night 
being  perfectly  clear,  it  became  necessary  to  anchor  her  (not 
250  but  three  hundred  yards  from  the  beach)  to  prevent 
discovery  by  the  enemy,  and  consequent  frustration  of  the 
plan."  WTiat  plan?  why,  to  beach  her  nearer  the  fort.  Gen. 
Butler  says  you  could  have  gone  with  the  boat  within  one  hun- 
dred yards  of  the  shore;  you  say  that  you  tried  to  veer  her  in 
90  fathoms,  180  yards  nearer  than  you  were,  which  all  your 
officers  say  was  within  280  yards  of  the  shore,  but  that  you 
were  prevented  by  the  undertow. 

Why  Rhind,  you  tried  to  swing  her  within  70  yards  of  the 
beach.  What  did  you  mean  by  that?  You  did  not  agree 
with  Gen.  Butler  that  she  could  go  within  200  yards?  Gen. 
Butler  says  you  anchored  her  and  set  her  on  fire;  so  you 
say.  Gen.  Butler  says  she  was  not  beached  —  but  anchored, 
and  he  does  not  believe  within  two-thirds  of  a  mile  of  Fort 
Fisher. 

You  have  not  dared  anywhere  to  say  how  near  the  powder 
vessel  was  to  the  fort.  Why  did  you  say  she  was  within 
300  yards  of  the  beach  abreast  the  fort?  The  Navy  Depart- 
ment sent  to  look  for  wreck  where  you  said  she  was,  but  she 
was  not  there. 

Oh,  Rhind!   I  will  tell  you  to  a  cheese  paring  exactly  where 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        683 

she  was,  and  the  wreck  of  her  is  now  fast  anchored  with  your 
two  anchors. 

After  the  capture  of  the  fort  there  was  made  a  sketch  of 
"Vicinity  of  Fort  Fisher,  surveyed  under  the  direction  of  Brig. 
Gen.  C.  B.  Comstock,  "chief  engineer"  of  Gen.  Grant's  staff, 
which  sketch  is  printed  and  in  the  engineer's  office.  This 
shows  the  wreck  of  the  powder  boat  to  be  eight  hundred  and 
thirty  yards  above  the  northeasterly  sahent  of  the  fort,  not 
ABREAST  of  the  fort  at  all,  but  830  yards  up  the  beach  opposite 
the  woods.  Oh,  Rhind,  how  the  explosion  must  have  fright- 
ened the  owls  up  there!  The  rebel.  General  Whiting,  in  his 
testimony  (Report  Page  106)  says  the  powder  boat  came  within 
12  or  1500  yards  of  the  fort  only. 

Now,  Rhind,  go  look  at  this  map  of  the  position  of  the 
powder  boat,  and  then  tell  me  what  becomes  of  your  "yarn" 
about  anchoring  within  three  hundred  yards  of  the  beach 
abreast  the  fort.  "  The  fort  bearing  West  by  S.  1/2  W.,  the 
embrasures  in  plain  sight."  Why,  Rhind  the  embrasures  of  the 
seaside  of  the  fort  from  where  the  powder  vessel  is,  cannot  be  seen 
at  all.  You  were  above  the  fort,  Rhind,  and  could  only  see  the 
land  side  of  the  fort. 

Again,  Rhind.  Just  think  a  moment  what  a  log-book  the 
"Wilderness"  must  have.  Your  minutes  down  there  are 
made  to  say,  "The  'Wilderness'  cast  off  the  powder  boat  and 
anchored  at  11.40  p.m.  The  embrasures  of  the  fort  plainly 
in  sight,  the  powder  boat  then  steamed  ahead  fifteen  minutes 
and  anchored."  But  she  is  actually  near  the  shore,  830 
yards  above  the  upper  corner  (salient)  of  the  fort.  What  good 
eyes  they  must  have  had  on  board  of  the  "Wilderness"  to 
have  seen  those  embrasures  in  the  night,  when  the  powder 
boat  had  to  steam  fifteen  minutes  to  get  within  830  yards  of  the 
upper  corner  of  the  fort!  Beside,  you  say  yourself  the  "  'Wil- 
derness' cast  off  the  powder  boat  at  a  sufficient  distance 
from  the  fort  to  prevent  herself  being  seen."  If  the  embra- 
sures of  the  fort  were  in  plain  sight  from  the  "Wilderness," 
why  was  not  the  "Wilderness"  in  plain  sight  from  the  fort.?^ 
Oh,  Rhind!  it  is  only  to  men  that  are  a  little  frightened  that 
the  embrasures  of  a  fort  look  as  big  as  a  steamboat! 

Now,  Rhind,  if  you  and  Porter  don't  stop  writing,  the 
proverb  will  be  changed,  and  will  hereafter  read,  "Lie  like  a 
Rear  Admiral  and  a  log  book."  Rhind,  why  did  you  write 
that  letter.?  There  is  no  contradiction  between  us.  Was 
it  because  you  thought  it  the  mark  of  a  great  man  to  have  a 


684       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

fling  at  me  because  Porter  and  Grant  have  done  so?  Let  me 
assure  you  it  is  not.  "The  little  dogs  and  all,  Tray,  Blanche, 
and  sweetheart,  see,  they  bark  at  me."     I  am,  Rhind, 

Pityingly  yours,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  J.  C.  Kelton  to  General  Butler 

Adjutant  General's  Office,  Washington,  D.  C,  Dec.  ith,  1865 

Sir  :  Your  resignation  has  been  accepted  by  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  to  take  effect  the  30th  day  of  November, 

'  ""    '  Very  respectfully,  yr.  ohdt.  servt. 

J.  C.  Kelton,  Asst.  Adjt.  General 

From  Mrs.  M.  A.  Ware 

Charlestown,  Mass.,  July  I6ih,  [18663    [Not  in  chronological  order] 

Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell 

Dear  General:  Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  inform  me  if 
the  War  Department  has  accepted  your  resignation?  I  have 
had  a  warm  dispute  in  regard  to  it  with  an  officer  of  the  24th 
Mass.  Regiment.  He  threw  down  the  glove  and  I  took  it  up 
in  your  defence.     Your  reply  will  settle  the  dispute  and  much 

^  ^  '  Respectfully  yours,  Mrs.  M.  A.  Ware 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.   Ware 

No.  63  High  St.,  July  18/66 
[Not  in  chronological  order] 

My  dear  Madam:  Thanks  for  your  kind  interest  in  my 
behalf.  The  War  Department  accepted  my  resignation  on  the 
30th  of  November,  1865,  the  same  time  with  that  of  General 
Dix.  Our  commissions  bore  date  of  the  same  day,  and  being 
the  two  oldest  volunteer  Generals  then  remaining  in  the 
service,  our  resignations  were  accepted  on  the  same  day. 

I  retained  my  commission  from  May  till  November  at  the 
request  of  President  Johnson,  so  that  I  might  be  employed 
on  the  trial  of  Davis  if  he  was  to  be  tried  by  Military  Com- 
mission. 

I  am  grieved  that  you  should  be  called  upon  to  defend  me 
against  any  officer  ever  under  my  command.  I  feel  quite 
certain  that  no  good  officer  not  politically  opposed  to  me  will 
call  for  a  defence. 

I  doubt  not  if  I  knew  the  name  of  the  officer  of  the  24th 
who  attacks  me  I  could  easily  name  the  offence  for  which  I 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        685 

punished  him.  My  good  fortune  has  been,  and  I  venture 
most  proudly  to  say,  to  be  loved  and  defended  by  the  good 
officers  of  my  command,  and  to  be  maligned,  traduced,  hated, 
by  the  bad  ones  and  traitors  and  copperheads. 

Truly  yours,  B.  F.  Butler 

From  Eugene  H.  Gilbert 

Watjkegan,  Illinois,  Dec.  9th,  1865 

Major  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

General:  I  beg  pardon  for  thus  presuming  to  address  you, 
but  from  what  I  have  read  of  you,  I  am  led  to  believe  that 
if  you  cannot  aid  me  in  the  manner  required  you  can  give  me 
good  advice. 

I  will  preface  my  request  by  telling  you  that  I  have  served 
three  years  in  the  army,  and  am  now  discharged  as  per  order 
enclosed  (which  please  return  to  me).  What  I  wish  General, 
is  to  study  law,  and  as  my  acquaintance  among  lawyers  is 
slim,  I  know  of  none  to  apply  to  but  yourself.  Therefore 
I  have  made  bold  to  ask  if  you  again  establish  an  office  if  you 
would  so  far  gratify  the  wish  of  an  ex-soldier  as  to  allow  me 
to  study  with  you.  I  know  you  will  think  I  look  rather  high, 
to  make  a  commencement,  but  my  father  does  not  favor 
my  plan,  and  made  me  promise  last  eve  if  I  would  get  Gen. 
Butler's  permission  to  study  with  him,  that  he  would  make  no 
further  objections.  I  would  say  here  that  my  father  is  per- 
fectly able  to  support  me  while  I  am  studying. 

Now,  General,  if  you  can  possibly,  please  grant  my  life-long 
wish.     Hoping  for  a  favorable  reply,  I  remain 

Very  respectfully.  Your  obdt.  Servant, 

Eugene  H.  Gilbert 

From  General  Butler  to  E.  H.  Gilbert 

January  20th,  1866 

My  young  Friend  and  Comrade:  I  could  indeed  wish 
that  I  had  an  office  in  which  you  could  pursue  the  study  of 
the  law  under  such  poor  instruction  as  a  brother  soldier  and  a 
lawyer  out  of  practice  can  give.  Alas!  the  war  that  has 
inflicted  so  much  more  damage  upon  others  has  broken  up  my 
business  and  position  as  a  lawyer,  and  left  me  completely 
stranded  in  my  profession.  Your  trustful  enthusiasm  in  your 
choice  of  a  profession,  your  flattering  preference  to  enter  upon 
its  study  under  my  auspices,  touched  me  nearly,  and  I  would, 


686        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

indeed,  that  I  could  grant  your  wish.  But  as  Lord  Mansfield 
exclaims  after  the  mob  in  the  Protestant  Riots  had  searched 
his  library,  when  asked  in  the  house  of  Lords  if  he  had  con- 
sulted the  books,  "I  have  no  books,  my  Lord;"  so  I  say 
"I  have  no  profession." 

I  hope  your  father  will  permit  you  to  study  the  law,  and 
would  advise  you  that  I  would  take  two  years'  study  (and  my 
young  friend,  it  must  be  hard  and  efficient  study  to  do  any  good) 
at  Cambridge  Law  School.  I  would  then  advise  going  into  an 
office  of  some  good  lawyer  of  large  practice  in  the  state  where 
you  propose  to  make  your  home,  and  then  take  a  full  year 
study  and  hard  study  and  drudgery  at  the  practice  to  learn 
the  details,  and  then  I  think  that  you  will  be  a  lawyer,  and  there 
is,  in  my  belief,  no  higher  title.  Do  not  be  in  haste.  He  makes 
haste  slowly  who  too  soon  gets  into  the  profession  unprepared. 

Above  all,  keep  out  of  politics  until  your  professional  stand- 
ing and  income  is  fully  secured.  You  can  go  higher  politically 
at  a  bound  from  a  high  professional  position  than  you  can  creep 
up  by  slow  degrees  in  neglect  of  your  profession.  Never 
hold  office.  Hold  yourself  above  it.  An  officer  is  a  servant. 
I  never  held  one  till  the  one  I  hold  in  the  army,  and  that 
made  me  a  slave  to  the  caprices  of  other  people,  whom  I  neither 
loved  nor  respected.  Be  in  the  high  position  which  every 
good  lawyer  can  easily  hold.  Call  no  man  master,  make  your- 
self felt.  Be  independent.  If  one  man  quarrels  with  you, 
his  opponent  will  employ  you  all  the  more  readily,  so  that  you 
will  not  be  obliged  to  sacrifice  your  manhood  to  any  man's 
whims.     Hard  study  and  hard  work  make  the  man. 

Your  letter  followed  me  here  —  or  it  would  have  been 
answered  before.  Give  my  thanks  to  your  father  for  the  good 
opinion  implied  in  his  promise  to  yourself,  and  believe  me  most 

S^^^^^^^^y  Your  friend,  B.  F.  B. 

From  C.  G.   Thornton  to  General  Butler 

FoET  Randall,  D.T.,  Dec  9th,  1865 

Dear  General:  The  enclosed  slip  from  N.  O.  Delta  may 
interest  you.  I  received  it  from  my  friend  Major  Hoffman, 
now  on  Gen.  Canby's  staff,  formerly  on  Gen.  Franklin's  staff; 
it  is  from  his  pen. 

It  seems  Banks  has  not  forgotten  his  old  trick,  lying.  I 
thought  he  had  exhausted  his  power  in  that  line  on  you.  General. 

I  wish  this  article  might  be  published  in  some  paper  that  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER       687 

good  people  of  M ,  who  believe  Banks  has  returned  to  them 

"a  better,  purer,  and  poorer  man,"  could  "know  in  whom  they 
believe." 

We  have  had  considerable  here  to  break  the  monotony  of  gar- 
rison life  the  past  month.  The  Great  Peace  Commissioners, 
Maj.  Gen.  Curtis,  Gen.  Sibly,  Gov.  Edmonds,  Judge  Hubbard, 
M.  C.  of  Iowa,  Col.  Gaylor,  editor  of  Omaha  Register  (a  warm 
friend  of  yours),  and  others  —  also  Maj.  Gen.  Walcott  of  Gen. 
Sherman's  staff,  to  investigate  the  conduct  of  Gen.  Sully,  who 
by  the  way  has  made  a  very  favorable  report  for  Gen.  S. 

I  had  these  gentlemen  as  my  guests  for  a  long  time,  and  many 
times  your  name  was  mentioned,  General,  the  civil  portion  of 
the  Comrs.  all  strong  Butler  men,  —  the  military  speaking  in 
the  most  complimentary  terms  of  your  administration  of  affairs 
in  N.  Orleans,  except  one  or  two  matters  which  I  was  a  little 
surprised  at  their  ignorance.  I  had  the  pleasure  of  posting 
them  and  explaining  several  matters  which  they  were  mistaken 
about. 

The  remark  was  often  made,  "Could  we  but  have  Gen. 
Butler  at  the  Head  of  affairs  for  awhile." 

I  have  been  in  command  of  Fort  Sully  the  past  summer, 
have  recently  been  placed  in  command  of  the  post  —  the  largest 
and  pleasantest  in  the  district. 

Gen.  Dimon's  regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service  last  week, 
as  I  am  informed. 

Gen.  Sully  has  applied  for  my  regiment  to  be  retained  in 
service  —  but  I  presume  all  regiments  will  be  discharged  in  the 
spring.     I  shall  prefer  remaining  in  service. 

Thanking  you.  General,  for  your  uniform  kindness  to  me, 
I  remain,  with  great  respect. 

Your  ohdt.  Servant,  Chas.  G.  Thornton 

From  General  Butler  to  C.   G.    Thornton 

My  dear  Thornton:  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  remem- 
brance. History  will  do  substantially  right  by  us  all.  We 
who  have  tried  to  do  our  duty  with  singleness  of  purpose, 
to  the  best  of  our  abilities,  will  have  that  place  which  is  accorded 
to  conscientious  patriotism.  If  in  anything  history  fails, 
we  shall  have  at  least  the  approval  of  our  own  hearts  and  con- 
sciences, which  after  all  is  the  greatest  reward. 

I  hope  you  may  be  continued  in  the  service. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 


688        LETTERS  OF   GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

From  Colonel  Shaffer  to  General  Butler 

United  States  Custom  House,  Collector's  Office,  New  Orleans,  Dec.  11th,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  arrived  here  last  week,  and  after  careful 
enquiry  I  have  made  up  my  mind  that  to  admit  the  Southern 
members  and  leave  these  States  to  the  control  of  their  own 
people  will  be  ruinous  to  all  concerned.  I  have  seen  many  of 
the  old  citizens  who  took  sides  with  the  Government  when  you 
was  here,  and  every  one  of  them  tell  me  that  if  the  troops  are 
removed  they  will  be  compelled  to  leave.  On  the  boat  coming 
down  the  River  I  met  but  one  Southern  man  who  was  not  in 
favor  of  repudiating  the  National  debt.  Left  to  themselves 
they  will  drive  all  Northern  and  Union  men  out  of  the  country, 
they  will  pass  laws  and  make  regulations  that  will  make  the 
negro  population  entirely  useless.  And  as  a  result  of  this, 
we  will  get  no  revenue  from  these  states.  I  have  talked  with 
Weed  and  many  other  Northern  men;  they  all  tell  me  that, 
properly  treated,  the  negroes  are  the  best  class  of  laborers  in 
the  world  —  but  they  must  be  honestly  and  kindly  dealt  with. 
Neither  of  which  the  old  planters  will  do.  Mr.  Johnson, 
our  military  commanders,  and  all  other  men  in  power,  are 
publicly on  the  streets,  in  the  hotels,  and  places  of  amuse- 
ment. You  know  and  I  know  that  there  is  no  class  of  people 
on  earth  so  easily  managed  as  these  Southern  people.  They 
are  mortally  averse  to  earning  their  living  by  honest  toil, 
naturally  politicians  and  oflSce-holders,  and  when  they  have  a 
master  they  come  down  gracefully  and  will  do  anything  to 
make  terms  and  a  living.  And  had  they  been  kept  in  this 
position  with  prudent  military  commanders  for  18  months 
longer,  the  Northern  men  and  Union  men  would  have  been 
independent,  and  this  whole  country  would  have  been  pros- 
perous and  have  helped  the  National  Treasury  vastly.  Besides, 
the  negroes  would  have  been  a  useful  and  industrious  class  of 
people.  And  unless  Congress  begins  right  now  to  start  things 
on  the  right  track,  all  hope  of  the  South  is  gone  for  next  20 
years.  Most  of  the  more  intelligent  of  Southern  men  see  this, 
but  they  are  powerless.  The  radical  rebel  element  always 
strong,  but  now  that  the  army  have  returned  are  invincible 
and  override  all  reasonable  propositions.  The  Freedmen's 
Bureau  as  managed  is  worse  than  a  farce.  The  worst  enemies 
the  negro  has  are  the  agents  of  that  Bureau  with  few  exceptions. 
The  great  trouble  is  that  all  the  oflBcers  fall  a  victim  to  the 
wines  and  dinners  of  these  people.     I  understand  Stevens  has 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        689 

introduced  a  Bill  appointing  a  Committee  of  enquiry  in  regard 
to  matters  South.  This  is  useless  unless  men  are  appointed 
who  are  fully  acquainted  with  these  people.  Howard,  I  learn 
here,  was  completely  sold  out  when  on  his  Southern  trip, 
and  the  negroes  so  understand  it.  I  told  Stanton  that  he  was 
unfit  for  his  place,  and  I  now  know  it.  I  would  be  willing  to 
serve  for  nothing  if  I  could  be  put  in  a  position  to  help  this 
country.  Had  I  charge  of  Freedmen's  Bureau,  with  force  to 
support  me  in  say,  two  or  three  of  these  states,  I  would  make  the 
negroes  all  right  and  contented,  and  the  country  produce 
largely. 

But  these  states  in  the  meantime  must  be  prevented  from 
legislating.  Miss,  has  passed  a  law  preventing  negroes  from 
leasing  land,  etc.,  which  is  demoralizing. 

The  fact  is,  that  if  something  is  not  done,  the  negroes  will 
turn  on  the  whites,  and  who  can  blame  them.^^  Use  your  in- 
fluence in  Congress  and  have  something  done.  Tell  Mr. 
Johnson  that  he  is  being  cheated.  I  will  be  here  for  several 
weeks,  when  I  will  come  to  the  North  via  Washington. 

I  wish  you  would  write  me  here,  care  Burns  and  Shaffer. 

Truly  your  friend,  J.  W.  Shaffer 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  December  11th,  1865 

To  the  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton,  Secy,  of  War 

Sir:  When  in  command  of  the  Department  of  the  Gulf 
a  sum  of  fifty-nine  thousand  dollars  in  gold  was  captured  by 
the  army  in  New  Orleans,  supposed  to  belong  to  the  United 
States  before  the  war,  but  when  captured  the  property  of  public 
enemies,  Samuel  Smith  &  Brothers,  then  agents  for  the  Con- 
federate Loan  in  New  Orleans .  At  the  request  of  the  claimants, 
the  board  of  survey  was  convened  to  determine  whether  there 
was  just  ground  of  detention  of  the  money  as  the  property 
of  the  United  States,  irrespective  of  the  question  of  its  capture 
as  prize  of  war,  and  the  board  determined  that  the  question 
should  be  submitted  to  the  Government  at  Washington  as  to 
part  of  it,  to  wit  fifty  thousand  dollars,  the  remainder  was 
thereupon  returned  to  the  claimants.  This  report  was  duly 
forwarded.  When  relieved  from  the  command  of  that  depart- 
ment, I  returned  the  facts  of  the  capture  of  this  property  to  the 
War  Department,  and  put  on  file  a  memorandum  detailing  all 
the  circumstances  which  seemed  necessary  to  explain  it,  which 
return  was  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  War. 

VOL.  V — 44 


690       LETTERS   OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

By  the  Army  regulations  existing  at  that  time,  Paragraph 
470  (?),  Regulations  of  1861,  it  is  provided  that  "a  return  of  all 
property  captured  will  be  made  by  the  commanding  oflScers 
of  the  troops  by  which  such  capture  was  made  to  the  Adjutant 
General  at  Washington,  in  order  that  it  may  be  disposed  of 
according  to  the  orders  of  the  War  Department."  You  will 
do  me  the  favor  to  remember  that  at  that  time,  February, 
1863,  the  Adjutant  General  was  not  at  Washington,  and  there- 
fore I  made  the  return  directly  to  the  War  Department,  to 
which  no  objection  was  made.  I  have  ever  since  and  still  hold 
the  property  subject  to  orders  of  the  Department. 

Since  that  time  an  action  has  been  commenced  against  me 
for  the  property,  which  is  now  pending  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  and  in  order  for  trial.  Having  been  notified  that  the 
resignation  of  my  commission  has  been  accepted,  and  being 
no  longer  in  the  service,  in  order  to  settle  my  accounts  with 
the  several  Departments  of  Government  so  as  to  get  my  final 
payment  for  services,  I  respectfully  urge  that  some  order  or 
"disposition"  of  said  property  within  the  terms  of  the  regula- 
tions be  made  by  the  War  Department,  so  that  I  may  be  [free] 
from  further  responsibility  for  property  so  returned  by  me  as 
captured,  and  that  I  may  be  indemnified  for  the  losses  neces- 
sarily incurred  in  this  behalf.  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Very 
respectfully,  y^^^  ^^^^  g^^^^^^^^ 

Benj.  F.  Butler,  Late  Maj.  Gen  I.  U.  S.  V. 
From  E.  D.  Townsend 

War  Department,  Adjutant  General's  Office,  Washington,  December,  i6th,  1865 

[Not  in  chronological  order]] 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

Sir:  Your  communication  addressed  to  the  Secretary  of 
War,  dated  the  11th  instant  and  mailed  the  22nd  instant, 
in  relation  to  fifty  thousand  dollars  in  gold  claimed  by  Samuel 
Smith  and  brother,  seized  by  you  in  New  Orleans,  was  received 
on  the  24th  instant. 

In  that  communication  reference  is  made  to  the  report  of  a 
Board  of  Survey  convened  to  determine  whether  there  was  just 
ground  of  detention  of  the  money  as  the  property  of  the  United 
States.  The  report  of  that  Board  is  not  on  file  in  this  Depart- 
ment, and  there  is  no  record  of  its  ever  having  been  received. 

The  Secretary  of  War  requests  you  to  forward  a  copy  of  the 
report  and  proceedings  of  the  Board  for  examination  in  con- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        691 

nection  with  the  appHcation  made  in  your  letter  of  the  11th 
instant.     I  am,  Sir,  Very  Respectfully, 

Your  Oht.  Servant 
E.  D.  TowNSEND,  Asst.  Adjt.  General 

From  General  Butler 

Dec.  iSth,  1865     [Not  in  chronological  order] 

To  the  Hon.  Sec.  of  War 

I  HAVE  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  note  of 
the  Adjutant  General,  saying  that  no  copy  of  the  proceedings 
and  report  of  the  Commission  in  relation  to  fifty  thousand 
dollars  claimed  by  Sam.  Smith  and  Co.  of  New  Orleans,  now  in 
my  hands,  is  on  file  in  the  War  Department.  I  hasten  to  supply 
the  omission.  Having  a  true  copy  of  the  proceedings  in  print, 
I  venture  to  send  that  as  in  the  most  convenient  form.  It  will 
be  found  with  a  copy  of  my  letter  transmitting  it  from  pages 
28  to  54  of  the  accompanying  pamphlet,  which  are  respectfully 
submitted.  I  shall  be  happy  to  furnish  the  Department  with 
any  other  information  that  may  be  of  service.     I  have  the  honor 

^""^^  [B.  F.  Butler] 

From  Joseph  W.  Thomas  to  General  Butler 

Phil.\delphia,  Dec.  13th,  1865 

Dear  Sir:  As  General  Grant  has  attacked  you  so  violently 
in  his  report,  and  observing  you  are  about  replying  to  him, 
I  would  beg  leave  to  suggest  that  you  ask  him  the  question 
why  he  laid  so  long  in  front  of  Petersburg,  with,  I  believe, 
at  least  150,000,  while  Lee  was  inside  with  only  about  40  to 
60,000,  and  why  give  him  such  terms  of  surrender  as  allowed 
all  his  officers  to  walk  off  with  their  side-arms,  which  I  believe 
has  been  the  main  cause  of  their  arrogance  ever  since  their 
defeat.  Traitors  deserve  no  such  terms,  and  he  was  strong 
enough  to  compel  them  to  surrender  unconditionally,  and  thus 
preserve  the  honor  of  the  nation  from  being  tarnished,  by 
granting  such  terms,  humiliating  to  us  as  a  people. 

Yours  very  truly,  Joseph  W.  Thomas 

From  Joseph  Williams  to  General  Butler 

Feedericksbuhg,  Virginia,  Dec.  10th,  1865 

Dear  Sir  :  Having  been  pleased  with  your  course  during  the 
late  rebellion,  and  seeing  a  disposition  on  the  part  of  the 
General  who  commanded  the  army  of  the  Potomac  in  its  last 


692   LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

campaign,  and  having  been  with  all  the  Generals  from  Burn- 
side  to  the  surrender  of  Lee,  I  know  something  of  their  suc- 
cesses and  failures.  The  General  speaks  of  your  being  corked 
up  in  a  bottle  from  the  time  that  he  crossed  the  Rappidan 
down  to  Cold  Harbor  iSght,  where  he  had  to  call  your  troops 
under  General  Smith  to  assist  him,  to  save  a  defeat.  It  was 
one  continued  failure  to  accomplish  what  he  had  anticipated, 
and  but  for  his  plenary  powers  he  would  have  followed  in  the 
footsteps  of  his  predecessors,  but  even  then  he  had  to  flank, 
so  called,  until  he  got  into  the  same  bottle,  and  was  corked  up 
there  for  eleven  months  tighter  than  he  kept  his  ale,  and  every 
time  he  attempted  to  uncork  himself  General  Lee  drove  the  cork 
tighter  until  all  the  army  of  the  country  was  concentrated  to 
assist  him.     If  I  can  be  of  any  use  to  you,  I  am  ready. 

Respectfully  your  ohdt.  Servant,  Joseph  Williams 

From  General  Butler  to  Joseph  Williams 

Dec.  20/65 

My  dear  Sir:  I  thank  you  for  the  kind  offer  of  assistance 
in  the  matter  of  the  attack  of  General  Grant  upon  me.  While 
I  can  appreciate  the  offer,  I  take  leave  to  assure  you  that  after 
having  fought  the  troubles  of  the  country  unaided  and  alone, 
I  shall  now  fight  my  own.  y^^^^  ^^^y^  g   p  ^ 

From  F.  W.  Bird  to  General  Butler 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  Council  Chamber,  Boston,  Dec.  ^6th,  1865 

Dear  General:  Pardon  me  for  suggestions.  In  y'r  ex- 
pose of  Gen.  Grant,  I  think  a  very  strong  point  is  his  utter 
lack  of  statesmanship.  I  have  never  been  able  to  regard  him 
as  a  great  captain;  but  owing  to  a  singularly  fortunate  com- 
bination of  circumstances  attending  his  accession  to  the  com- 
mand he  was  successful,  or  rather,  success  came.  Of  course, 
his  military  character  is  better  known  to  you  and  its  assail- 
ability  more  obvious.  Still  I  think  the  general  faith  in  him  is 
strong;  but  the  glamor  will  pass  away  and  then  his  great  defeat 
will  be  seen  —  he  never  comprehended  the  situation.  He  knew 
only  to  launch  masses  of  human  beings  upon  other  masses, 
"hammering"  hundreds  of  thousands  of  lives  out,  never  know- 
ing or  caring  to  appeal  to  or  advance  the  inspiration  of  the  idea 
which  is  infinitely  more  powerful  than  brute  force.  He  still 
shows  this  insensibility.     Give  it  to  him  on  this. 

Again,  excuse  the  liberty  and  believe  me 

Very  truly,  F.  W.  Bird 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER   693 

From  Charles  A.  Page  to  General  Butler 

ZuKiCH,  Switzerland,  Dec.  IQlh,  1865 

Dear  General:  I  have  to-day  read  General  Grant's 
report,  and  I  am  both  surprised  and  pained  by  the  great  injus- 
tice which  he  does  you.  In  the  present  frenzy  of  pubhc  opinion, 
which  looks  upon  Grant  as  a  demi-god,  whose  every  act  and 
word  is  to  be  considered  as  above  being  questioned,  I  doubt 
if  you  can  expect  justice  —  simply  because  in  many  quarters 
you  will  not  be  able  to  get  a  hearing.  But  when  you  do  have 
fair  play  —  a  hearing  —  I  look  to  see  you  stand  justified 
altogether. 

When  the  army  of  the  Potomac  joined  you  before  Richmond, 
I  went  up  the  river  to  Bermuda,  and  thence  to  your  Head 
Quarters  with  Gen.  Wright  and  staff,  and  I  well  —  vividly 
remember  how  they  abused  you  with  strong  words  for  ordering 
Wright  with  his  6th  Corps  to  "go  in"  —  yet  one  would  suppose 
from  Grant's  report  that  you  were  the  one  to  blame  that  they 
didrCt  go  in. 

I  could  not  refrain  from  writing  a  brief  note,  merely  to 

say  that  I  think  you  the  "best  abused  man"  in  the  country. 

May  I  presume  to  make  my  respectful  compliments  to  Mrs. 

and  Miss  Butler  .^^  ,^         .     i      r^  *     t» 

Yours  truly,  Chas.  A.  Page 

From  W.  Jones 

Gloverville,  Dec.  27 

Hon.  B.  F.  Butler 

Dear  Sir:  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  which  I  penned 
and  sent  on  25  Dec.  to  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher  —  that  you 
through  your  friends  may  give  it  publicity  in  the  papers. 
Now  is  the  time  to  strike  and  firm  for  the  right  —  our  country 
demands  it  —  soon  the  die  will  be  cast  and  it  will  be  too  late. 

I  wrote  you  from  Neenah,  Wise,  soon  after  Grant  and  Porter 
tried  to  lay  you  out  at  Wilmington.  He  falsified  his  report 
then  —  and  has  since.  Some  able  pen  ought  to  expose  to  the 
public  gaze  the  falsity  of  his  more  recent  labored  report.  Right 
and  our  country  demands  it. 

I  was  glad  to  receive  your  expose  of  him,  in  printed  form  by  a 
plain  statement  of  facts.  The  times  evidently  point  to  a  new 
political  organization  —  say  Radical  or  reformed  democracy  — 
so  as  to  steal  the  thunder  there  is  in  the  cognomen  Democracy. 
I  am  now  traveling  on  business  through  New  York  State. 
Shall  be  some  2  weeks  at  Saratoga  Springs.     Would  be  happy 


694       LETTERS    OF    GEN.    BENJAMIN    F.    BUTLER 

to   receive   documents   or   a   line   from   you   there.     Address 
W.  Jones.     With  sentiments  of  high  esteem, 

W.  Jones 

From  General  Butler  to   W.  Jones 

My  dear  Sir:  I  thank  you  for  your  note  of  confidence 
enclosing  your  letter  to  Henry  Ward  Beecher.  I  will  comply 
with  your  request  and  send  it  to  the  press.  Gen.  Grant's 
report  will  be  met  in  due  time  by  the  inexorable  truth  of  history. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler 

January  9th,  1866 

Mr.  Lawson  and  brethren  of  the  Consistory 

The  greeting  which  your  too  partial  kindness  has  rendered 
so  grateful  to  me,  renews  again  our  obligations  to  the  highest 
orders  of  masonry. 

The  institution  we  cherish  is  founded  in  the  best  instincts 
of  the  human  heart.  Its  symbols  are  the  alphabet  to  teach 
benevolence,  charity,  and  good  will  to  men.  Its  lectures 
point  the  way  to  piety,  love  to  God,  the  supreme  Ruler  and 
Architect.  The  workings  of  its  lodges  and  our  associations 
instruct  us  on  the  mutual  dependence  and  ties  of  man  on  his 
brother  man.  Its  passwords  and  grips  are  signs  by  which 
brother  may  know  brother  when  all  other  modes  of  com- 
munication fail.  The  science  of  masonry  is  the  only  universal 
language,  since  the  confusion  of  tongues  at  Babel,  permitted 
by  the  All-wise  to  be  re-established  on  earth,  because  perhaps 
dedicated  solely  to  carry  out  the  attributes  of  humility,  charity, 
benevolence,  and  brotherly  kindness,  thus  to  fulfil  the  highest 
command.  Love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  love 
thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

The  precepts  of  our  order  are  but  His  teachings,  through 
His  Scriptures,  of  our  duties  to  Himself  and  His  creatures. 
Therefore  the  "place  whereon  we  stand  is  Holy  Ground," 
and  we  have  built  an  altar  to  Him  from  which  the  sacrifices  of 
pure  hearts  and  good  deeds  should  ascend  forever. 

Brothers  —  I  accept  these  tokens  of  your  love  and  appre- 
ciation, and  will  endeavor  always  to  fulfil  the  duties  which  they 
remind  me  our  Order  demands,  while  a  grateful  remembrance 
of  your  kindness  ever  keeps  my  heart  true  to  our  "mystic  tie." 

You  have  been  pleased  to  speak  so  flatteringly  of  my  services 
to  the  country  in  its  late  struggle  for  its  life  as  to  leave  me  but 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        695 

the  power  to  say  that  whatever  has  been  done,  has  been  with 
an  eye  single  to  my  country's  service.  Others  may  have  done 
more,  but  I  have  the  right  to  say  to  you  that  no  one  has  tried 
to  do  more  or  better  within  the  measures  of  his  abihty.  Thus 
much  of  justice,  time  and  history  will  do  me,  so  that  I  can 
without  shame  lay  my  gifts  upon  your  altar  as  like  the  widow's 
mite,  all  I  can  do. 

I  can  also  answer  to  you  that  in  every  official  or  private 
position  I  have  never  forgotten  my  masonic  duties  and,  within 
their  tenor,  have  gladly  fulfilled  all  my  obligations.  No  brother 
has  ever  yet  rightfully  apphed  to  me  in  vain. 

It  has  been  my  fortune  amid  the  clash  of  arms  to  restore  and 
return  the  Jewels  of  three  lodges;  to  relieve  the  distresses  of 
many  orphan  children  of  masons.  Not  these  alone,  indeed 
by  thousands,  but  my  first  duty  was  to  "those  of  the  house- 
hold of  faith."  This  is  not  the  language  of  boasting,  but  a 
simple  statement  of  fact  that  you  may  know  that  I  can  accept 
your  tribute  of  masonic  regard  without  hesitation. 

Neighbors,  friends,  brothers,  accept  my  heartfelt  thanks. 
Nothing  can  repay  a  man  for  the  loss  of  confidence  of  those 
with  whom  his  boyhood  and  manhood  has  been  spent,  and 
nothing  can  be  more  grateful  than  the  appreciation  and  regard 
of  those  who  have  known  him  best.  If  you  at  home  say  well 
done!  what  care  I  what  others  say.^^  Brothers  I  thank  you 
again  and  again.  CB  F  "R  ") 

From  E.  D.  Townsend 

War  Department,  Adjutant  General's  Office,  Washington,  January  lith,  1866 

General  Benj.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

Sir  :  Pursuant  to  a  Joint  Resolution  of  the  Senate  and  House 
of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Louisiana,  His  Excellency 
Governor  Wells  had  applied  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States  for  the  restoration  to  the  State  of  Louisiana  of  the  statue 
of  George  Washington,  reported  to  have  been  carried  away 
by  the  U.  S.  Authorities  on  the  capture  of  Baton  Rouge,  La. 

There  are  no  papers  on  file  in  this  office  relating  to  the  dis- 
position of  such  statue,  and  the  Secretary  of  War  directs  me  to 
call  upon  you  for  any  information  you  can  give  in  relation  to  it 
which  I  will  thank  you  to  furnish  accordingly.     I  am.  Sir, 
Very  respectfully.  Your  obedient  Servant, 
E.  D.  Townsend,  Assistant  Adjutant  General 


696       LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

From  General  Butler 

January  15/66 

To  Hon.  Sec.  of  War 

Upon  the  capture  of  Baton  Rouge,  La.,  it  became  necessary 
to  occupy  the  Capitol  or  State  House  as  barracks.  In  the 
Rotunda  was  a  statue  of  Washington  —  very  hkely  to  be  in- 
jured or  defaced,  specially  if  the  town  should  be  attacked, 
as  afterwards  happened.  The  State  Library  also  was  quite 
open  to  be  plundered  and  destroyed.  I  ordered  the  Library 
to  be  packed  up  and  placed  with  the  City  Library  in  charge 
of  the  Librarian,  and  a  receipt  taken  by  the  Qr.  Master. 

The  statue  was  boxed  carefully  and  sent  to  New  York  to 
hold  in  trust  for  the  State  "when  it  was  restored  to  the  Union  and 
became  worthy  of  a  statue  of  the  Father  of  the  Union."  The  statue 
was  thence  taken  to  Washington,  and  is  now  in  the  old  Repre- 
sentatives Hall  or  Rotunda.     I  am  respectfully, 

Your  obdt.  servant,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler  to  James  Parton 

Lowell,  January  15th,  1866 

My  dear  Parton  :  I  take  leave  to  send  you  the  manuscript 
of  my  report  so  far  as  it  is  written  up.  I  do  this  for  the  purpose 
of  having  your  opinion  upon  the  manner  and  matter  of  it. 
My  plan  is  this :  to  make  a  report  very  carefully,  giving  all  the 
facts  and  documents,  verifying  every  statement  as  I  go  on,  in 
the  manner  you  see,  precisely  as  if  Gen'l.  Grant  had  not  made 
any  report.  Of  course  I  cannot  help  being  more  careful  on  the 
contested  point  than  if  there  were  no  contest. 

Then  in  an  Addenda,  or  in  a  speech  (which  would  be  best.'*), 
to  group  together  with  terseness  and  point  the  attack  and  reply 
as  verified  by  my  report.  What  do  you  think  of  the  plan.f* 
Is  my  report  too  full.'*  Will  it  be  too  voluminous.?  You  see 
so  far  it  is  almost  all  documentary,  as  must  be  the  case  in  the 
Exchange  business.  The  documents  will  never  see  light  in  any 
other  form.  I  have  been  quite  anxious  upon  this  point  of  the 
Exchange,  as  Grant  nowhere  alludes  to  it  in  his  report,  and  the 
twenty-five  thousand  starved  in  prisons  must  be  added  to  his 
losses  in  the  campaign  which  he  planned  and  executed.  Please 
tell  frankly  how  does  the  report  strike  you  upon  the  question.'* 
Also  upon  the  question  who  planned  the  movement  up  the 
James  to  Bermuda?  Have  I  shown  any  feeling  except  to  state 
matters  accurately,  provided  you  did  not  know  I  had  feeling.'* 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        697 

Read  the  report  to  Mrs.  Parton,  if  she  will  not  be  bored  with  it. 

I  should  like  the  fine  instincts  of  an  intelligent  woman  upon 

it.     I   need   not   repeat   that   I   want   your  exact   judgment. 

Making  history  is  your  trade,  you  can  tell  how  it  will  strike 

the  average  mind.     Will  it  be  interesting  enough  to  publish? 

There  may  be  about  twice  as  much  more,  perhaps,  a  little 

more  or  a  little  less.     I  send  this  to  you  by  express.     I  shall 

be  in  the  city  on  Thursday,  and  shall  be  happy  to  confer  with 

you.     What  do  you  say  to  the  Hudson  pamphlet?     With  love, 

Parton,  I  am,  ^         ^     i     -d   t^  r. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  B. 

From  B.  0.  Tyler  to  General  Butler 

Trenton,  N.  J.,  January  \Hh,  1866 

Dear  Sir:  I  cut  out  the  enclosed  from  a  paper  printed  at 
Easton,  Penn.  Some  one  had  cut  before  me,  and  taken  part 
of  the  editor's  remarks.  Epstein  engaged  in  the  grocery 
business  while  at  Easton.  Was  in  his  store  frequently  about 
one  year  ago,  and  insured  him  for  $5,000.  They  told  me  a  long 
rigmarole  about  your  proceedings,  taking  their  tobacco  and 
gold,  shutting  them  up,  etc.  I  think  nearly  everyone  who 
was  acquainted  with  them  knew  what  their  sentiments  were. 
In  speaking  of  the  rebellion  it  was  always  you  cannot  do  do 
and  so,  never  we.  There  were  some  other  "refugees"  about 
Easton,  and  their  store  was  headquarters  for  them.  Very 
soon  after  Lee  surrendered,  they  went  back  to  Charleston. 

I  left  Mass.  ten  years  ago  and  the  practice  of  the  law  —  was  in 
Worcester  county.  At  that  time  I  did  not  admire  your  politics, 
but  from  your  first  movement  in  Maryland  in  1861,  I  have 
greatly  admired  your  military  exploits.  I  do  not  believe 
that  the  reputation  which  you  have  acquired  the  last  four  years 
as  a  military  chieftain  and  statesman  will  suffer  material  injury 
by  the  malignant  attacks  of  Jews  or  Gentiles  who  are  meaner 
than  the  God-cursed  race. 

Can  refer  you  to  Hon.  H.  L.  Danes  (Dawes?). 

Yours  truly,  B.  O.  Tyler 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

General  Butler  and  the  Epsteins 

The  Secretary  of  War  has  laid  before  Congress  all  of  the 
papers  concerning  the  case  of  Phillip  Epstein,  who  claims  that 
as  he  with  four  other  refugees  were  escaping  from  Dixie,  they 


698        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

were  seized  as  blockade  runners,  their  property  confiscated 
and  sold,  and  they  themselves  subjected  to  imprisonment  and 
cruel  treatment.  The  case  was  investigated  last  summer 
by  Col.  Nicodemus  of  the  Signal  Corps,  who  "found  that  these 
parties  are  bona  fide  refugees,  and  entitled  to  compensation 
for  all  property  taken  from  them."  This  finding  was  not 
approved  at  the  War  Department,  and  the  case  was  sent  to 
General  Butler  for  his  remarks.  General  Butler  reviews 
the  case  in  his  trenchant  style,  declaring  that  the  claimants  are 
all  foreign  Jews,  and  that  there  is  no  claim  in  equity  or  law 
against  the  United  States  to  a  restoration  of  the  property 
claimed.  "The  truth  is,"  says  the  General,  "this  trading 
schooner  was  to  come  as  near  our  lines  as  possible,  smuggle 
across  the  tobacco  and  jewelry,  and  get  in  return  what  they 
could.  We  had  been  over  and  over  troubled  by  just  such 
expeditions.  This  class  of  persons,  who  traded  for  the  Con- 
federacy during  three  years  and  sustained  its  credit,  are  not 
the  people  now  to  ask  favors  of  the  United  States,  or,  shame- 
lessly asked,  should  be  refused."  It  is  understood  that  this 
case  is  to  be  made  the  base  of  attack  in  Congress  upon  General 
Butler,  but  the  documents  completely  justify  him  in  the  seizure 
and  confiscation. 

The  parties  mentioned  above  as  refugees  (?)  were  well  known 
in  Easton.  They  came  here  shortly  after  their  release  by  Gen. 
Butler,  and  engaged  in  business  until  the  collapse  of  the 
rebellion,  when  they  "pulled  up  stakes"  and  in  the  shortest 
time  possible,  made  their  way  back  to  the  land  of  Chivalry, 
where,  we  are  well  satisfied,  they  would  not  have  been  permitted 
to  remain  had  not  all  {rest  of  clipping  lost) 

From  General  Butler  to  B.  0.  Tyler 

Jan.  26,  1866 

I  AM  much  obliged  for  the  interest  you  have  shown  in  my 
behalf.  You  will  see  that  I  am  right  in  one  instance  that  has 
come  within  your  own  knowledge.  You  will,  I  trust,  believe 
that  I  am  right  in  others  whenever  I  am  unjustly  blamed. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 

From  John  N.  Harper  to  General  Kempler 

Richland  Mills,  Stafford  Co.,  ViRGi>fiA,  Jan.  20th,  1866 

Dear  General:  You  enquire  of  me  to  know  who  I  think 
is  truly  entitled  to  the  credit  of  the  fall  of  Richmond,  Virginia, 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        699 

from  the  position  that  I  held  at  the  time  which  caused  me  to 
have  to  spend  the  most  of  my  time,  inside  of  the  Federal  lines, 
and  back  and  forth  to  Washington  City,  and  Richmond,  Va. 

I  would  say  that  Gen,  Grant  had  no  more  to  do  with  it  than 
you  had.  Gen.  Butler  is  the  man.  When  his  great  mind  con- 
ceived the  idea  of  cutting  off  our  batteries  and  cutting  his 
military  road  across  the  country,  to  Petersburg,  and  striking  our 
railroad  connections,  he.  Gen.  Butler,  broke  the  back  bone  of  the 
Confederacy.  As  you  know  well  that  was  our  only  means  of 
getting  any  supplies  for  many  months  before  Grant  made  any 
move  towards  Richmond.  If  Gen.  Butler  had  had  the  same 
chance  at  Washington  City  that  Grant  started  with,  he,  Butler, 
would  have  captured  Richmond  six  months  before  Grant 
started.  But  you  know  as  well  as  I  do  the  papers  were  all  down 
upon  Gen.  Butler,  and  filled  full  of  lies  about  him,  all  of  which 
I  knew,  but  my  position  at  that  time  was  to  prevent  the  move 
if  I  could.  Grant  saw  the  Butler  move,  and  as  a  soldier  knew 
it  was  right  and  adopted  it,  and  won  the  race.  But  the  Ameri- 
can people  as  a  body  are  fools  —  and  like  to  be  fools  to-day. 
Butler  has  forgot  more  than  Grant  ever  knew.  WTien  we  meet 
I  will  give  you  points  that  will  open  your  eyes.  Butler  is 
entitled  to  the  Presidency,  and  if  he  knew  the  points  to  start 
upon,  he  could  carry  every  Southern  State  and  nearly  all  the 
Western  States.  Hoping  that  this  will  find  my  old  soldier  friend 
well  and  entirely  recovered  from  his  wounds,  I  am  respectfully. 

Yours  truly,  John  N.  Harper 

From  Jesse  H.  Lord  to  General  Butler 

Office  of  the  Despatch,  Erie,  Jan.  iSrd,  1866 

General:  You  will  pardon  me  for  assuming  to  address  you 
when  I  tell  you  that  my  object  is  to  convey  to  you  my  senti- 
ments of  appreciation  of  your  course,  and  my  detestation  of 
the  curs  who  snap  at  the  heels  of  success  they  have  not  the 
brains  to  emulate. 

I  send  you  a  copy  of  the  paper  which  I  edit,  in  the  columns 
of  which  you  will  find  an  article  called  forth  by  the  causeless 
and  gratuitous  attacks  upon  you.  This  defence  is  the  more 
grateful  to  me  that  I  knew  you  many  years  ago,  when,  as  a 
member  of  the  "Hale  Guards,"  of  Haverhill,  Mass.  I  had  the 
honor  to  be  under  your  command  as  Colonel  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts 5th.  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  you  but 
once  since  —  at  the  house  of  Mayor  Henry  C.  Deming,  Hart- 
fort,  Conn. 


700       LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

If  my  humble  admiration  for  your  qualities  as  an  executive 
oflScer  and  a  patriotic  citizen  afford  you  any  gratification, 
I  shall  feel  amply  repaid  for  defending  an  abused  man.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  General, 

Very  respectfully.  Your  obdt.  servant,  Jesse  H.  Lord 

From  General  Butler  to  Jesse  H.  Lord 

My  dear  Sir:  I  am  doubly  grateful  to  you  for  your  kind 
thought  of  me  and  your  defence  of  my  public  acts.  I  only 
claim  one  merit,  and  without  egotism  I  think  I  have  a  right 
to  that;  my  motives  of  action  were  good. 

If  I  erred,  it  is  because  I  knew  no  better.  Conscious  of 
having  tried  to  do  my  duty  in  every  situation  in  which  I  have 
been  placed,  you  will  readily  understand  how  pleasing  is  the 
appreciation,  so  well  expressed  of  an  intelligent  and  earnest 
patriot  like  yourself.  This  response  is  late,  but  it  is  the 
result  of  accident.     Believe  me  y         f     1     Ji  V  T< 

From  General  Butler  to  George  S.  Boutwell 

January  31st,  1866 

Senator  Doolittle  has  called  for  Sherman's  report  of  his 
tour  in  the  Southern  States,  as  a  copperhead  Document, 
I  presume.  Why  not  summon  Sherman  before  the  Committee 
on  Reconstruction  and  cross-examine  a  little  as  to  where  he 
went,  whom  he  saw,  and  what  was  the  channel  of  his  com- 
munications. 

I  should  like  to  ask  him  the  cause  of  that  apologetic  letter  to 
the  Arkansas  man,  in  which  he  says,  if  he  has  been  a  scourge 
it  was  better  he  should  be  the  instrument  than  Ben  Butler  or 
even  of  that  school. 

If  so,  why  so?  y^^^^  ^^^^^^  g   p  jj 

From  General  Butler 

KiRKWOODS,  February  5ih,  1866 

To  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  War 

Sir:  There  has  been  printed  by  the  engineers'  department 
a  map  of  the  March  of  Gen.  Grant,  but  which,  because  that  it 
does  not  mention  the  Army  of  the  James,  or  any  portion  of  our 
operations,  or  for  some  equally  good  reason,  has  been  sup- 
pressed. Will  you  allow  Maj.  Gen.  Delafield  to  loan  a  copy 
for  private  use.'^     It  shall  not  be  published,  but  would  be  exceed- 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        701 

ingly   convenient.     Please  guard  your  permission  so  closely 

that  not  another  copy  can  get  out  as  this  shall  not. 

The  title  of  the  leaf  is  Central  Va.  Showing  Lt.  General 

Grant's  March.  i^         .7-0  t:^    t» 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  r .  Butler 

P.  S.  Perhaps  it  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  you  to  know 
that  while  this  edition  of  the  map  has  been  suppressed,  there  is 
another  similar  that  is  expected  to  be  published  with  the 
reports.     B.  F.  B. 

From  E.  D.  Townsend 

War  Department,  Adjutant  General' s  Office,  Wash.  Feh.  \Qth,  1866 

^Not  in  chronological  order] 

General  B.  F.  Butler,  Washington,  D.C. 

Sir:  I  am  directed  by  the  Secretary  of  War  to  inform  you 
that  your  application  for  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  Lieutenant 
General  Grant,  requesting  you  to  be  relieved  from  command 
of  the  Department  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  has  been 
considered,  and  that  in  his  opinion  it  is  not  consistent  with  the 
interest  of  the  service,  or  the  practice  of  the  Department,  to 
furnish  a  copy.  Such  letters  are  regarded  as  confidential 
communications.     I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir. 

Very  respectfully,  yr.  obdt.  Servant, 
E.  D.  Townsend,  Asst.  Adjt.  General 

From  General  Butler 

T.    n        r^  Feb.  17,  1866 

Lt.  Gen.  Grant 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  to  you  a  note  written 
by  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War  which  will  explain  itself. 
As  the  confidential  nature  of  the  letter  spoken  of  can  be  waived 
by  you,  I  take  leave  to  request  a  copy  of  the  letter  called  for 
from  the  writer.     Respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

.  From  B.  Wardwell  to  General  Butler 

Richmond,  Virginia,  Feb.  i6th,  1866 

This  is  a  time  of  great  joy  here.  All  our  papers,  little  and 
big  traitors,  are  all  loud  in  their  praise  of  Andrew  Johnson. 
Rev.  H.  W.  Beecher  is  fast  becoming  great  and  good  with  our 
Virginian  traitors,  I  think  Southern  Union  men  and  negroes 
have  but  little  to  hope  for.  In  fact,  it  is  not  safe  for  a  Union 
man  to  talk  out  loud.     If  there  is  anything  for  Unionists  to 


702        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

hope  for,  it  would  be  a  good  time  for  us  now  to  hear  what  we 
•^      ^         '  Your  obdt.  Servant,  B.  Ward  well, 

From  General  Butler 

Private.     Office  of  J.  A.  Woodward,  Attorney  at  Law,  etc. 
No.  64  North  Third  St.,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  March  16th,  1866 

My  good  Ward  well:  Patience,  patience.  Wait  for  the 
coming  of  the  Salvation  of  the  Lord.       y         f    i     li   v  J\ 

From  James  A.  Woodward 

General  B.  F.  Butler,  Washington,  D.C. 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  herewith  an  article 
cut  from  the  Missouri  Republican  of  this  date.  The  publishers 
of  this  Copperhead  Sheet  (Geo.  Knapp  &  Co.)  are  now  under 
bonds  on  a  suit  commenced  by  Mr.  A.  T.  Stewart  of  New  York, 
on  the  grounds  of  libel;  they  having  published  a  letter  from 
their  correspondent  in  that  City  upon  which  he  grounds  his 
suit.     Very  respectfully. 

Your  obdt.  Servt.  &  friend,  James  A.  Woodward 

From  General  Butler  to  James  A.  Woodward 

March  21,  '66 

My  dear  Sir:  Thanks  for  your  courtesy  and  kindness. 
But  what  should  I  care  for  one  budget  of  lies  more  or  less, 
specially  as  they  are  principally  upon  my  personal  appearance, 
of  which  I  am  not  inclined  to  boast.  I  take  leave  to  send  you 
enclosed  a  photograph  which  must  be  like  in  some  degree. 
Perhaps  it  will  amuse  a  leisure  moment  to  trace  in  it  the  savage 
blood  thirstiness  which  the  newspaper  writer  sees  in  it.  By 
the  by,  do  you  know  that  newspaper  correspondent  is  one 
Cazaran,  who  was  tried  before  a  military  Commission  in  St. 
Louis  for  treasonable  practices,  and  condemned  to  the  peni- 
tentiary, and  escaped  because  the  French  Consul  claimed  him 
as  a  citizen  of  "La  Belle  France?"  The  same  person  served 
two  sentences  for  forgery  in  New  York,  Auburn  —  and  was 
by  me  put  to  work  60  (?)  days  with  ball  and  chain  in  the 
trenches.  "No  rogue  ever  felt  the  halter  draw  with  good 
opinion  of  the  law."  ^^^^  ^^^^^  ^_  p^  g^ 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        703 

Enclosure  referred  to  in  Foregoing  Letter 

Washington,  March  12,  1866 

Extract  from  "Correspondence  of  the  Republican" 

"Few  of  your  readers,  I  imagine,  have  seen  Gen.  Butler;  but 
all  are  no  doubt  familiar  with  his  character  as  illustrated  by 
a  career  of  political  venality,  of  brutal  tyranny,  and  of  infamous 
and  heartless  spoliations.  If  there  be  any  truth  in  physiog- 
nomy, any  fidelity  in  portraitures  of  nature,  never  were  these 
revolting  traits  more  truly  symbolized  in  any  human  type. 
With  a  face  and  countenance  the  stereotype  of  mendacious 
and  shameless  audacity,  with  form  and  name  of  the  vulgar 
and  swaggering  bragadocio,  clanking  voice,  unrelieved  by  a 
single  tone  of  human  kindness,  he  seems  the  expression  of  all 
that  is  remorseless  and  hateful  in  human  nature.  The  hideous 
tabernacle  which  envelops  the  man  may  do  him  injustice.  We 
hope  it  does.  We  describe  him  merely  as  he  was  presented  to 
our  observation  in  the  great  forum  of  justice.  We  know  him 
only  in  the  light  of  history,  and  in  the  physical  outlines  for 
which  he  is  equally  distinguished." 

From  Admiral  Farragut 

43  East  36th  Street,  N.  Y.,  March  iSth 

To  Asst.  Sec.  of  Navy 

My  dear  Sir  :  I  thank  you  for  your  kind  letter  of  the  26th 
inst.  and  the  valuable  hints  it  contained.  I  agree  with  you  in 
the  opinion  that  no  one  could  manage  the  New  Orleans  affair 
so  well  as  Gen.  Butler,  and  I  feel  assured  that  no  one  would 
do  more  justice  than  he  would,  as  during  our  service  we  had 
no  misunderstandings.  I  have  always  endeavored  to  do  him 
justice,  and  he  has  never  denied  me  the  same;  but  I  thought 
all  cases  of  capture  had  actually  gone  before  the  courts  in  New 
Orleans,  and  I  had  requested  Mr.  Ames,  of  Washington,  to 
look  out  for  them  as  they  come  up  to  the  Supreme  Court. 
I  feel  somewhat  embarrassed,  therefore,  as  to  how  under  the 
circumstances  I  could  avail  myself  of  Gen.  Butler's  aid,  but  as 
soon  as  the  weather  is  a  little  more  settled  will  endeavor  to 
pay  a  short  visit  to  Washington,  and  see  what  can  be  done  on 
the  subject.  It  has  been  a  continual  source  of  annoyance  to 
me,  as  the  oflficers  and  men,  particularly  the  latter,  who  cannot 
comprehend  the  difficulties  in  the  case  appeal  to  me  to  know 
why  they  have  not  received  some  reward  for  their  success  in 
"breaking  the  barriers  of  the  Mississippi,  etc." 


704        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

Your  suggestion  in  relation  to  the  command  of  the  European 
Squadron  in  '67  strikes  me  at  present  as  something  very  pleas- 
ant. Nothing  would  be  more  gratifying  to  me  than  to  display 
that  noble  ship,  the  "Franklin"  (on  board  of  which  I  served 
as  midshipman),  in  the  roads  of  Cronstadst,  and  return  the 
visit  of  my  Russian  friends  Lesoffsky,  Bositikoff,  and  others 
should  such  be  the  wish  of  the  Dept.  As  you  have  determined 
to  leave  the  Navy  Department,  I  am  glad  to  hear  you  are  going 
to  do  so  in  an  agreeable  way  by  making  a  summer  tour  as  a 
relaxation  from  your  arduous  duties  before  recommencing  the 
struggle  of  life  in  the  labyrinth  of  steamers  and  machinery. 
You  have  my  best  wishes  for  a  pleasant  trip  and  your  future 
success  in  life, 

Very  truly  yours,  D.  G.  Farragut,  Vice  Admiral 

From  Simon   Cameron  to  General  Butler 

Telegram.     Baltewobe,  April  5th,  1866 

The  Penna.  legislature  will  adjourn  on  the  twelfth  (12)  inst., 
and  many  of  your  friends  wish  you  to  come  to  Harrisburg 
before  that  day.     Come  to  my  house.         g^^^^  Cameron 

From  General  Butler 

AprU  6th,  1866 

My  dear  Cameron:  On  my  return  to  Washington  I  will 
avail  myself  of  your  kind  invitation  and  visit  you  at  Harrisburg. 

I  hope  Mrs.  Butler  will  come  with  me.  I  intend  to  leave 
New  York  Tuesday  night,  or  as  soon  after  as  trains  will  permit. 

Most  truly  yours,  B.  F.  B. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Butler 

April  St9th 

My  dearest  wife:  Every  day  I  have  thought  I  should  get 
through  and  start  for  home.  I  now  hope  to  get  off  tomorrow 
night.  I  am  vexed  in  spirit  and  weary  beyond  thought.  I  fear 
all  is  lost  in  Congress.  The  Committee  on  Reconstruction 
have  reported  giving  up  the  suffrage  question.  Whether  it 
may  be  defeated  in  Congress  or  not  is  impossible  to  say,  but  if 
the  report  is  defeated  then  we  are  all  at  sea  again.  I  have 
printed  my  Harrisburg  speech.  More  than  that,  I  have  made 
a  plan,  a  reconstruction,  which  if  Congress  had  stood  firm 
Johnson  would  have  adopted;  but  it  has  gone  by  now.  Of 
course,  that  included  impartial  suffrage.     I  have  thought  of 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        705 

making  a  speech  about  it  in  Boston  on  my  return.     Kinsman 

has  gone  to  Texas.     Parker  will  hardly  get  his  appointment. 

Tell  Fisher  I  have  made  a  written  argument  in  his  claim,  but 

am  waiting  McClellan's  getting  well  before  it  can  be  laid  before 

the  Postmaster  General. 

I  am  lonely  here,  beyond  what  I  thought  even.     If  I  had 

stayed  here  without  having  you  here  at  all  it  would  have  been 

different,  but  now  I  look  about  me  with  a  feeling  as  if  I  had 

lost  something.     I  long  to  be  home,  if  only  for  a  day.     I  have 

had  a  meeting  of  the  resident  members  of  the  Managers  of  the 

Asylum,  and  they  agreed  upon  the  16th  of  May  for  a  meeting, 

but  I  shall  not  stay.  ,^  _,  _ 

•^  Yours,  Benj.  F. 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Mass.,  May  28iA,  1866 

Oliver  Warner,  Esq.,  Secretary  of  the  Commoiiwealth 

Sir:  Your  official  notification  that  "I  have  been  duly  chosen 
by  the  concurrent  votes  of  the  two  Branches  of  the  General 
Court,  to  be  Major  General  of  the  Militia  of  the  Common- 
wealth," is  acknowledged. 

I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  through  you  to  the  two  Branches 
my  acceptance  of  the  position,  with  my  most  grateful  appre- 
ciation of  their  trust  and  confidence. 

In  their  legislation  to  secure  an  early  reorganization  of  the 
Militia,  I  recognize  the  wisest  foresight  and  prudence. 

By  the  theory  of  the  frame  of  Government  of  our  fathers 
"a  well  regulated  Militia  is  necessary  to  the  security  of  a  free 
State." 

By  the  action  of  Massachusetts  at  the  beginning  of  the  Rebel- 
lion that  theory  culminated  into  fact.  At  the  opportune 
moment,  by  the  wisdom  of  her  legislation  in  providing  for  and 
sustaining  her  Militia  organization,  by  the  energy  and  patriot- 
ism of  her  Governor,  by  the  prompt  readiness  of  her  citizen- 
soldiers,  two  of  our  regiments  were  thrown  into  Fortress  Monroe 
and  two  into  the  Capital  and  its  approaches  at  Annapolis 
with  more  celerity  than  four  companies  of  regulars  were  moved 
an  equal  distance  under  the  command  [remainder  of  letter  not 
found] 

From  Captain  James  Brady 

Fall  River,  May  30th,  1866 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Massachusetts 

General:  I  met  the  "Editor"  of  the  Monitor  at  noon, 
of  this  day,  when  I  asked  him  what  was  meant  by  his  scurrilous 

vol.  V — 45 


706        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

attack  upon  you  in  a  former  issue  of  his  paper,  when  he  rephed 
that  "You  do  not  know  General  Butler  as  well  as  I  do,  and  if 
you  did  you  would  not  defend  him:"  whereupon  I  informed 
him  (Mr.  Shorey)  that  I  had  the  honor  of  a  personal  acquaint- 
ance with  the  Gen'l,  and  had  also  the  honor  of  serving  under 
him  in  defense  of  our  glorious  country,  and  there  were  also 
many  in  this  city  who  had  also  served  under  you,  in  the  Army, 
and  to  whom  his  article  was  very  obnoxious,  and  if  he  valued 
his  reputation  at  all  in  this  community  such  scurrilous  and 
abusive  attacks  upon  one  of  the  Nation's  most  ardent  defenders 
must  cease,  for  General  Butler  had  many  warm  personal  friends 
in  this  City  that  would  not  suffer  it,  on  no  consideration. 
I  left  him  at  this,  and  he  subsequently  called  on  me  and  stated 
that  on  my  account  he  would  say  no  more  about  the  General, 
when  I  informed  him  that  he  need  not  stop  on  my  account, 
but  that  he  must  stop  on  your  account.     I  am.  General,  very  truly 

Your  obdt.  servt., 
James  Brady,  Late  Captain  26th  Mass.  Vol. 

From  General  Butler  to  Captain  Brady 

My  dear  Captain:  I  am  much  indebted  to  you  for  your 
kind  defense  of  me.  I  sent  one  Shorey  out  of  Norfolk  for 
disloyal  practices.  He  was  a  newspaper  printer  of  some  sort. 
Can  he  be  the  Editor  of  the  Monitor?  If  I  can  reciprocate 
your  kindness,  please  command  me.       y         i    1     T{   V  JK 

From  Captain  James  Brady 

Custom  House,  Fall  River,  Collector's  Office,  Aug.  10th,  1866 

[Not  in  chronological  order] 

Major  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

General:  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  our 
Mr.  Shorey,  late  Editor  of  the  Daily  Monitor,  of  this  city,  has 
left  for  parts  unknown,  leaving  an  unpaid  board  bill  of  some 
two  hundred  ($200)  dollars,  a  clothing  bill  of  fifty  ($50)  dollars, 
whiskey  bill  of  twenty  ($20)  dollars,  cigar  and  tobacco  bill  of 
thirty  ($30)  dollars.  This  is  what  I  call  pleasure,  to  give  you 
such  information,  but  I'll  assure  you.  General,  that  it  is  not 
very  pleasant  for  my  neighbors  to  be  thus  victimized. 

Your  letter  to  me,  giving  his  former  history,  went  from  one  of 
my  friends  to  the  other  as  fast  as  possible,  and  in  a  short  time 
he  was  despised  not  only  on  account  of  his  course  during  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        707 

war,  but  to  have  him  come  here  and  make  an  attack  upon  one 
of  Massachusetts  bravest  and  truest  sons  could  not  be  tolerated. 

Yours  truly,  James  Brady,  Coll. 

From  Simon  Cameron  to  General  Butler 

Harrisburg,   June  9,2nd,   1866 

Gen.  B.  F.  Butler 

My  dear  General:  Our  friends,  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  state,  are  anxious  to  learn  when  it  will  suit  you  to  visit 
them.  The  whole  tier  of  counties  from  the  Delaware  to  Lake 
Erie  now  all  intensely  republican,  formerly  gave  very  large 
democratic  majorities,  need  to  be  roused,  and  we  think  no  one 
can  do  it  so  well  as  you. 

I  will  be  ready  to  obey  your  orders  and  follow  on,  your 
Q.  master  and  commissary.  Gray  will,  I  think,  be  glad  to  act 
as  your  Chief  of  Staff. 

If  Mrs.  Butler  will  accompany  you  to  this  place,  the  ladies  of 
our  house  will  take  care  of  her. 

Truly  yours,  Simon  Cameron 

From  General  Butler  to  Simon  Cameron 

June  25,  '66 

My  dear  Sir:  By  reason  of  imperative  business  engage- 
ments it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  visit  you  at  an  early  day, 
as  you  have  kindly  proposed.  I  shall  be  in  Washington  on  the 
1st  of  July  on  the  business  of  the  Military  Asylum,  and  should 

then  be  glad  to  see  you.  ^         j     i     t,         t^  t> 

^  "^  Yours  truly,  Benj.  r .  Butler 

From  Captain  James  Brady 

Fall  River,  Sept.  3rd,  1866 

Maj.  Gen.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

General  :  I  forward  to  you  by  this  day's  mail  a  copy  of  the 
Fall  River  News,  containing  what  purports  to  be  an  editorial 
on  the  late  Monroe  Massacre,  of  the  loyalists  of  New  Orleans, 
but  the  said  article  was  written  in  my  house  by  a  proscribed 
"Unionist"  of  New  Orleans,  who  does  not  dare  at  present  to 
attach  his  name  to  any  article  of  the  kind  on  account  of  fear 
of  the  destruction  of  his  personal  property,  now  in  the  city  of 
New  Orleans.  And  the  threats  and  menaces  which  were  made 
towards  him  previous  to  his  leaving  the  city  of  New  Orleans 
struck  such  terror  to  his  poor  wife  that  she  only  lived  to  arrive 
at  New  York,  and  the  poor  fellow  is  now  with  me,  almost  heart- 


708        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

broken  with  his  misfortunes.  His  name  is  Brady,  and  was 
appointed  one  of  the  Board  of  Assessors  of  N.  Orleans  by  Gen. 
Shepley,  which  position  he  held  until  the  Rebel  Mayor  Ken- 
nedy's advent  to  the  Mayoralty,  when  he  made  a  clean  sweep 
of  every  loyalist  in  the  city  government.  My  God!  My  God! 
General,  is  this  what  we  have  all  suffered  for  so  much.?  And 
after  the  victory  won  now  to  be  lost  to  us  and  to  our  few  brave 
loyalists  of  the  South,  and  has  the  battle  to  be  fought  over 
again  .^^  If  it  has,  I  should  suggest  that  our  lines  be  formed,  the 
left  resting  in  eastern  Pennsylvania,  then  running  through 
Ohio,  Indiana,  then  in  such  direction  as  to  strike  the  Northern 
boundary  of  Missouri,  then  move  south,  and  sweep  every 
damned  Rebel  and  traitor  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  not 
spare  one  single  member  of  the  traitor  race.  We  will  then  have 
peace,  and  in  my  opinion  not  till  then.  Do  you  think.  General, 
that  I  am  far  out  of  the  way.f*     I  am  very  truly, 

Your  obdt.  Servant,  James  Brady 

From  Salmon  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

Washington,  Sept.  19, 1866 
The  first  part  of  this  letter  is  about  a  present  of  a  book. 

Dear  General:  ...  It  is  very  gratifying  to  me  that  you  are 
to  come  to  Congress.  I  wish  you  were  in  the  Administration 
and  at  the  head  of  it.  FmiMvUv  uovr^  S   P   Chasf 

From  Newspapers 
Brute  Butler 

The  La  Crosse  Democrat  says:  This  great  cock-eyed,  devil- 
marked  pet  of  New  England  exclusiveness  says  "the  negro  in 
battle  is  in  all  respects  the  superior  of  the  white  soldiers;  for 
he  can  endure  more,  and  will  not  be  struck  with  panic  as  the 
white  troops." 

It  is  well  that  the  brute  should  thus  speak  if  he  includes  but 
himself;  in  which  event  he  should  have  said  that  the  negro 
was  a  better  soldier  than  the  brutal  spoon  thief,  woman  insultor, 
and  Union  hater  of  Massachusetts. 

A  BAD  SIGN  OF  THE  TIMES 

In  the  late  Eastern  news,  says  the  Grass  Valley  Union,  we 
read  that  B.  F.  Butler,  or  Major  General  Butler  as  he  has  be- 
come through  the  calamities  of  the  war,  has  been  nominated  by 
the  Radicals  of  Massachusetts  as  a  candidate  for  Congress. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER       709 

Of  his  election  there  can,  of  course,  be  no  doubt.  We  accept 
this  as  one  of  the  worst  signs  of  the  times.  What  has  Butler 
done  that  he  should  be  selected  as  Congressional  representative 
of  a  people  claiming  a  first  rank  in  the  United  States  for  intelli- 
gence.'^ Was  he  nominated  because  of  his  extraordinary 
qualifications  as  a  statesman?  Certainly  not,  for  he  has  never 
shown  any  statemanship.  His  moral  character  could  have 
never  secured  for  him  such  a  nomination,  for  he  never  had  any 
moral  character.  His  career  as  a  military  man  could  not  have 
carried  the  Radical  hosts  for  him,  for  as  a  soldier  he  has  proved 
a  disgraceful  failure.  His  record  as  an  anti-slavery  man  could 
not  have  popularized  him  with  the  anti-slavery  party  of  Massa- 
chusetts, for  he  fondled  the  "ebony -idol"  until  the  insanity 
of  the  Southern  people  led  him  to  rebel  against  a  constitution- 
ally-elected President  of  the  United  States.  We  can  see  in  the 
Congressional  nomination  of  Butler  only  a  disposition  with  the 
Radical  party  to  taunt  the  Southerners  over  their  subjugated 
condition,  to  show  them  that  they  are  not  simply  a  conquered 
people,  but  that  as  a  result  of  the  war  they  must  pay  homage 
to  one  of  the  most  corrupt  scoundrels  brought  into  prominence 
by  the  misfortunes  of  civil  strife.  ^ 

From  Colonel  William  Wilson  to  General  Butler 

Tarrttown,  Westchester  County,  New  York,  Oct.  15th,  1866 

Sir:  With  pleasure  I  read  your  speech  in  relation  to  the 
important  questions  now  agitating  the  country,  and  I  am  fully 
convinced  you  are  right  and  will  be  successful. 

General,  I  am  with  you,  and  plenty  others  who  served  under 
you  in  the  Department  of  the  South.  I  never  will  forget  the 
kind  and  considerate  manner  you  treated  my  regiment  and 
myself  when  under  your  command.  I  feel  grateful,  and  will  be 
happy  at  any  time  to  prove  my  gratitude.  Gen'l.  I  remain 
respectfully,  y^^^^  obedient  Servant,  Col.  Wm.  Wilson 

From  Andrew  Devine  to  General  Butler 

New  York  (39  Park  Row,  Room  24),  Nov.  13th,  1866 

Dear  Sir:  I  had  the  intense  satisfaction  of  hearing  and 
reporting  your  most  appropriate  and  "well-describing"  address 
to  the  New  York  mob  on  last  Saturday  week.  I  made  the 
report  of  it  which  appeared  in  the  Times  of  Sunday  morning. 


1  Inscribed  on  reverse  side  in  General  Butler's  writing  "Good!!!" 


710        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

If  you  looked  over  that  report,  you  may  have  noticed  that  I 
there  made  you  say  to  the  mob,  "I  have  hung  your  brothers." 
I  stood  beside  you  on  the  stand,  and  I  understood  you  to  use 
those  words,  and  to  mean  by  them  that  the  mob  was  made  up 
of  Rebel  refugees  and  Rebel  sympathizers,  all  animated  by  the 
spirit  of  the  Rebellion,  and  that  you  had  hung  their  brother 
rebels. 

The  other  papers,  as  you  will  also  have  noticed,  reported  that 
sentence  in  this  way,  "I  have  hung  your  betters,'^  and  in  the 
Nation  of  last  week  that  report  is  adopted. 

Now,  I  have  had  a  rather  warm  dispute  with  some  of  the 
gentlemen  who  were  on  the  stand  as  to  which  word  you  really 
did  use;  and  in  order  to  settle  the  matter,  it  has  occurred  to 
us  to  write  this  note  and  ask  you  to  drop  me  a  line  at  your 
convenience,  stating  which  is  the  correct  version  of  what  you 

Very  respectfully  yours,  Andrew  Devine 

From  General  Butler  to  Andrew  Devine 

Dear  Sir:  Your  report  was  an  admirable  one,  and  your 
reasons  for  my  saying  brothers  so  good  that  my  friends  to  whom 
I  read  your  note  say,  better  let  it  go  "brother,"  but  the  question 
is  not  what  would  have  been  best  but  what  I  did  say  —  I 
said  "betters,"  —  "You  are  sneaking,  cowardly,  brawling 
sympathizers,  mostly  traitors.  The  man  I  hanged  was  an 
open,  manly  rebel."  y^^^^  ^^^^^^  g   p  g 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  November  \Qth,  1866 

His  Excellency,  Alexander  H.  Bullock,  Governor 
and  Commander  in  Chief 

Dear  Sir:  The  dictates  of  personal  friendship  and  public 
duty  combine  to  compel  me  to  address  you  this  note. 

No  man  better  than  yourself  is  aware  that  the  Republican 
party  of  the  country,  to  which  I  know  you  believe  the  country 
can  alone  look  for  safety  amid  the  perils  which  have  engirded 
it,  has  passed  through  a  struggle  more  momentous  and  more 
fraught  with  weal  or  woe  than  ever  before  taxed  a  party  or  a 
people. 

The  chief  Executive  of  the  nation  turning  his  back  upon 
the  principles  of  the  party  which  elected  him,  defying  the  other 
branches  of  the  government  which  came  into  power  by  the 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        711 

same  votes  as  himself,  combining  with  the  enemies  of  Freedom 
and  the  Union,  North  and  South,  thus  sought  to  force  into  the 
Government  the  representatives  of  those  who  had  been  fighting 
it  for  four  years,  without  the  guarantee  which  Congress  re- 
quired of  their  fitness  or  loyalty.  To  do  this,  he  used  the 
patronage  of  the  Government  to  disrupt  the  republican  party 
and  seduce  from  its  ranks  all  those  who  were  unpatriotic  or 
corrupt  enough  to  listen  to  the  blandishments  of  power  or  the 
seduction  of  place. 

That  we  have  passed  through  these  dangers  triumphant, 
and  as  a  party  intact  is  due  to  the  integrity  and  loyalty  of  the 
people,  and  their  unswerving  devotion  to  principles  of  Govern- 
ment upon  which  the  republican  party  is  based,  and  to  their 
firm  adherence  to  their  party  organization. 

Now,  your  Excellency  is  aware  that  I  had  the  high  honor 
to  receive  the  nomination  as  representative  in  Congress  of  the 
fifth  district  by  the  Republican  Organization,  with  a  unanimity 
second  only  to  that  with  which  your  Excellency  was  renomin- 
ated to  the  high  position  you  so  well  fill,  at  a  state  conven- 
tion of  the  party  over  which  I  had  the  honor  to  preside. 

Before  such  nominations  it  was  the  right  and  duty  of  every 
republican  to  canvass  with  the  utmost  rigor  the  claims  and 
fitness  of  any  persons  seeking  the  suffrages  of  the  district,  and 
of  that  no  one  could  have  the  right  to  complain,  but  after  the 
nomination,  no  person  claiming  to  be  a  republican,  and  specially 
one  holding  office  by  the  sufferance  of  the  republican  organiza- 
tion of  the  state  through  their  chief,  had  any  right  to  attempt 
to  injure  the  party  by  bolting  its  nominations.  True,  every 
man  has  a  right  to  vote  as  he  pleases,  but  no  man  has  a  right 
to  publicly  oppose  the  nominations  of  his  party  once  made  ex- 
cept upon  grounds  of  personal  unfitness.  And  in  the  case  under 
consideration  those  have  been  expressly  and  publicly  disclaimed. 

Yet  your  Excellency's  Adjutant  General,  William  Schouler 
after  a  nomination  unanimously  made,  by  a  letter  written  for 
publication  and  circulated  by  handbills  through  the  district, 
endeavored  to  prevent  the  success  of  the  republican  party 
in  the  fifth  district.  That  the  attempt  was  impotent  did  not 
make  it  less  wicked.  That  it  derived  all  that  it  had  of  force 
from  the  position  of  the  writer  upon  your  Excellency's  staff, 
and  the  supposition  that  it  echoed  your  Excellency's  sentiments, 
which  I  am  assured  is  a  mistake,  I  know  to  be  true. 

If  the  matter  had  only  been  personal  to  myself  I  had  kept 
silence,  because  there  are  some  men  who  always  have  and 


712       LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

always  will  oppose  me,  and  I  have  grown  very  well  under  their 
opposition,  but  the  dereliction  from  party  duty  does  not  stop 
there.  I  am  informed,  and  verily  believe,  that  your  chief  of 
staff.  Gen.  Schouler,  wrote  a  letter  giving  in  his  adhesion  to  the 
party  of  Mr.  Johnson  at  or  about  the  time  when  an  attempt  was 
made  to  form  such  a  party  in  this  state,  that  that  letter  is  or 
was  in  the  hands  of  John  Q.  Adams,  Esq.,  —  "those  Adamses" 
to  whom  your  Excellency  so  happily  referred  in  Fanueil  Hall. 

And  further,  that  Gen.  Schouler 's  name  after  the  Philadelphia 
convention  was  with  his  knowledge  and  his  consent  presented 
to  the  appointing  powers  for  an  important  office  in  Boston. 

Let  Gen.  Schouler  deny  either  of  these  propositions,  and 
without  bringing  out  private  or  confidential  conversation  I  be- 
lieve they  can  easily  be  substantiated. 

Gen.  Schouler  has  the  undoubted  right  to  favor  the  policy  of 
Mr.  Johnson,  and  be  an  admirer  of  General  Grant,  but  whether 
they  are  inconsistent,  or  whether  he  ought  to  do  the  first  and 
hold  place  upon  your  Excellency's  personal  staff,  it  is  not  fit 
for  me  even  to  suggest. 

Your  Excellency  I  know  will  agree  with  me  that  it  is  axio- 
matic that  the  only  way  to  preserve  the  efficiency  and  discipline 
of  an  army  or  a  party  is  to  "welcome  recruits  and  shoot  desert- 
ers." Again,  an  officer  deserting  should  always  be  punished 
before  a  private,  and  the  punishment  to  be  effective  as  an 
example  caannot  too  quickly  follow  the  offence.  No  officer  is 
ever  allowed  to  resign  under  charges.  I  have  the  honor  to 
avail  myself  of  the  opportunity  to  subscribe, 

Your  friend  and  servant,  B.  E.  Butler 

From  Captain  J.  M.  Torsey  to  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Massachusetts  November  iSrd,  1866 

Sir:   Knowing  as  we  do  that  you  have  ever  been  a  friend  to 

us,  we  have  solicited  your  name  and  favor  as  an  honorary 

member  and  friend,  trusting  that  it  will  meet  your  approval. 

Therefore  we  most  respectfully  await  your  reply.     I  have  the 

honor  to  be,  -r,  j  i       n 

Yours  and  humble  servant 

J.  M.  ToRSEY,  Capt.  Com.  Co.  D.,  6th  Mass.  Regiment 

From  General  Butler  to  Captain  Torsey 

My  dear  Captain:  If,  as  I  suppose,  Co.  D.  is  the  old  city 
guards,  in  which  I  first  did  military  duty,  you  will  find  by 
looking  over  the  records  that  I  have  been  an  honorary  member 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        713 

for  many  years;    it  being  just  26  years  this  anniversary  that 
I  carried  a  musket  in  your  ranks.     With  thanks  for  your 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 
From  Colonel  J.  M.  Cunningham 

Collector's  Office,  United  States  Internal  Revenue, 
Sixteenth  District  of  New  York,  Glens  Falls,  Dec.  1st,  1866 

Maj.  Gen.  B.  F.  Butler,  Lowell,  Mass. 

Dear  Gen'l.  :  My  mind  has  been  occupied  some  time  with 
the  idea  that  the  short  and  bloody,  but  completely  glorious 
campaign  of  the  Army  of  the  James  is  deserving  of  a  history. 
I  belonged  to  that  organization  throughout  its  existence,  and 
while  with  it  saved  all  the  memoranda  which  I  deemed  reliable 
of  its  doings. 

So  much  have  I  thought  upon  this,  that  I  am  almost  per- 
suaded to  undertake  a  History  of  that  Army  myself.  Others 
may  be  preparing  for  this  same  work,  and  indeed  some  person 
may  have  undertaken  it.  You  must  be  aware  of  this  if  there 
be  such  a  correspondent,  and  I  write  to  ascertain  this  fact. 

The  operations  of  the  Army  of  the  James  have  been  clouded 
over  by  what  seemed  the  more  important  operations  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac.  The  Army  of  the  James  has  a  record, 
and  I  should  like  to  see  it  rescued  from  whatever  of  obscurity 
others  may  choose  to  consign  it. 

May  I  hear  from  you  on  this  subject.'*  I  have  no  desire  to 
incur  the  loss  which  an  attempt  at  "history  writing"  would 
seemingly  involve,  would  wish  all  hands  should  undertake  this 

Very  respectfully,  J.  L,  Cunningham, 
late  Major  118  N.  Y.  Vols,  and  Brev.  Col.  U.  S.  Vols. 

From  General  Butler  to  Colonel  Cunningham 

My  dear  Sir:  I  am  glad  that  some  gentleman,  and  espe- 
cially yourself,  has  concluded  to  write  a  History  of  the  Army  of 
the  James.  I  began,  and  was  intending  to  publish,  and  have 
already  written  a  report  of  the  operations  of  that  Army  — 
which  I  will  one  day  publish,  —  but  I  found  that  in  the  desire 
of  both  democratic  and  republican  politicians  to  court  Gen. 
Grant  as  a  possible  candidate  for  the  Presidency,  I  should 
not  get  a  fair  hearing  by  the  public,  so  I  have  thought  to  bide 
my  time.  Both  sides  cannot  run  him  at  the  same  time,  and 
I  shall  be  therefore  heard  by  one  side  at  least  after  he  accepts 


714       LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

the  nomination  of  one  side,  and  so  far  as  any  political  principles 
that  he  has  evinced  he  may  equally  well  go  with  either. 

That  History  cannot  be  fairly  written  without  showing  that 
the  position  of  the  Army  of  the  James  at  Bermuda  and  City 
Point  was  the  salvation  of  the  Campaign  of  1864.  Any 
facts  or  documents  which  I  have  that  you  may  desire  are  at 

"^  '  Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  Charles  William  Baker  to  General  Butler 

Rooms  Mercantile  Library  Association,  Boston,  Dec.  \lth,  1866 

Dear  Sir:  In  behalf  of  the  Lecture  Committee  of  the  Mer- 
cantile Library  I  have  the  honor  of  extending  to  you  an  invi- 
tation to  deliver  before  this  Association  your  address  upon  the 
Impeachment  of  the  President  of  the  LTnited  States. 

The  desire  of  your  many  friends  in  this  city  and  vicinity 
to  hear  your  views  on  this  important  subject  induces  the  Com- 
mittee to  hope  that  you  will  give  it  a  careful  consideration  and 
a  favorable  reply.     In  the  meantime,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  Respectfully,  Yr.  Ohdt.  Servt., 
Charles  Wm.  Baker,  one  of  the  Lecture  Committee 

From  General  Butler  to  Charles  William  Baker 

Dear  Sir  :  I  shall  do  myself  the  honor  to  repeat  so  much  of 
my  lecture  at  Brooklyn  as  seems  applicable  to  the  present  state 
of  affairs,  before  the  Mercantile  library  in  obedience  to  the 
invitation  of  your  committee.  I  will  endeavour  to  notify  you 
of  the  earliest  day  I  can  be  in  Boston  consistently  with  my  other 
engagements. 

As  I  have  never  received  any  pay  for  a  speech  made  outside 
my  profession  which  has  not  at  once  been  applied  to  a  public 
or  charitable  purpose,  and  never  but  two  of  those,  I  feel  a  little 
at  liberty  to  consult  my  own  convenience  in  fulfilling  such 
engagements  as  this.  Therefore  I  must  say  that  I  will  be  at 
your  service  the  31st  day  of  December  unless  I  am  summoned 
to  Washington  previously  to  defend  a  cause  before  the  supreme 
court  which  I  hope  will  not  be  done.     Of  this  you  shall  have  an 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        715 

From  W.  Lithgow  to  General  Butler 

Headquarters  Independent  Order  Good  Templars,  No.  50  Bromfield  St., 

Grand  Worthy  Secretary's  Office,  Boston,  December  llth,  1866 

Dear  Sir:  We  wrote  you  some  days  ago  (at  Washington) 
in  regard  to  a  temperance  meeting  in  Faneuil  Hall  to  be  holden 
Dec,  26tli  —  evening,  —  desiring  that  you  would  honor  us 
with  your  presence.  We  have  not  heard  from  you,  and  there- 
fore I  write  again. 

We  wish  to  have  you  speak  on  the  Constitutionality  of 
the  Prohibitory  Law,  and  its  necessity.  In  behalf  of  an  organ- 
ization numbering  in  this  state  about  24,000,  I  hereby  tender 
you  an  invitation  —  again  —  to  be  present.  All  your  expenses 
will  be  met  by  us.     An  early  response  will  much  oblige, 

Yours  very  truly,  W.  Lithgow,  Sec. 

From  General  Butler  to  TV.  Lithgow 

My  dear  Sir:  I  grieve  that  engagements  most  imperative 
demand  that  I  shall  not  be  present  at  the  Temperance  meeting 
at  Faneuil  Hall  on  the  26th  to  meet  the  Order  of  Good  Tem- 
plars. 

If,  however,  my  opinion  is  thought  of  any  value  upon  the 
subject  upon  which  you  indicate  a  desire  I  should  specify,  i.e. 
the  Constitutionality  and  necessity  of  a  prohibitory  law.  (The 
necessity  of  a  prohibitory  law)  against  the  sale  of  liquors  as  a 
beverage  can  easily  supply  the  want  of  the  constitutional  right 
of  the  state  to  regulate  or  prohibit  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liq- 
uors. As  a  police  regulation,  of  the  necessity  for  which  it  was 
the  sole  judge,  there  never  was  any  doubt  in  the  mind  of  any 
lawyer  who  had  not  already  used  so  much  of  the  prohibited  arti- 
cles as  to  have  a  mind  bordering  on  insanity.  That  the  forms 
of  enactment  now  standing  on  our  statute  book  are  also  within 
the  limit  of  the  law-making  power  no  respectable  court  has 
even  expressed  a  serious  doubt,  so  far  as  I  am  aware,  although 
the  most  ingenious  objections  that  money  could  purchase  have 
been  brought  against  them. 

The  friends  of  temperance  have  a  constitutional  and  efficient 
law  —  and  faithful  officers  are  only  needed  to  enforce  it  —  re- 
inforced with  public  opinion  which  shall  sustain  the  Executive 
in  its  duty. 

The  necessity  of  such  a  law,  and  its  enforcement  on  a  larger 
scale  than  in  this  commonwealth,  may  be  seen  in  the  fact  well 
known  and  understood  in  the  national  Capitol,  that  two  sena- 


716        LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

tors  have  been  many  times  openly  drunk  on  the  floor  of  the 
Senate  —  and  yet  no  motion  has  been  made  that  either  be 

^  ^         '  Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

Lowell,  Massachusetts,  December  nth,  1866 

P.  L.  Nathan,  Esquire,  New  York  City 

My  dear  Sir:  I  am  grateful  for  your  expression  of  con- 
fidence. I  grieve  for  your  misapprehension  of  the  object  of 
my  moving  an  impeachment  of  the  Vice  President. 

Not  vindictiveness,  not  punishment  merely,  but  1st.  Ex- 
ample. 2nd.  To  remove  a  stumbling  block  in  the  way  of  the 
progress  of  this  Nation  for  more  than  two  years  longer.  It  is 
impossible  to  educate  the  South,  either  through  schools  or  the 
Church  so  long  as  a  man  having  the  whole  executive  power 
declares  and  holds  on  to  the  doctrine  that  Congress  has  no 
power  over  their  people.  True,  the  late  elections  have  para- 
lyzed the  Executive,  but  have  not  changed  him;  they  have 
rendered  him  powerless  for  evil,  but  we  need  a  President  power- 
ful for  good.  How  can  this  Government  go  on  with  the 
Executive  paralyzed  .f* 

Besides,  do  you  want  him  to  exert  the  same  influence  and 
patronage  against  the  people  in  the  next  presidential  election 
that  he  did  in  the  last  Pennsylvania  election  .^^  He  may  do  it 
with  more  success.     I  do  not. 

Yours  truly,  Benj.  F.  Butler 

From  General  Butler 

December  18,  1866 

William  Duff  Telfer,  Esq. 

My  dear  Sir:  I  fear  that  if  we  take  the  ground  that  the 
rebels  are  aliens  we  admit  the  right  of  secession.  The  doctrine 
I  hold  is  that  no  man  can  alter  his  legal  relations  with  the 
Government  so  as  to  change  any  right  it  has  over  him  without 
its  consent.  He  may  easily  forfeit  his  own  rights  under  the 
Government  by  his  crimes.  The  rebels  by  their  acts  are 
public  enemies,  not  less  enemies  because  they  are  citizens,  and 
not  less  citizens  in  their  obligations  because  they  are  traitors. 

This  has  been  decided  by  the  Supreme  Court. 

B.  F.  Butler,  Maj.  Gen. 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER        717 

From  Simon  Cameron  to  General  Butler 

Harrisbtjrg,  Dec.  25th,  1866 

A  MERRY  Christmas  to  you,  my  dear  General,  and  to  all  who 
belong  to  you,  as  well  as  very  many  returns  of  it. 

We  hope  to  see  you  and  Mrs.  Butler  here  the  27th,  but  if  not 
then,  you  must  come  by  the  30th  if  possible,  and  if  not  then, 
on  the  1st  Jan.,  so  as  to  make  me  Senator.  You  can  do  it, 
and  I  never  have  been  charged  even  by  my  enemies  with 
ingratitude.     I  expect  and  intend  to  win. 

Your  friend,  Simon  Cameron 

By  General  Butler 

1866  (?) 

Necessity  of  Military  Law  in  the  South 

It  is  complained  that  the  exercise  of  Martial  Law  and  trial 
by  Military  Commission  is  fatal  to  liberty  and  the  pursuit  of 
happiness,  and  fails  entirely  to  secure  those  objects  for  which 
legislative  enactments  are  requisite :  that  under  it  labor  cannot 
thrive,  property  is  not  secure,  persons  are  not  protected:  that 
it  is  but  another  name  for  "anarchy  tempered  by  despotism." 
We  are  pointed  to  the  example  of  the  fathers,  in  the  consti- 
tutional guards  they  threw  around  the  citizens,  as  a  triumphant 
argument  showing  that  without  them  there  can  be  no  pro- 
tection to  peaceful,  industrious  communities.  But  I  emphati- 
cally call  upon  the  Court  to  take  judicial  notice  of  the  fact, 
as  a  part  of  the  history  now  being  lived  and  written  of  the 
country  in  which  they  live,  and  over  a  part  of  which  only 
they  yet  dispense  justice,  unaided  hy  the  Military  arm,  that 
to  the  salutary  fear  of  the  Military  power,  and  the  adjudications 
of  Military  Commissions,  four  millions  of  people  within  the 
territorial  boundaries  of  eleven  rebellious  States  of  the  Union 
depend  for  all  they  have  of  security,  for  the  receipt  of  the  re- 
wards of  their  labor,  or  protection  of  person  from  outrages  so 
horrible  that  the  mind  recoils  from  their  contemplation,  — 
yea,  even  life  itself.  And  yet  your  Honors  are  called  upon, 
here  in  the  very  Temple  of  Justice,  to  decide  that  this  last 
refuge  from  oppression  of  those  whose  whole  lives  are  at  once 
the  evidence  and  exemplification  of  every  wrong,  shall  be  over- 
thrown, and  that  last  hope  of  justice  taken  away  altogether. 
Not  daring  to  bring  into  this  forum  or  this  presence  any 
political  thought  or  considerations  which  should  move  the 
legislators  on  either  side  of  us,  but  for  the  purpose  of  illustrating 


718        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER 

the  necessities  which  make  the  laws,  I  venture  to  put  it  to  the 
conscience  of  such  members  of  the  bench  whether  he  beHeves 
that  if  the  safeguards  of  Military  power  and  Military  Commis- 
sions as  a  means  of  administering  that  power  were  withdrawn 
from  the  revolted  section  of  the  country,  any  considerable 
portion  of  the  people  of  that  section  who  have  ever  been 
loyal  to  the  Government,  whether  white  or  black,  can  find  in 
recourse  to  the  laws  that  unmolested  enjoyment  of  Life,  Liberty 
and  property  which  should  by  them  be  accorded  to  the  hum- 
blest citizen? 

From  Salmon  P.  Chase  to  General  Butler 

Jan.  ind, 1867 

Dear  General:  Will  you  forego  your  hotel  dinner  to-day 
and  take  one  with  me  at  six?  Unless,  indeed,  you  are  already 
engaged  to  better  viands  and  better  company? 

I  can  offer  you  only  one  ordinary  meal,  and  for  company 

•^  Yours  truly,  S.  P.  Chase 

From  Simon  Cameron 

Telegram.     Harrisburg,  Jan.  5th,  1867 

To  General  B.  F.  Butler,  Kirkwood  Ho. 

If  you  can  come  here  by  Tuesday  morning  you  may  do  me 

much  service.  o  r^ 

Simon  Cameron 

From  Samuel  Wilkinson  to  General  Butler 

Philadelphia,  May  18ih,  1867 

A  national  league  for  the  protection  of  American  labor  will 
be  formed.  Have  named  you  for  President.  Will  you  accept? 
Answer  immediately.     Care  of  J.  Cook. 

Samuel  Wilkinson 

From  General  Butler  to  Samuel  Wilkinson 
Say  yes,  if  you  think  best.  -g    p    Butler 

From  Mrs.  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  Jan.  3,  1868 

Dear  General:  Your  pamphlets  and  speeches,  etc.  have 
all  come  safely  to  hand.  Please  accept  my  thanks  for  the 
same,  and  keep  on  doing  it.     How  you  can  bear  to  be  so  near 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        719 

old  Johnson  I  can't  tell.  That  projected  tour  of  yours  "down 
South  "  tickles  me  hugely.  A  good  Providence  grant  it  may  be 
a  rouser.  General,  I  like  you.  I  think  I  have  said  that  before, 
but  it  will  bear  repeating  in  as  much  as  it  knows  no  diminution 
or  shadow  of  change.  I  have  been  to  hear  the  great  Dickens. 
I  hate  him.  No  old  girl  could  be  vainer.  He  travels  about 
with  a  lot  of  man-millinery  in  the  shape  of  becoming  lights  — 
a  crimson  screen  behind  him  to  tone  down  the  rubicund  John 
Bull-ism  of  his  face.  He  wears  two  vests  at  a  time,  and  always 
has  a  red  rose  in  his  button-hole.  Now  were  I  he  ^ — ^  I  would 
leave  all  that  to  the  flash-gamblers  who  can  far  out-do  him 
at  any  Broadway  corner,  and  fall  back  on  my  genius;  and 
wear  the  oldest  coats  and  trousers  I  could  find,  and  take  the 
breath  out  of  'em  with  my  brains,  as  he  could.  General, 
give  me  your  ear.  He  is  a  genius  but  not  a  gentleman.  Now, 
if  you  don't  agree  with  me  when  he  reads  to  you  in  Washington, 
don't  tell  me  so  —  for  I  can't  bear  it.  Mr.  Parton  clapped  his 
hands  till  they  were  blistered,  when  he  heard  him  —  and 
turning  round  to  me  with  glowing  face,  said,  "Fanny,  what  do 
you  think  of  that.'*"  "I  hate  him,"  said  I,  with  my  eyes 
on  his  two  vests  and  the  obnoxious  rosebud.  I  wanted  to  see 
a  man.  He  came  very  near  getting  a  divorce  from  me,  but  I 
believe  he  has  thought  better  of  it,  or  else  he  is  too  busy. 
I'll  let  you  know  if  he  changes  his  mind!  He  is  writing  his 
Voltaire,  and  preparing  an  article  for  the  Atlantic  on  the 
Roman  Catholics.  I  think  they  will  fetch  him  yet.  They  are 
after  me,  too,  but  I  prefer  to  go  to  Head  Quarters  when  / 
confess.  And  now,  as  I  have  written  more  than  you  will  have 
time  to  read.  Good  bye,  and  a  Happy  New  Year,  which  you 
will  be  sure  not  to  have  there  in  Washington. 

Always,  truly  yours,  Fanny  Parton 

Oh!  Jim  sends  his  regards.  He  never  sends  you  mine  when  I 
tell  him  to,  but  women  are  magnanimous. 

From  General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Parton 

January  20,  1868 

My  dear  Mrs.  Parton:  Your  sprightly,  genial  letter  is  as 
rains  of  summer  to  that  obnoxious  rose  in  Dickens'  button- 
hole. Amid  the  dry  prosiness  of  "acts  and  resolves"  your 
brilliant  pictures  are  indeed  most  pleasing.  I  will  send  you 
all  the  pamphlets  and  speeches  in  the  world  for  such  another 
note  from  you.     You  must  permit  Mr.  Parton  to  clap  and 


720        LETTERS  OF  GEN.   BENJAMIN  F.   BUTLER 

admire  Dickens.  He  is  English,  you  know,  and  fellow  John 
Bull-ism  is  a  bond  of  sympathy  all  the  world  over.  Pray  God 
fervently  that  Mr.  P.  may  never  have  any  worse  failing,  as  I 
believe  he  has  not.  I  went  to  Richmond  the  other  day,  and 
it  was  a  sight  worth  seeing  to  see  the  negroes.  No  monarch 
ever  had  such  a  body  guard  so  true,  so  faithful,  and  so  loving. 
It  is  worth  the  war  to  have  liberated  a  race  so  kindly  and  so 
grateful.  Infamous,  most  infamous  will  the  Republican 
party  collectively  and  individually  be  if  for  one  moment  or  in 
one  jot  or  tittle  we  abate  the  protection  thrown  around  that 
people  to  save  them  and  their  children  from  a  worse  fate  than 
that  to  which  slavery  had  doomed  them  if  we  desert  them  now. 

Whether  I  go  farther  South  depends  on  the  political  future. 
Grant  will  be  our  President,  I  fear,  and  with  that,  storm 
and  trouble  enough. 

But  you  are  removed  from  these  turmoils,  and  why  should  I 

afflict  you  with  them?     Only  when  the  mind  is  in  a  rut,  it  is 

difficult  to  divert  the  thought,  even  for  an  instant.     I  shall  not 

see  Dickens,  so  that  I  will  not  be  able  to  compare  impressions 

with  you,  but  I  have  so  much  confidence  in  yours  that  I  am 

willing  to  adopt  them.  ^r  ^  j     i     t>    t7  t> 

^  ^  I  ours  most  truly,  B.  J^.  Butler 

From  Mrs.  James  Parton  to  General  Butler 

New  York,  February  Uh,  1868 

Dear  General:  I  find  the  enclosed  in  the  Nation  of  this 
week.  My  beloved  "Jim"  also  gets  a  "dig"  in  the  same,  but, 
unlike,  no  sugar-plum  with  it.  I  devoutly  endorse  the  editor's 
wish  that  "you  had  all  the  radicals  in  charge,  for  then  he  would 
catch  it."     He  is  an  Englishman. 

Yours  truly,  Fanny  Fern  {Mrs.  James  Parton) 

General  Butler  to  Mrs.  Parton 

Feb.  10,  1868 

My  dear  Mrs.  Parton:  You  and  I  have  become  equally 
callous  to  newspaper  praise  or  blame.  Either  can  be  pur- 
chased for  a  penny  a  line,  and  dear  at  that.  Your  kind  remem- 
brance in  sending  me  the  slip,  however,  is  worth  to  me  more 
than  all  the  praise,  if  it  was  worth  all  the  editor  believes  it  to 
be.  I  think  Grant  will  stagger  into  the  White  House.  To  this 
complexion  have  we  come  at  last.  Give  my  best  regards  to  Mr. 
Parton,  and  say  I  agree  with  him  it  does  not  pay  to  smoke. 

Yours  truly,  B.  F.  Butler 


LETTERS  OF  GEN.  BENJAMIN  F.  BUTLER        721 

Newspaper  Clipping 

General  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  the  equal  traitor  with 
Jeff  Davis,  the  equal  blunderer  with  Banks,  the  equal  tyrant 
with  Hayman,  the  equal  robber  with  Lafitte,  the  equal  thief 
with  the  most  depraved  wretch  ever  sent  to  Blackwell's  Island 
or  to  the  Penitentiary,  the  incarnation  of  Hell  itself,  is  most 
likely  to  be  elected  Governor  of  Massachusetts  by  the  nigger- 
worshippers  of  that  meddling  State,  The  Bay  State  must  be 
hard  up  for  a  candidate  when  a  gentleman  is  ignored  for  a 
loafer;  when  patriots  are  passed  by  for  traitors;  when  honest 
men  are  not  worthy  the  attention  shown  thieves;  when  brave 
men  are  at  a  discount  and  cowards  at  a  premium.  For  all 
his  crimes,  John  Wilkes  Booth  is  an  angel  compared  to  him, 
and  a  thousand  times  more  a  model  man,  and  more  respected 
all  over  the  world  than  this  shoulder-strapped  beast,  Ben 
Butler. 

Forwarded:   Approved  by  all  Christendom.     How  do  you  like  it, 
you  old  "Rip.'' 

From  Edwin  M.  Stanton  to  General  Butler 

War  Department,  Washington  City,  March  31st,  1868 

My  dear  Sir:  Please  accept  my  thanks  for  a  copy  of  your 
great  argument  in  the  impeachment  case.^  I  have  carefully 
read  and  pondered  every  word.  In  arrangement,  style,  tone, 
and  manner  of  treating  the  subject,  it  is  admirable,  and  as  an 
instructive  argument,  the  world,  to  all  time,  is  enriched  by  it. 
I  can  add  no  more  to  express  my  judgment  than  that  it  is 
worthy  of  you,  and  of  "all  the  people"  in  whose  name  you 
spoke.  Be  the  result  of  the  case  what  it  may,  the  "welfare 
and  liberties  of  all  men"  are  more  secure  for  your  vindication 
of  them  yesterday.  As  an  American  citizen,  and  as  your  friend, 
I  rejoice  at  the  mighty  blow  you  struck  against  the  great  enemy 
o       e  na  ion.  Yours  truly,  Edwin  M.  Stanton 


^  Impeachment  of  Andrew  Johnson,  President. 


VOL.  V — 46 


INDEX 


Abat,  B.  Paul,  408,  409 

Abat  and  Cushman,  408,  409 

Abbott,  Col.  Joseph,  279,  477 

Adams   &  Co.,  417 

Adams,  John  Q.,  712 

Adams,  Lewisine,  326 

Adders,  the,  486 

"Africa,"  the,  370 

Agricultm-e,  614 

Aikens  House,  172 

Aikens,  J.,  175,  176,  178 

Aiken's  Landing,  69,  70,   175,    19],   198, 

199,  208,  228,  264,  266,  292,  452 
Alabama,  604 
Alabama  Brigade,  the,  43 
Alabama  Troops,  6th  Regt.,  628 
Albany,  97,  326 
Albemarle  Sound,  7 
Alber,  34 

Alden,  Captain,  465 
Aldrich,  Mrs.,  657 
Alexander,  Elizabeth,  542 
Alexandria,  88,  542 
"Alliance,"  the,  451 
Amboy,  317 

American,  the  Baltimore,  466 
Ames'  Division,  106,  110,  252,  262,  292, 

381,  460,  463,  497,  527 
Ames,  Brigadier  General,  439,  440,  461, 

465,  530,  531,  548,  549 
Ames,  Mr.,  703 
Ames,  Mrs.,  130 
Ammon,  W.  H.,  59 
Anderson's  Division,  198,  205 
Andersonville  Prison,  662 
Andrew,  Gov.  John  A.,  116,  269,  595,  596, 

663 
Andrews,  F.,  574 
Angell,   F.  A.,   letter  to  B.  from,   638; 

letter  from  B.  to,  639 
Annapolis,  267,  356 
Anthony,  H.  B.,   letter  from  Greene  to, 

608 
Antrobus,  512 
Appomattox,  the,  3,  4,  15,  23,  27,  41,  46, 


77,  89, 103, 106,  107, 169,  171,  177,  179, 

184,  214 
Archer's  Brigade,  280 
Armstrong,  Colonel,  30,  31 
Armstrong's  Mill,  290 
Army  of  Tennessee,  the,  533 
Army  of  the  James,  the,  85,  159,  175,  191, 

216,  260,  363,  375,  438,  463,  464;   B.'s 

farewell  to,  475-476;  478,  501,  504,  515, 

523,  549,  584,  616,  621,  666,  696,  713, 

714 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  the,  53,  119,  159, 

168,  175,  204,  211,  240,  363,  501,  513, 

523,  533,  616,  691,  693,  713 
"Asariah  Perkins,"  the,  125 
Ascension,  Church  of  the.  New  York,  296 
Asch,  Captain,  236 
Ashburn,  Col.  F.  A.,  279 
Ashley,  67 
"Asia,"  the  370 
Astor  House,  the,  338 
Atkins,  Albert,  624 
Atlanta,  12,  22,  125,  215 
"Atlanta,"  the,  451 
Atlantic,  the,  719 
"Atlantic,"  the,  151,  292,  293,  303,  304, 

307,  308,  317,  318,  319 
Atlantic  Hotel,  the  Norfolk,  607,  609 
Augusta,  Ga.,  371 
"Augusta,"  the,  345 
Averill,  77 

B 

Babcock  (guide),  286 

Babcock,  Captain,  322 

Babcock,  Colonel  22,  194,  210,  280,  665 

Badeau,  Col.  A.,  letter  to  B.  from,  281 

Bailey's  Run,  171 

Bake  House  Creek,  89 

Baker,   Charles    William,    letter    to    B. 

from,  714;  letter  from  B.  to,  714 
Baker,  Ezra,  letter  to  President  Lincoln 

from,  592,  593 
Ballard,  F.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  334; 

letter  from  B.  to,  334 
Ballehack,  591 
Ballston  Spa,  N.  Y.,  421 


723 


724 


INDEX 


"Baltic,"  the,  151,  292,  293,  303,  304,  307. 

308,  317,  318,  319,  388,  439,  440,  461, 

500 
Baltimore,  38,  73,  305,  348,  446,  447,  456, 

457,  460 
Baltimore  platform,  the,  68 
Banks,  Maj.  Gen.  N.  P.,  letter  to  Dana 

from,  39;    referred  to,  133,   134,  215, 

222,  299,  530,  542,  555,  586,  589,  668, 

686,  687,  721;    his  Red  River  Cam- 
paign, 589 
Banks,  Mrs.  N.  P.,  133 
Barker,  Jacob,  414,  415 
Barnard,  Gen.  B.,  letter  to  B.  from,  504; 

referred  to,  63,  194,  209,  350 
Barnes,  General,  500 
Barney,  E.  L.,  letter  to  B.  from,  553; 

letter  from  B.  to,  554 
Barney,  Hiram,  letters  to  B.  from,  124, 

524;    131 
Barret,  L.,  36 
Barrow,  Capt.  Samuel,  543 
Bartlett,  General,  70 
Barton,  Stephen,  265 
Bartonsville,  Hertford  Co.,  265 
Batchelder,  Mr.,  587 
Baton  Rouge,  La.,  695,  696 
Battery,  Captain,  234 
Battery  Harrison,  254,  256,  260,  373 
Beal,  William,  625 
Bean,  Dudley,  132,  546,  562 
Bean,  Dudley,  &  Co.,  letter  to  Shepley 

from,  125;   letter  from  Shepley  to,  125 
Beaufort,  N.  C,  410,  426,  431,  432,  437, 

438,  439,  442,  454,  459,  460,  461,  464, 

486,  506,  682 
Beauregard,  Gen.  P.  G.  T.,  59,  64,  212 
Beauregard's  Brigade,  59 
Beecher,  Henry  Ward,  338,  693,  694,  701 
Beers,  Lieutenant,  236 
Bell,  Miss,  96 
Bell,  Mrs.,  96 
Belle  Isle,  257,  675 
Belmont,  Mr.,  328 
Bellows,  H.  W.,  337;    letter  to  B.  from, 

312 
"Ben  Deford,"  the,  428,  439,  523 
Benham,  General,  3,  4,  24,  143,  144,  258, 

260 
Benjamin,  599 
Bennett,  20,  50,  266 
Bennett,  True  W.,  304 
Bennett,  J.  G.,  492,  498,  620,  621,  645 
Benning's  Brigade,  77,  176,  227,  232,  233 
Bermuda  Hundreds,  18,  34,  41,  42,  63, 

103,  140,  175,  185,  187,  198,  204,  205, 

220,  226,  247,  258,  261,  267,  285,  378, 


382,  387,  388,  453,  454.  460.  488.  639, 
693,  696,  714 

Bermuda  Line,  the,  356,  358,  359 

Bigelow,  Dr.,  270 

Biggs,  Lieut.  Colonel,  letters  from  B.  to. 
25,  33;  635 

Bird,  F.  W.,  letters  to  B.  from,  118,  269, 
521,  692;   595,  596,  668 

Birney,  Mr.,  365 

Birney,  Gen.  D.  B.,  letters  from  B.  to,  26, 
27,  46,  49,  89,  92,  94,  95,  103,  106,  107, 
108,  110,  152,  183,  184,  195,  201,  202, 
206,  212,  219,  223,  226,  231,  232,  233, 
234,  235,  237,  238,  239;  letters  to  B. 
from,  211,  226,  229,  230,  231,  234,  235, 
237,  239;  referred  to,  51,  53,  58,  62, 
65,  91,  93,  107,  111,  178,  179,  180,  182, 
189,  191,  192,  193,  194,  196,  199,  202, 
205,  207,  208,  210,  213,  227,  232,  233, 
234,  236.  237,  238,  245,  252,  253,  274, 
306,  407;  letters  to  Smith  from,  208, 
211,  230,  231,  237,  238;  letters  to 
Kensel  from,  230,  235 

Birney,  Gen.  William,  letters  to  B.  from, 
597,  600;  letter  from  B.  to,  601;  re- 
ferred to,  513,  585 

Blaedenheisen,  Captain,  441 

Blair,  F.  P.,  Sr.,  354,  450,  456,  466,  527, 
619 

Blair,  Montgomery,  letter  from  B.  to,  6; 
letter  to  B.  from,  32;  referred  to,  8, 
122,  159,  167,  168 

Blake,  Commander  M.  L..  letter  to  B. 
from.  510;  660 

Blockade,  516-518 

Blodgett,  William  T.,  337;  letter  from 
B.  to,  398 

Bloomington,  548 

Blow,  Mr.,  559,  560 

Blunt,  George  W.,  338 

BoUes,  Maj.  J.  A.,  letter  to  B.  from,  313 

Booth,  Mr.,  148 

BositikoflF,  704 

Boston,  34,  171,  209,  213,  228,  244,  446, 
467,  537,  544,  676,  714 

Boulwar's  Wharf,  573 

Boutwell,  George  S.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
518,  700;  letters  to  B.  from,  524,  561, 
599;  referred  to,  509,  522,  531,  559, 
560,  595,  596,  599 

Boutwell,  Mrs.  George  S.,  letter  from  B. 
to,  531 

Bowers,  Col.  T.  S.,  letters  from  B.  to,  30, 
268;  letters  to  B.  from,  278,  303; 
letter  from  Comstock  to,  453;  re- 
ferred to,  22;  letter  to  Meade  from, 
496 


INDEX 


725 


Boydton  Plank  Road,  280,  290 

Brackett,  88 

Bradford,  Mr.,  367 

Bradley,  77 

Brady,  Capt.  James,  letter  to  B.  from, 

705,  706;    letter  from  B.  to,  705;    re- 
ferred to,  411 
Bragg,  General,  371,  535,  536,  570 
Bramhall,  Mr.,  347 
Brandon,  37,  642 
Breck,  Gen.  Samuel,  letter  to  B.  from, 

306 
Breckenridge,  Maj.  Gen.  J.  C,  4,  198, 

599 
Breese,  Captain,  458 
Brice,  Major,  letter  from  B.  to,  409 
Bridgewater,  355 
Bright,  Henry,  162 
Brindlet,  Jo.,  137 
Britton,  General,  241 
Broadhead,  I.,  574 
Broadway  Landing,  24 
Bronson,  Captain,  331 
"Brooklyn,"  the,  465 
Brooks,   James,  letter  from  B.  to,  519; 

referred  to,  518-522,  536 
Brown,  Addison,  347 
Brown,  B.  Gratz,  117 
Brown,   Capt.   O.,   563,   612,   613,    663; 

letter  from  B.  to,  611 
Brown,  Colonel.  635,  638 
Brown,  E.  M.,  letter  to  B.  from,  634; 

letter  from  B.  to,  635 
Brown,  J.,  48 
Brown,  Mr.,  242,  376 
Brown,  S.  P.,  623 
Brown  University,  424 
Bruse,  515 

Bryant,  W.  C,  298,  352 
Buchanan,  Admiral,  19 
Buchanan,  President,  658 
Buckland,    Lieut.,   L.   L.,   letter   to   B. 

from,  497 
Buffalo,  315,  326 
Buffin's  House,  51,  59,  62,  176 
Bullock,  A.  H.,  letter  to  B.  from,  631; 

letters  from  B.  to,  631,  710;  referred  to, 

596,  597 
Bulman,  D.D.,    letter  to  B.  from,  501 
Burbank  and  Chase,  169 
Burger's  Mill  Pond,  280 
Burke,  277 

Burlington,  139,  144,  147 
Burnside,  General,  2.  6,  58,  363,  692 
"Burnside,"  the,  19 
Butler,  Col.  Andrew  Jackson,  112,  270, 

271 


Butler,  Gen.  Benjamin  F.,  asks  investi- 
gation of  negro  troops,  1 ;  retaliates  for 
burning  of  Blair's  house,  6;  agitation 
for  presidential  nomination  of,  8,  35,  44, 
67,  109,  116-119,  622,  718;  his  com- 
ments on  an  officer's  duties,  10,  11; 
the  "Key  Port"  incident,  12;  re- 
garding Col.  Armstrong,  30;  the 
Snead  episode,  32;  the  Syme  case,  39; 
his  position  on  commercial  intercourse, 
55,  156,  426-427;  the  exchange  of 
prisoners,  70,  71,  97-103,  127,  154,  155, 
185,  215,  216,  219,  246,  249,  281,  469; 
his  views  on  church  membership,  72; 
his  wife  discusses  political  matters 
with,  75,  109,  130,  133;  rumored  ap- 
pointment as  Secretary  of  War,  80,  92, 
121,  365;  his  interest  in  Colby  College, 
80;  his  argument  on  colored  prisoners, 
97-103;  his  difficulties  in  payments  for 
troops,  103;  public  approval  of  his 
letter  to  Ould,  124;  cotton  dealings, 
148-150,  224,  258;  Grant  gives  un- 
abated confidence  to,  153;  admits  in- 
justice done  Capt.  Upshur,  155;  Capt. 
Upshur's  acknowledgment,  156;  his 
discussions  with  Heaton,  156;  his 
tribute  to  Shaffer,  157;  Shaffer's  ac- 
knowledgment, 158;  the  Hudson  epi- 
sode, 160-167,  294-298,  309,  312,  313, 
335,  336,  486-496;  plans  attack  on 
Richmond,  171-173,  175-183;  con- 
fiscates Lester's  cotton,  185;  placed  in 
command  by  Grant  during  absence, 
216;  the  Smith  claims,  243,  339-342, 
367.  376,  384,  404,  410-424,  433,  689- 
691;  Grant  approves  exchange  policy 
of,  252;  his  position  on  retaliation,  263; 
recommends  officers  for  brevets,  279; 
his  detailed  instructions  for  second 
advance  on  Richmond,  283;  his  dif- 
ficulty in  securing  transports  for  the 
wounded.  292,  293;  his  reasons  for 
declining  to  address  political  meetings, 
300;  ordered  to  N.  Y.,  to  prevent 
election  frauds,  308;  General  Order 
No.,  1,  315;  in  New  York,  313-337; 
tribute  from  loyal  citizens  to  his 
services,  337;  General  Order  No.  3, 
344;  his  plans  for  school  at  Fort 
Monroe,  345;  tribute  from  Loyal 
League  to,  346;  opposition  of  Gov. 
Morton  to,  352;  reward  offered  for 
death  of,  354;  on  board  the  "Grey- 
hound" when  destroyed,  370;  his 
suggestions  to  Congress  for  military 
organization,  389,  397;    Wendell  Phil- 


726 


INDEX 


lips'  interest  in,  400;  the  Findley 
case,  405-408;  his  report  on  his 
Wilmington  expedition,  460-465,  476, 
478,  504,  507,  528-534,  585;  Grant's 
order  for  removal  of,  468;  relieved  of 
his  command,  472-473;  his  farewell 
to  the  Army  of  the  James,  475-476; 
comments  on  his  farewell,  478-482; 
summoned  by  the  Com.  on  Conduct 
of  the  War,  483;  his  estimate  of  Adm. 
Porter,  506;  memorandum  of  propo- 
sitions relating  to  blockade  and  trade 
with  insurgent  states  by,  516-518; 
the  Brooks  episode,  518-520;  Whit- 
ing's statement  concerning  Fort  Fisher, 
535,  566-571;  attack  by  Porter  upon, 
541;  friendship  of  colored  troops  for, 
547;  accused  of  cotton  speculation, 
552;  his  attitude  on  operative  labor, 
572;  the  "Philadelphia"  case,  576- 
582;  failure  of  the  Gordon  commission 
to  implicate,  588;  urged  for  Johnson's 
cabinet,  595;  his  suggestions  to  Presi- 
dent Johnson  concerning  disposition  of 
Lee's  army,  602-605;  his  connection 
with  schools  for  colored  people,  610, 
611-613;  his  suggestions  to  President 
Johnson  concerning  conditions  in  the 
South,  614;  urged  as  Secretary  of 
State,  617;  has  medals  struck  for 
colored  troops,  622;  his  position  on  pun- 
ishment of  Jeff  Davis,  630;  on  right 
of  self-government,  639;  the  Davis 
Proclamation  outlawing,  652-653; 
esteemed  their  deliverer  by  the  colored 
people,  669;  tenders  his  resignation, 
677;  in  defense  of  the  negro,  679; 
presents  flags  to  Congress,  680;  his 
resignation  accepted,  684;  his  advice 
to  prospective  lawyer,  685-686;  Grant's 
attack  on,  691-694;  his  acknowledg- 
ment of  Masonic  greetings,  694;  the 
Washington  statue,  695-696;  his  reply 
to  Grant's  report,  696;  the  Epstein 
case,  642,  697-698;  credited  with  fall 
of  Richmond  by  Harper,  698-699;  re- 
fused copy  of  Grant's  letter  asking  his 
removal,  701;  Cazaran's  slander  of, 
703;  chosen  Major  General  of  the 
Mass.  militia,  705;  his  candidacy  for 
Congress  attacked,  708-712;  his  ad- 
dress upon  the  impeachment  of  Presi- 
dent Johnson,  714,  721;  his  attitude 
on  temperance,  715-716;  technically 
opposed  to  treating  the  rebels  as 
aliens,  716;  his  argument  for  military 
law  in  the  South,  717 


Letters  to  B.  from 

Angell,  F.  A.,  638 

Anonymous,  530 

Badeau,  Col.  A.,  281 

Baker,  C.  W.,  714 

Ballard,  F.  W.,  334 

Barnard,  Gen.  B.,  504 

Barney,  E.  L.,  553 

Barney,  H.,  124,  524 

Bellows,  H.  W.,  312 

Bird,  F.  W.,  118,  269,  521,  692 

Birney,  Gen.  D.  B.,  211, 226,  229,  230,  231, 
234,  235,  237,  239 

Birney,  Gen.  William,  597,  600 

Blair,  M.,  32 

Blake,  Commander,  510 

Bolles,  Maj.  J.  A.,  313 

Boutwell,  George  S.,  524,  561,  599 

Bowers,  Lieut.,  Col.  T.  S.,  278,  303 

Brady,  Capt.  J.,  705,  706 

Break,  S.,  306 

Broivn,  E.  M.,  634 

Buckland,  Lieut.  L.  L.,  497 

Bulman,  D.  D.,  501 

Bullock,  A.  H.,  631 

Butler,  Charles,  349 

Butler,  Mrs.  Sarah  H.,  6,  17,  20,  28,  29, 
38,  44,  47,  50,  51,  57,  64,  66,  74,  84,  92, 
96,  104,  108,  113,  114,  119,  129,  133, 
136,  140,  147,  189,  202,  209,  212,  217, 
221,  222,  223,  229,  244,  249,  265,  274, 
275,  278,  287,  290,  296,  299,  360,  361, 
363,  374,  433,  436,  448 

Cameron,  S.,  141,  330,  338,  704,  707,  717, 
718 

Carter,  D.  K.,  653 

Chandler,  W.  E.,  277 

Chase,  S.  P.,  108,  610,  708,  718 

Clafflin,  W.  C,  269 

Clark,  John,  557,  635,  636,  662 

Clark,  T.  M.,  309 

Clarke,  James  Freeman,  505 

Conklin,  E.,  321 

Conway,  T.  W.,  669 

Cunningham,  Col.  J.  M.,  713 

Dana,  C.  A.,  305,  310,  408 

Danhy,  Col.  C.  B.,  357 

Davenport,  John  I.,  495,  500,  584,  681 

Day,  Col.  J.  M.,  663 

Devine,  Andrew,  709 

Dix,  Gen.  J.  A.,  311,  315,  323,  343 

Dodge,  Gen.  Geo.  S.,  654 

Draper,  Gen.  Alonzo,  622 

Draper,  Col.  S.,  314,  324 

Duckworth,  W.  H.,  478 

Dunham,  E.  W.,  324 


INDEX 


727 


Dunning,  0.  F.,  335 

Durant,  Thomas,  I.,  554,  668 

Ela,  Jacob  H.,  544 

Ely,  Abram  P.,  528 

England,  J.  G.,  312 

Evans,  Estwick,  481 

"Fair  Play,"  317 

Farrington,  D.  W.  C,    148,  224,  258,  451 

Fay,  R.  S.,  Jr.,  170,  368 

Fessenden,  W.  P.,  383 

Field,  J.  E.,  594,  597 

Field,  M.  Dudley,  334 

Findley,  Dr.  W.  R.,  405 

Forney,  J.  W.,  553 

Fox,  Capt.  G.  v.,  353,  576 

"Friend,"  524,  543 

Frost,  C.  E.,  320 

Garfield,  James  A.,  536 

Garrison,  William  Lloyd,  424 

Gay,  S.  H.,  242 

Gilbert,  E.  H.,  685 

Gordon,  Gen.  George,  H..  588,  589 

Graham,  Gen.  C.  K.,  510 

Grant,  Gen.  U.  S.,  2, 3, 22,  23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 
34,  41,  42,  43,  47,  48,  51,  60,  61,  62,  63, 
69,  70,  71,  73,  75,  76,  77,  87,  90,  91,  103, 
104,  107,  152,  171,  193..  194,  195,  199, 
200,  205,  206,  207,  208,  210,  214,  216, 
217,  220,  245,  246,  249,  252,  255,  256, 
258,  259,  260,  261,  265,  266,  267,  273, 
274,  285,  291,  292,  303,  306,  311,  343, 
350,  358,  364,  369,  371,  374,  375,  376, 
378,  379,  380,  382,  387.  388,  397,  399, 
428,  452,  455,  456,  469,  473,  486 

Greble,  Edwin,  515 

Greeley,  Horace,  62 

Green,  W.  S.,  629 

Greene,  Col.  W.  B.,  34,  629 

Gross,  Geo.  J.,  618 

Gurowski,  Count,  126 

Hackett,  J.  K.,  376 

Hale,  Rev.  E.  E.,  37 

Halleck,  Maj.  Gen.  H.  W.,  575 

Harvey,  J.,  115 

Haupt,  George,  309 

Hawkins,  D.  A.,  342 

Hay,  John,  589 

Heaton,  D.,  55,  156,  425 

Herbert,  J.  K.,  4,  8,  9,  35,  81,  96,  117,  120, 
167,  593,  643 

Hildreth,  F.  A.,  204,  595.  599 

Hollensworth,  S.  J.,  646 

Hopkins,  W.  Rogers,  660 

Howard,  Gen.  0.  0.,  640 

Hudson,  Henry  N.,  160 

Johnson,  President  Andrew,  610,  644 

Jones,  Col.  E.  F.,  370 


Jones,  W.,  693 

Kautz,  Gen.  A.  V.,  227,  236,  241,  268 

Kelton,  Col.  J.  C,  649,  684 

Kennedy,  J.  A.,  332 

Kensel,  Col.,  451 

Kinsley,  E.  W.,  21 

Lawson,  Peter,  370 

Lincoln,  President,  87,  443,  449,  478,  483 

Lithgow,  W.,  715 

Lockwood,  Gen.  H.  C,  506 

Lord,  Jesse  H.,  699 

Loring,  Geo.  B.,  314 

Lossing,  B.  J.,  522 

Lowe,  Charles,  629 

Loyal  Citizens,  337 

Loyal  League  Committee,  the,  346 

"Loyal  Man,"  a,  313 

McAllister,  R.,  5\Q 

Mclntire,  Capt.,  256,  280 

McKay,  R.  S.,  541 

McMurdy,  R.,  482 

Maillepert,  B.,  483 

Mann,  Mrs.  Horace,  537 

Manning,  Capt.,  321 

Manning,  Fred,  481 

Marston,  Gen.  Gilman,  640 

Martin,  Capt.  Fred,  529 

Martindale,  Edward,  508 

Martindale,  Gen.  J.  H.,  5,  54,  203,  508 

Meade,  Gen.  G.  G.,  373,  375 

Merriam,  W.  H.,  317,  530 

Muldowney,  T.,  325 

Mulford,  Col.  J.  E.,  303,  318,  359 

Mussey,  R.  D.,  622 

Nash,  L.  P.,  336 

Nichols,  ^.  ^.,  615 

Nicodemus,  Lieut.  W.  H.,  642 

Noyes,  Maj.  H.  E.,  652 

Ochiltre,  Maj.  J.  P.,  627 

O'Rielly,  H.,  331 

Page,  C.  A.,  693 

Palmer,  Gen.  J.  N.,  540 

Parker,  E.  S.,  4 

Parton,  James,  79,  356,  467,  498,  499,  525, 

526,  620,  644 
Parton,  Mrs.  James,  644,  718,  720 
"Patriot,"  348 
Peyster,  Aug.  de,  333 
Phillips,  Wendell,  400,  675 
Pierce,  Edward  L.,  491 
Pierrepont,  Edwards,  412,  413,  417,  419, 

420,  421,  422,  423 
Plaistead,  Gov.  H.  M.,  665 
Porter,  Admiral,  379,  380,  383,  410,  430 
Pvffer,  Capt.  A.  T.,  376,  565 
Rawlins,  Gen.  J.  A.,  232,  249,  480 
Read,  Henry,  317 


728 


INDEX 


Rich,  John  T.,  538 

Risley,  H.  A.,7,  369,  377,  399 

Schaumburg,  James  W.,  539 

Serrell,  E.  W.,  357 

Seward,  W.  E.,  286 

Shaffer,  Col.  J.   W.,  67,   116,  118,  158, 

159,    186,    305,    338,    352,    366,    430, 

450, 490, 511,  538,  619,  650,  688 
Shepley,  Gen.  Geo.  F.,  444 
Smith,  Goldmn,  349,  369 
Stanley,  Langdell  &  Brown,  280 
Stanton,    E.    M.,    106,    108,    214,    215, 

292,  294,  307,  310,  322,  329,  333,  339, 

364,  384,  553,  619,  627,  678,  690,  701, 

721 
Stevens,  Thaddeus,  151,  678 
Stewart,  John  A.,  316,  339 
Stimson,  Capt.  D.,  314 
Sumner,  Charles,  271,  333 
Taylor,  J.  L.,  547 
Telfer,  William  Duff,  509 
Terry,  Gen.  A.  H.,  252,  254,  307,  309 
Thomas,  J.  W.,  691 
Thomas,  Steven,  353 
Thornton,  C.  G.,  686 
Torsey,  Capt.  J.  M.,  712 
Townsend,  E.  D.,  695 
Troup,  A.,  676 
"  True  Friend,"  347 
Turner,  H.  M.,  546 
Turner,  Gen.  J.  W.,  47,  527,  616,  672 
Tyler,  B.  0.,  697 
Tyler,  Mrs.  President,  15,  329 
Upham,  N.  B.,  43,  505 
Upshur,  Capt.  J.  H.,  156 
Usher,  Col.  R.  G.,  486 
Wade,  B.  F.,  617,  641 
Walker,  J.  J.,  571 
Wardrop,  Col.,  481 
Wardwell,  Burnham,  598,  623,  633,  645, 

701 
Ware,  Mrs.  M.  A.,  684 
Warner,  Y.,  345 
Watson,  C.  A.,  532 
Way,  G.  B.,  187 
Webster,  Col.  R.  C,  312 
Webster,  W.  P.,  19,  533,  545,  550,  556, 

557,  563,  575,  632 
Weitzel,  Gen.  Godfrey,  298,  513,  521,  548, 

585,  670 
Whipple,  E.  W.,  646 
Whipple,  George,  612 
White,  Col.  Frank  J.,  351,  444,  510 
White,  J.  W.,  332,  449,  470 
Whiting,  W.,  368 
Whiting,  Maj.  Gen.  W.  H.  C,  569 
Wilkes,  G.,  134,  135,  344 


Wilkeson,  Samuel,  598,  606,  651,  718 

Williams,  Joseph,  691 

Williams,  R.  H.,  620 

Wilson,  John,  624 

Wilson,  J.  G.,  312 

Wilson,  Col.  William,  709 

Winslow,  C.  F.,  657 

Woodward,  J.  A.,  702 

Wright,  £.,121 

Wright,   Lieut.  Horatio,  659 

Letters  from  B  to 

Baker,  C.  W.,  714 

Ballard,  F.  W.,  334 

Barnes,  Surg.  Gen.,  151 

Barney,  E.  L.,  554 

Benham,  Gen.,  143 

Biggs,  Lieut.  Col.,  25,  33 

Birney,  Gen.  D.  B.,  26,  27,  46,  49,  89, 
92,  94,  95,  103,  106,  107,  108,  110, 
152,  183,  184,  195,  201,  202,  206,  212, 
219,  223,  226,  231,  232,  233,  234,  235, 
237,  238,  239 

Birney,  Gen.  William,  601 

Blair,  M.,  6 

Blodgett,  W.  T.,  398 

Boutwell,  George  S.,  518,  700 

Boutwell,  Mrs.  George  S.,  531 

Bowers.  Lieut.  Col.  T.  S.,  30,  268 

Brady,  Capt.  J.,  705 

Brice,  Maj.,  409 

Brooks,  James,  519 

Brown,  Captain,  611 

Bullock,  A.  H.,  631,710 

Butler,  Mrs.  Sarah  H.,  6,  8,  15,  17,  21, 
24,  30,  38,  45,  47,  52,  58,  65,  72,  78,  85, 
88,  94,  108,  112,  113,  124,  126, 127,  128, 
129,  131,  132,  136,  142,  144,  145,  146, 
150,  151,  153,  168,  170,  174,  189,  190, 
195,  217,  221,  228,  229,  240,  275,  278, 
286,  287,  308,  359,  361,  362,  364,  365, 
366,  386,  432,  434,  704 

Butler,  Mrs.  {B.'s  mother),  433 

Cameron,  S.,  139,  271,  331,  634,  707 

Carr,  Gen.,  286 

Carter,  D.  K.,  613,  630 

Cassells,  Capt.,  248 

Chase,  S.  P.,  108,  416 

Clafflin,  William,  301 

Clark,  John,  636,  637,  663 

Clarke,  Rev.  T.  M.,  309,  492 

Comstock,  Lieut.  Col.,  76,  159 

Coney,  Gov.,  173 

Conway,  T.  W.,  670 

Cunningham,  Col.  J.  M.,  713 

Dana,  C.  A.,  19,  362,  409,  535 

Darling,  W.  A.,  154 


INDEX 


729 


Davis,  E.  G.,  197 

Davis,  Maj.,  292 

Day,  Col.  J.  M.,  664 

DeKay,  Lieut.,  439 

Devine,  Andrew,  710 

Dimon,  Col.,  10 

Dix,  Gen.  J.  A.,  323 

Dixon,  W.  M.,  647 

Dodge,  Col.,  221,  226,  246,  260,  286,  375, 
388 

Dyer,  Gen.,  365 

Ely,  Abram,  P.,  529 

Fessenden,  W.  P.,  384 

Field,  Lieut.  D.  C.  G.,  150 

Findley,  Dr.  W.  R.,  407 

Forney,  J.  W.,  551 

Fox,  Capt.  G.  v.,  14,  19,  34,  274,  365, 
576 

Fullerton,  Lieut.,  285 

Gilbert,  E.  H.,  685 

Gooch,  D.  W.,  560 

Gordon,  Brig.  Gen.,  Geo.  H.,  583 

Graham,  Gen.  C.  K.,  227,  248,  285,  289, 
358,  375,  511 

Grant,  Gen.  U.  S.,  1,  3,  6,  11,  14,  23,  24, 
25,  26,  27,  42,  49,  51,  59,  60,  61,  63, 
64,  69,  70,  73,  74,  76,  86,  91,  103,  104, 
107,  111,  131,  139,  141,  143,  146, 
173,  189,  193,  194,  195,  196,  197,  198, 
199,  201,  205,  206,  207,  208,  209,  210, 
213,  214,  217,  220,  231,  234,  236, 
239,  240,  245,  251,  253,  254,  255,  256, 
259,  260,  261,  262,  263,  265,  268, 
271,  281,  289,  291,  306,  310,  357,  358, 
362,  369,  373,  375,  376,  378,  382,  383, 
387,  388,  398,  399,  428,  431,  442,  460, 
480,  486,  701 

Hackett,  J.  K.,  105,  299,  410,  423,  424 

Hdleck,  Maj.  Gen.  H.  W.,  112.  200,  573 

Harvey,  J.,  115 

Beaton,  D.,  56,  426 

Hitchcock,  Gen.,  71,  304 

Hoffman,  Col.,  154,  155,  185,  266,  281 

Holt,  Brig.  Gen.,  169,  487 

Hopkins,  W.  Rogers,  661 

Hough,  D.  L.,  490 

Howard,  Lieut.  Col.,  60 

Howard,  Gen.  0.  0.,  611,  639 

Ingalls,  Gen.  R.,  18,  225,  247 

Johnson,  President  Andrew,  602,  609, 614, 
677,  678 

Jones,  W.,  694 

Kautz,  Gen.  A.  V.,  205,  237,  238,  246, 
247,  268 

Kelly,  Rev.  M.  G.,  80 

Kensel,  Col.  Geo.  A.,  105,  452 

Lawson,  et  al.,  694 


Lincoln,  President,  87,  174,  185,  443,  474, 

478,  483,  602 
Lithgow,  W.,  715 
Lockwood,  Gen.  H.  C,  506 
Ludlow,  Maj.,  25,  48,  58,  94 
McCormick,  Dr.,  200 
McKay,  R.  S.,  542 
McKim,  Capt.,  74 
McPherson,  680 
Mann,  Mrs.  Horace,  537 
Marston,  Brig.  Gen.,  28,  184 
Martin,  Capt.,  308 
Meade,  Gen.,  23,  43,  87,  139,  144,   189, 

233,  241,  375 
Michie,  Lieut.,  264 
Moore,  Col.,  202 

Mulford,  Col.  J.  E.,  200,  281,  319 
Nathan,  P.  L.,  716 
O'Brien,  Mr.,  206 
Ochiltre,  Maj.  J.  P.,  628 
Ord,  Gen.,  107,  110,  175,  184 
Quid,  RobeH,  18,  97,  127,  219,  249 
Paine,  Gen.  C.  J.,  145,  183 
Palmer,  Gen.,  367,  372,  378 
Parton,  James,  468,  645,  662,  696 
Parton,  Mrs.  James,  719,  720 
Patrick,  Gen.,  250,  267,  269 
Paulding,  Adm.,  322 
Pennipacker,  Col.,  207 
Phillips,  Wendell,  401 
Pierce,  Edward  L.,  492 
Pierrepont,  Edwards,  243,  413,  417,  420, 

422 
Plaistead,  Gov.  H.  M.,  667 
Porter,  Adm.,  365,  372,  379, 383,  435,  437, 

441 
Potter,  Col,  193,  261,  262 
Powers,  G.//.,  367 
Puffer,  Capt.  A.  T.,  376 
Randlett,  Maj.,  14 
Rawlins,  Gen.  J.  A.,  233,  240,  355,  358, 

485 
Raymond,  H.  J.,  300 
Rhind,  Com.  A.  C,  682 
Richardson,  A.  D.,  572 
Risley,  H.  A.,  399 
Rockwell,  H.  E.,  587 
Saunders,  Col.,  11 
Sawyer  Brothers,  14,  34 
Schenk,  Maj.  Gen.,  389 
Serrill,  Col.,  160 
Shaffer,  Col.  J.  W.,  157,  338 
Sharp,  Col,  228 
Shepley,  Gen.  Geo.  F.,  143,  265 
Smith,  Capt.,  216 
Smith,  Goldwin,  621 
Snead,  E.  K.,  32 


730 


INDEX 


Stackpole,  Maj.,  185,  197 

Stanton,  E.  M.,  11, 72,  78,  86,  90, 106,  145, 

147,  169,  173,  215,  227,  276,  279,  293, 

304,    310,    326,    340,    364,    469,    471, 

507,    586,    615,    619,    672,    678,    689, 

691,  696,  700 
Stevens,  Thaddeus,  678 
Stiner,  W.  H.,  245 
Storrs,  Surg.,  286 
Telfer,  William  Duff,  509,  716 
Terry,  Gen.   A.  H.,  247,  250,  252,  253, 

254,  255,  258,  259,  261,  265,  282,  303, 

307 
Thornton,  Capt.,  152 
Thornton,  C.  G.,  687 
Times,  the  N.  Y.,  124 
Townsend,  Col.,  338,  469,  695 
Troup,  A.,  677 
Turner,  H.  M.,  547 
Turner,  Gen.  J.  W.,  61,  64,  69,  116,  119, 

128,  129,  674 
Tyler,  B.  0.,  698 
Tyler,  Mrs.  President,  81 
Upshur,  Capt.  J.  H.,  155 
Van  Vleet,  Maj.,  90 

Wade,  B.  F.,  531,  540,  559,  566,  606,  642 
Ware,  Mrs.  M.  A.,  684 
Walker,  J.  G.,  572 
War  dwell,  B.,  702 
Warner,  Oliver,  705 
Watson,  C.  A.,  532 
Watson,  P.  H.,  429 
Webster,  Col.  R.  C,  220,  247,  268,  293, 

308,  311 
Webster,  W.  P.,  564 
Weitzel,    Gen.    Godfrey,    196,    201.    207, 

223,  231,  232,  234,  238,  245,  248,  251, 

252,  254,  255,  256,  260.  262,  282,  292, 

398,  512,  514,  672 
Weld,  Gen.  E.  A.,  73 
Whipple,  E.  W.,  647 
Whiting,  W.,  367,  385,  404 
Whiting,  Maj.  Gen.  W.  H.  C,  566 
Wilkeson,  Samuel,  718 
Williams,  Joseph,  692 
Williams,  R.  H.,  621 
Wilson,  Henry,  410,  498,  679 
Wilson,  John,  625 
Winslow,  C.  F.,  658 
Wistar,  Brig.  Gen.  J.  J.,  484 
Woodward,  J.  A.,  702 
Wooster,  Col.,  62 
Wright,  Lieut.  Horatio,  659 

Butler,  Benjamin  Israel,  28,  29,  48,  96, 

138,  218,  222,  266,  363 
Butler,  Blanche,  15,  20,  24,  44,  50,  53, 


57,  65,  66,  78,  94,  96,   112,  114,  120, 

132,  138,  139,  144,  146,  168,  171,  190, 
213,  218,  221,  228,  229,  278,  287,  299, 
309,  337,  360,  361,  363,  370,  433,  435, 
471,  496,  499,  511,  523,  526,  527,  557, 
617,  634,  637,  645,  651,  653,  656,  657, 
663,  674,  675,  693 

Butler,  Charles,  letter  to  B.  from,  349 

Butler,  Frank,  433 

Butler,  Mrs.   (B.'s  mother),  229;    letter 

from  B.  to,  433 
Butler,   Paul,  29,  78,  85,  96,   105,   120, 

130,  138,  145,  222,  363 
Butler,  Mrs.  Sarah  H.,  letters  from  B.  to, 

6,  8,  15,  17,  21,  24,  30,  38,  45,  47,  52, 

58,  65,  72,  78,  85,  88,  94,  108,  112,  113, 
124,  126,  127,  128,  129,  131,  132,  136, 
142,  144,  145,  146,  150,  151,  153, 
168,  170,  174,  189,  190,  195,  217,  221, 
228,  229,  240,  275,  278,  286,  287,  308, 
359,  361,  362,  364,  365,  366,  386,  432, 
434,704;  letters  to B.  from, 6, 17,20,28, 
29,  38,  44,  47,  50,  51,  57,  64,  66,  74, 
84,  92,  96,  104,  108,  113,  114,  119,  129, 

133,  136,  140,  147,  189,  202,  209,  212, 
217,  221,  222,  223,  229,  244,  249, 
265,  274,  275,  278,  287,  290,  296, 
299,  360,  361,  363,  374,  433,  436,  448; 
discusses  political  matters  with  B., 
75,  109,  130,  133;  letter  to  Hildreth 
from,  582;  letter  to  Dr.  McCormick 
from,  655;  newspaper  comment  on, 
386-387;  referred  to,  79,  272,  308, 
309,  337,  370,  450,  468,  471,  482,  496, 
499,  511,  512,  523,  526,  527,  557, 
585,  586,  617,  620,  634,  636,  637, 
642,  645,  651,  653,  663,  671,  674,  675, 
693,  704,  707,  717 

"Butler's  Book,"  330 

Butterfield,  Gen.  Daniel,  319,  345,  678 

Butts,  C.  W.,  564,  633,  654 


Cabin  Point,  28 

Cadwallader,  485,  654 

Cairo,  123 

California,  657 

Callan,  N.,  579 

Calvary  Church,  New  York,  296 

Camden,  317 

Cameron,  Simon,  letters  from  B,  to,  139, 
271,  331,  634,  707;  letters  to  B.  from, 
141,  330,  338,  704,  707,  717.  718;  re- 
ferred to,  36,  37,  160,  516 

Cameron,  Mrs.  Simon,  634 

Cameron,  the  Misses,  634 

Camp,  Mr.,  424 


INDEX 


731 


Campbell,  Judge,  527,  533,  534 

Campbell,  L.  D.,  117 

Canada,  185 

Canal    Bank,    the.    New    Orleans,    414, 

415,  418 
Canby,  General,  686 
Cannon,  Colonel,  354 
Cape  Charles,  431,  460 
Cape   Fear   River,    380,    388,   410,    452, 

453,  455,  457,  459,  461,  462,  477,  522, 

568 
Cape  Hatteras,  433,  437,  473 
Cape  Henry,  428,  431,  461 
Cardoza,  Judge,  Albert,  340 
Carney,  Maj.  George  C,  664 
Carney,  J.  B.,  271,  356,  360,  363 
Carpenter,  Lieutenant,  440 
Carr,   General,  letter  from  B.   to,   286; 

referred  to,  106,  600 
Carter,  Colonel,  26,  27 
Carter,   Judge  D.   K.,  letters  from    B. 

to,  613,  630;    letter  to  B.  from,  653; 

referred  to,  482,  594,  619,  620 
Carter's  House,  283 
Cashmere,  P.,  633 
Cassels,  Maj.  John,  643,  654 
Cassells,    Captain,    letter    from    B.    to, 

248;    referred  to,  187,  557 
Castle  Thunder,  241 
Catskill   Mountain  House,   The,   79 
Cazaran,  Augustus,  655,  702 
Central  Road,  194,  250,  273,  282 
Chaffin's  Bluff,  14,  335 
Chaffin's  Farm,  51,  177,  178,  179,  200, 

233,  236,  357,  449 
Chapin's  farm,  61,  75,  172,  191,  202,  208, 

ms 

"Chamberlain,"  the,  439,  440,  461,  462 
Chambers,  Lieut.  S.  A.,  78,  79 
Chandler,    William   E.,   letter   from   B. 

to,   277;    referred   to,    120,   167,   168, 

551,  559,  560,  593,  619 
Charde,  Z.,  117 
Charles  City  Road,  the,  58,   178,   199, 

208,  210,  231,  235,  239,  282,  283,  289, 

290 
Charleston,  42,  215,  458 
Charlottsville,  214 
Chase,  Salmon    P.,    letters   from  B.  to, 

108,  416;  letter  to  B.  from,  108,  610, 

707,  708;  718,  referred  to,  36,  68,  167, 

168,  188,  543 
Chattanooga,  22 
Cheever,  Parson,  276 
Chesapeake,  the,  516 
Chesapeake  Hospital,  the,  533,  611 
Chesterfield,  357 


Chicago,  9,  35,  58,  112 

Chicago    Convention,    the,    43,    67,    68, 

113,  116,  300 
Chittenden,  A.  B.,  338 
Chittenden,  S.  B.,  298 
Chowan  River,  7,  373,  577,  578,  581 
Christian  Commission,  the,  544, 545 
Chronicle,  the  Washington,  449 
Church  membership,  B.'s  views  on,  72 
Cilley,  Captain,  291 

Cincinnati,  24,  35,  36,  93,  117,  134,  389 
Cincinnati  Call,  the,  116 
City  Battalion,  the,  176 
City  Point,  Va.,  2,  139,  142,  144,  154, 184, 

194,  227,  233,  240,  245,  255,  267,  278, 

310,  350,  368,  455,  466,  507,  549,  582, 

600,665,  671,  714 
Clafflin,  H.  B.,  337 
Clafflin,  W.  C,  letter  to  B.  from.  269; 

letter  from  B.  to,  301 
Clark,  John,  letters  to  B.  from,  557,  635, 

636,  662;  letters  from  B.  to,  636.  637, 

663 
Clark,  Mr.,  of  N.  H.,  559 
Clark,  W.  M..  552.  556,  559 
Clarke,  Capt.  H.  C,  25,  218,  461,  476, 

480,  506,  507,  657 
Clarke,    James    Freeman,    letter    to     B. 

from,  505 
Clarke,  Mr.,  277 
Clarke,  Ned  N.,  338 
Clarke,  Rt.  Rev.  T.  M.,  letters  from  B. 

to,  309,  492 
Clay,  Henry,  401 
Clews,  Henry,  337 
Clop  ton,  W.  H.,  16 
Cobb,  Howell,  653 
Coddington,  T.  B.,  298 
Coit,  Asst.  Surg.  David  G..  536 
Colby,  Mr.,  80 
Cold  Harbor  fight,  the,  692 
Cole,  Mr.,  550,  556,  559,  564,  582.  588 
Colored  Troops.  87,  90, 191,  214,  215,  263, 

264,  267;   their  friendship  for  B.,  547 
Colored   Schools,   B.'s   connection   with, 

610,  611-613 
Commerce,  the  Committee  on,  564 
Commercial,  the,  647 
Commercial  intercourse,  7,  55,  425-427 
Commercial  Gazette,  the,  117,  118 
Commonwealth,  the  Boston,  21 
Comstock,  Col,  C.  B.,  letters  from  B.  to, 

76,   159,    letter  to  Bowers  from,  453; 

letters  to  Rawlins  from,  473,  477,  479; 

referred  to,  63,  194,  209,  210,  281,  285, 

432,  452,  467,  484,  515,  534,  683 
Conduct  of  the  War,  Committee  on  the. 


732 


INDEX 


B.'s  summoned  before,  483,   513,  530, 

542,  548,  682 
"Conestoga,"  the,  541 
Coney,  Governor,  letter  from  B.  to,  173 
Confederate,  the  Macon,  12 
Confederate  Army,  the,  69 
Confederate  Government,  the,  90 
Congressional  Globe,  the,  524 
Conklin,  E.,  letter  to  B.  from,  321;  562 
Connecticut,  114,  277,  654 
Connecticut    Troops,    12th    Regt.,  353; 

15th  Regt.,  373;   11th  Regt.,  449 
Conner,  23,  64 
Conville,  Maine,  544 
Consul  of  France.    See  Tabanelle,  M. 
Conway,  Thomas  W.,  letter  to  B.  from, 

669;   letter  from  B.  to,  670 
Cope,  A.  C,  296 
Coppell,  George,  40 
Copperheads,  the  278,  486,  678 
Cook's  Brigade,  280 
Cooke,  S.,  296 

Cooper  Institute,  35,  154,  334 
Cooper,  M.  W.,  337 
Cooper,  Peter,  298 
Corliss,  96,  230 
Cortes  Brigade,  87 
Corwin,  T.,  36 

Cotton,  185,  258,  451,  542,  579 
Cotton  Factors,  the,  148-150, 224, 258, 546 
Cotton  Speculators,  the,  552 
Couch,  Lieut.,  142 
Couch,  Mr.,  534 
Courier,  the  Boston,  279 
Courier,  the  Buffalo,  357 
Cox,  General,  647,  648,  649 
Cox,  H.,  26,  27,  58,  59,  61,  175,  176 
Cox  Hill  Fort,  264 
Cox's  Ferry,  74,  75,  175,  194 
Crane,  74,  550 

Creamer,  George  B.,  591,  593 
"Crescent,"  the,  318,  408,  409 
Crispan,  Captain,  323 
Crocker,  Hugh,  305 
Crosby,  44 

Crouse,  Asst.  Surgeon,  174 
Crow's  Nest,  61 
Culpepper,  76 
Cunningham,  E.,  259 
Cunningham,    Col.   J.    M.,   letter  to   B. 

from,  713;  letter  from  B.  to,  713 
Curtin,  Governor,  37,  134,  317 
Curtis,  Col.  N.  M.,  279 
Curtis,  General,  439,  440,  441,  462,  504, 

687 
Curtis  House,  161 
Gushing,  Mr.,  44 


D 

Dana,  C.  A.,  letters  from  B.  to,  19,  362, 
409,  535;  letter  from  Banks  to,  39; 
letters  to  B.  from,  305,  310,  408;  re- 
ferred to,  108,  365,  368,  563;  letter 
from  Nash  to,  335;  letter  to  Grant 
from,  502 

Danby,  Col,  C.  B.,  letter  to  B.  from,  357 

Danby,  Colonel,  49 

Daniels,  564,  582 

Danville,  516 

Danville,  R.  R.,  257 

Darbytown  Road,  the,  178,  194,  196, 
199,  201,  205,  206,  208,  210,  211,  213, 
231,  234,  235,  236,  238,  239,  250,  252, 
256,  259,  262,  282,  289,  290,  359,  362 

Darling,  William  A.,  letter  from  B.  to, 
154 

Dauphin's  Island,  12,  14 

Davenport,  John  I.,  letters  to  B.  from, 
495,  500,  584,  681;  referred  to,  490, 
494,  511,  535,  566,  567,  572,  573 

David,  M.,  642 

Davis,  Colonel,  144 

Davis,  E.  G.,  letter  from  B.  to,  197 

Davis,  Henry  Winter,  8,  109,  134,  167, 
168 

Davis,  Jefferson,  33,  88,  98,  321,  326,  328, 
349,  452,  466,  599,  605,  623,  630,  652, 
684,  721 

Davis,  Major,  letter  from  B.  to,  292;  374, 
445 

Davis  Protest,  the,  8 

Davis,  Capt,  R.  S.,  letter  from  Wooster 
to,  51 

Dawes,  H.  L.,  679,  697 

Dawson,  10 

Day,  Col.  J.  M.,  letter  to  B.  from,  663; 
letter  from  B.  to,  664 

Day,  Mr.,  611,  612 

Dayton,  Mr.,  81,  435 

Death  penalty,  the,  169 

De  Beroise,  Mr.,  547 

Deep  Bottom,  23,  42,  43,  46,  47,  53,  58, 
59,  61,  62,  106,  131,  142,  172,  175,  176, 
178,  182,  184,  191,  193,  195,  196,  200, 
202,  205,  208,  211,  238,  239,  248,  253, 
268,  350,  382,  438 

Deep  Bottom  Bridge,  284 

De  Kay,  Lieut.  Sidney  B.,  letter  to  B. 
from,  439;   465,  657,  662 

Delafield,  Major  General,  700 

Delaware,  72,  73,  99,  134 

Delta,  the  New  Orleans,  409 

Deming,  Col.  H.  C,  540,  699 

Democrat,  the  La  Crosse,  708 


INDEX 


733 


Devine,  Andrew,  letter  to  B.  from,  709; 

letter  from  B.  to,  710 
Dickens,  Charles,  719,  720 
"Dick  Keys,"  the,  14 
Dimon,  Colonel,  letter  from  B.  to,  10; 

687 
Dix,  Gen.  G.  A.,  letters  to  B.  from,  311, 

3J5,  323,  343;    referred  to,  277,  306, 

307,  310,  313,  315,  322,  326,  329,  336, 

343,  684;  letter  from  B.  to,  323;  letter 

to  Stanton  from,  337 
Dix,  Rev.  Morgan,  295 
Dixon,  William  M.  597;    letter  from  B. 

to,  647 
Doblado,  General,  281 
Dodge,  Colonel,  letters  from  B.  to,  221, 

226,   246,   260,   286,   375,    388;    letter 

from  Terry  to,  308,    referred  to,  204, 

274,  285,  309 
Dodge,  Gen.  George  S.,  490;   letter  to  B. 

from,  654 
Dodge,  W.  E.,  298 
"Don,"  the,  466 
Doolittle,  Senator,  700 
Dorrance  Street  Theatre,  the  Providence, 

386 
Dostie,  Dr.,  A.  P.  555 
Dow,  Brig.  Gen.  Neal,  604 
Doyl,  Mr.,  347 
Dracut,  38,  57,  85 
Draper,  Col.  A.  B.,  279 
Draper,  Gen.  Alonzo,  letter  to  B.  from, 

622 
Draper,  Gen.  S.,  letters  to  B.  from,  314, 

324;  referred  to,  337,  672 
Dred  Scott  decision,  the,  679 
Drew,  Mr.,  516 
Drummond,  J.  H.,  665 
Drury's  Bluff,  14,  177 
Dubow,  Colonel,  176 
Duckworth,    William    H.,   letter   to   B. 

from,  478 
Duncan,  Col.  S.  A.,  279 
Dunham,  E.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  324 
Dunning,  George,  P.,  letter  to  B.  from, 

335 
"Du  Pont,"  the,  430 
Durant,  Thomas  I.,  letters  to  B.  from, 

554,  668;  referred  to,  96, 134,  341,  415, 

419,  555 
Duryea,  General,  327 
Dutch  Gap,  26,  27,  47,  48,  51,  58,  59.  61, 

62,  63,  65,  74,  142,  176,  194,  211,  214, 

247,  250,  263,  264,  269,  271,  350,  363, 

387,  388 
Dutch  Gap  Canal,  354,  497,  534 
Dyer,  General,  letter  from  B.  to,  365 


E 

Early,   General,   146,   153,    198,   209, 

220,  251,  358,  359,  362 
Eastern  Shore,  87,  88 
Easton,  Pa.,  697,  698 
East  Point,  22 

Eden,  G.  R.,  letter  to  Rawlins  from,  249 
Edmonds,  Governor,  687 
Edmunds,  167 
Edson,  Captain,  letter  from  B.  to,  380; 

referred  to,  167,  379 
Edson,  Dr.,  48,  72,  120 
Edwards,  James  A.,  197 
Eggleston,  B.,  117 
Eigenbrodt,  W.  E.,  296 
Eighteenth  Corps,  the,  41,  48,  87, 103, 106, 

107,  142,  173,  175,  178,  180,  192,  193, 

195,  219,  123,  238,  248,  268,  284,  296, 

307,  311,  375 
Ela,  Jacob  H.,  letter  to  B.  from,  544 
Eliot,  Mr.,  629 
Elkton,  Md.,  167 
Elmira,  N.  Y.,  266,  332,  344 
Ely,  Abram  P.,  letter  to  B.  from,  528; 

letter  from  B.  to,  529 
"Empire  City,"  the,  397,  438,  439 
England,  J.  G.,  letter  to  B.  from,  312 
Enquirer,  the  Richmond,  77,  268,  527 
Eno,  Amos  R.,  337 
Epstein,  Philip,  642,  697 
Era,  the,  409 

Evans,  Estwick,  letter  to  B.  from,  481 
Evening  Post,  the  N.  Y.,  160,  161,  298, 

489 
Evening  Standard,  the,  356 
Everett,  Edward,  37 
Ewell,  General,  212,  263 
Examiner,  the  Richmond,  474,  540 
Exchange  Bank,  the,  550 
Exchange  of  Prisoners,  70,  71,  97-103, 

115,  116,  124,  127,  154,  155,  185,  215, 

216,  219,  246,  249,  263,  265,  266,  281, 

469,  538,  602 
Express,  the  N.  Y.,  422,  678 
Eyre,  Mr.,  368,  621 


Fair  Oaks,  296 

Falling  Creek,  177 

Fant,  H.  G.,  328 

Fanueil  Hall,  Boston,  269,  301,  632,  676, 

712,  715 
Farquhar,  Lieutenant,  465,  504 
Farragut,  Adm.  D.  G.,  letter  to  Fox,  703; 

referred  to,  15, 19,  21,  39,  326,  461,  462, 

499,  531,  541,  545 


734 


INDEX 


Farrington,  D.  W.  C,  letters  to  B.  from, 

148,  224,  258,  451;    appointed  cotton 

agent,  149;   referred  to,  288,  360,  363, 

370,  582,  643 
Farwell,  W.  A.,  623,  633 
Fawks,  Rev.  Dr.,  348 
Faxon,  Major  General,  628 
Fay,  R.  S.,  Jr.,  letters  to  B.  from,  170,  368 
Fearing,  Mr.,  349 
Ferguson,  D.,  451 
Fern,    Fanny,    218,    229,    279,    see    also 

Parton,  Mrs.  James 
Ferrero,  General,  549 
Fessenden,  W.  P.,  36,  43,  272,  369,  399, 

444,445;  letter  to  B.  from,  383;  letter 

from  B.  to,  384 
Field,  Lieut.  D.  C.  G.,  letters  from  B.  to, 

150;    referred  to.  147,  371,  433,  434, 

534,  632,  643 
Field,  Dudley,  117,  135,  334 
Field,  J.  E.,  letter  to  B.  from,  594,  597 
Field's  Division,  23,  64,  76,  77,  198,  201, 

202,  205,  233,  234,  235,  239,  241,  289, 

355,  373 
Fifth  Avenue  Hotel,  New  York,  307 
Fifth  Corps,  the,  85,  87 
Findley,  Capt.,  Joseph,  R.  405-408 
Findley,  Dr.  W.  R.,  letter  to  B.  from,  405; 

letter  from  B.  to,  407 
Findly,  G.  W.,  468 
Finnegan's  Brigade,  280 
First  National  Bank,  the,  Norfolk,  552, 

559 
Fitch,  Capt.  G.  B.,  439,  441,  672 
Fitz  Lee,  Major  General,  628 
Flag  Pond  Hill  Battery,  the,  435,  437, 

461 
"Florida,"  the,  370,  451 
Forbes,  J.  M.,  296 
Forbes,  Major,  37 
Ford,  Governor,  4,  9,  36,  67,  68 
Forney,  J.  W.,  letter  from  B.  to,  551; 

letter  to  B.  from,  553;   referred  to,  68, 

598,  681 
Forsyth,  Samuel,  354 
Foster,  General,  23,  43,  46,  111,  215,  238, 

305,  357,  600,  651 
"Foster,"  the,  19 
Foster,  William  L.,  277 
Fort  Burnham,  282 
Fort  Caswell,  535 
Fort  Converse,  46 
Fort  Delaware,  154,  266,  535 
Fort  Donaldson,  123 
Fort  Fisher.  N.  C,  380,  381,  431,  432.  435, 

436,  437,  438,  452,  453.  454,  455,  457, 

459;     B.'s   report   on   his   expedition 


against,  460-465;  466,  471,  472,  473, 
474,  477,  496;  captured,  497,  500,  501, 
505,  506,  509,  511,  512,  513,  514,  522, 
527,  531,  533,  534,  535;  Whiting's 
statement  concerning,  535-536,  537; 
566-571;  546,  547,  549,  607,  618,  633; 
660, 661,  681,  682,  683 

Fort  Fisher  Expedition,  the  first.  504 

Fort  Gaines,  12,  14,  25,  622 

Fort  Gilmer,  250,  263,  354 

Fort  Harrison,  230.  231,  233,  237,  238, 
239.  672 

Fort  Jackson.  414,  462 

Fort  Monroe,  29,  30,  52,  57,  72,  73,  74, 
79,  92,  98,  105,  110,  113.  129,  136,  137, 
140,  141,  142,  167.  187,  197,  199,  223, 
229,  230,  243,  245,  267,  274,  293,  303, 
304,  307,  310,  345,  362,  365,  369,  372, 
376,  379,  380,  382,  383,  384,  398,  424, 
431,  438,  439,  446,  449,  453,  454.  457, 
459.  460.  464,  467,  506,  523,  554,  572, 
581,  607,  608.  611,  612,  635,  643,  705 

Fort  Morgan,  19.  462 

Fort  Pocahontas,  73,  81,  83,  86,  182, 184, 
198,  205,  285,  286,  330 

Fort  Powell,  25 

Fort  Powhatan,  23,  73,  86,  139,  198,  600 

Fort  Pulaski,  128,  154,  155,  186,  267,  281, 
308 

Fort  Republic,  256 

Fort  Saint  Philip,  462 

Fort  Stevens.  630 

Fort  Sully.  687 

Fort  Sumter.  123,  660 

Fort  Wagner,  463,  477 

Fort  Walthal,  89,  107 

Fort  Warren,  543 

Four  Mile  Creek,  49,  59,  176,  202 

Fox,  Capt.  G.  v.,  letters  from  B.  to,  14, 
19,  34,  274,  365,  576;  letter  to  B.  from, 
353,  576;  letter  to  Grant  from,  465; 
referred  to,  366,  436,  660 

Franklin,  Benjamin,  651 

Franklin,  General,  204,  299,  686 

"Franklin,"  the,  704 

Frazer,  48,  110,  138,  144,  147.  169,  170, 
229 

Frazer' s  Magazine,  622 

Fredericksburg,  6 

"Fredericksburg,"  the,  527 

Freedman's  Aid  Society  of  Philadelphia, 
the.  345 

Freedman's  Bureau,  the.  610.  612,  613, 
633, 688, 689 

Fremont,  General,  47,  75,  109,  122, 

"Friend,"  524,  543 

Frost,  C.  E.,  letter  to  B.  from,  320 


INDEX 


735 


Fuller,  D.,  610 

Fuller,  T.  G.  D.,  579,  580 

Fullerton,  Lieutenant,  letter  from  B.  to, 

285;  286 
Furness,  James  T.,  272 
Furness.  William  E.,  271,  272 


Galence,  651 

Gardiner,  H.  C,  334,  594 

Gardner,  Gen.  G.  A.,  319 

Garfield,  James  A.,  letter  to  B.  from,  536 

Garrison,   William   Lloyd,   letter   to   B. 

from,  424 
Gary's  Cavalry,  230,  235,  283 
Gay,  S.  H.,  letter  to  B.  from,  242;    re- 
ferred to,  68,  499 
Gaylor,  Colonel,  687 
Gazette,  the  Cincinnati,  549 
Gear,  Capt.  A.  S.,  277 
Geary,  Gen.  John  W.,  678 
Gemat  Crow's  Nest,  26 
"General  Jessup,"  the,  642,  643 
"Gen'l  Lyons,"  the,  441 
General  Orders:  No.  1,  315,  473;  No.  3, 

345;  No.  50,  185;  No.  126,  263 
"Gen'l  Price,"  the,  541 
General  Theological  Seminary,  296 
George,  John  H.,  277,  278 
George,  Capt.  P.  R.,  624,  625 
"George  Washington,"  the,  125 
Georgia,  128,  154,  155,  257,  304,  371,  372, 

380,  648 
Getty,  558 
Gibbon,  501 
Gibbons,  159 
Gifford,  S.  W.,  595 
Gilbert,  E.  H.,  letter  to  B.  from,  685, 

letter  from  B.  to,  685 
Gillmore,  Gen.  Quincy  A.,  123,  161,  162, 

163,  164,  297,  298,  466,  488,  489,  490, 

494,  620 
Gilman,  120,  153,  170 
Glad^vin,  S.  M.,  81 
Glisson,  Captain,  440,  462,  465 
Globe,  the  Daily,  519,  524 
Gobright,  Mr.,  466 
Godkin,  E.  L.,  492 
Godwin,  David  R.,  615-616 
Godwin,  Parke,  161,  298,  489,  490,  491 
Gold  conspirators,  the,  327,  333,  344 
Golden  Circle,  the,  321 
Goldsboro,  378,  379 
Goldsborough,  Rear-Admiral,  531 
Gooch,  D.  W.,  letter  from  B.  to,  560,  559 
Gordon,  Gen.  George  H.,  letter  from  B. 

to,  583;    letters  to  B.  from,  588,  589; 


telegram  from  President  Lincoln  to, 
593;  referred  to,  271,  272,  306,  345,  503, 
504,  545,  550,  551,  557.  558,  562,  575, 
576, 582, 587, 588, 589, 590, 632, 633, 635, 
637,  638,  663;  appointed  head  of  com- 
mission to  investigate  illicit  trade,  504, 
533 

Gordonsville,  214,  241 

Gould,  Charles,  337 

Governor's  Island,  543 

Grace  Church,  New  York,  296 

Graham,  Gen.  C.  K.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
227,  248,  285,  289,  358,  375,  511;  re- 
ferred to,  6,  28,  46,  94,  108,  355,  375, 
435,  440,  465,  633,  643;  letter  to  B. 
from,  510 

Graham,  Mrs.  General,  511,  633 

Grand  Gulf,  541 

Grant,  Gen.  U.  S.,  letters  to  B.  from,  2,  3, 
22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  34,  41,  42,  43,  47, 
48,  51,  60,  61,  62,  63,  69,  70,  71,  73,  75, 
76,  77,  87,  90,  91,  103,  104,  107,  152, 
171,  193,  194,  195,  199,  200,  205,  206, 
207,  208,  210,  214,  216,  217,  220,  245, 
246,  249,  252,  255,  256,  258,  259,  260, 
261,  265,  266,  267,  273,  274,  285,  291, 
292,  303,  306,  311,  343,  350,  358,  364, 
369,  371,  374,  375,  376,  378,  379,  380, 
382,  387,  388,  397,  399,  428,  452,  455, 
456,  469,  473;  letters  from  B.  to,  1,  3, 
6,  11,  14,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  42,  49,  51, 
59,  60,  61,  63,  64,  69,  70,  73,  74,  76,  86, 
91,  103, 104, 107,  111,  131,  139, 141, 143 
146,  173,  189,  193,  194,  195,  196,  197, 
198,  199,  201,  205,  206,  208,  209,  210, 
213,  214,  217,  220,  231,  234,  236,  239, 
240,  245,  251,  253,  254,  255,  256,  259, 
260,  261,  262,  263,  265,  268,  271,  281, 
289,  291,  306,  310,  357,  358,  362,  369, 
373,  375,  376,  378,  382,  383,  387,  388, 
398,  399,  428,  431,  442,  460,  480,  486, 
701;  referred  to,  6,  11,  18,  19,  30,  35, 
85,  112,  114,  118,  119,  122,  123,  128, 
129,  130,  132,  136,  144,  145,  146,  147, 
153,  159,  168,  190,  203,  204,  215,  221, 
229,  230,  232,  233,  251,  259,  260,  262, 
267,  275,  293,  305,  306,  310,  362,  364, 
365,  469,  470,  471,  473,  482,  484,  485, 
486,  495,  498,  500,  504,  507,  508,  510, 
512,  513,  514,  515,  521,  527,  530,  533, 
539,  541,  546,  548,  522,  556,  562,  563, 
572,  583,  584,  585,  588,  604,  620,  632, 
641,  649,  651,  677,  681,  684,  699,  700, 
710,712,720;  letters  from,  to :  Halleck, 
207,  213,  388;  Stanton,  290,  336,  452, 
456,468,472;  Terry,  307,  459;  Meade, 
350;    Porter,  457,  466;    Lincoln,  471; 


736 


INDEX 


Leek,  476;    Ord,  480,  503;    Rawlins, 

507;  letters  to,  from:  Lincoln,  63,  246; 

Terry,  308;  Stanton,  336;  Porter,  458; 

Fox,  465;    Halleck,  472;    Leek,  476; 

Ord,  480;  Dana,  502;  his  order  for  B.'s 

removal,  468,  471;    his  attack  on  B., 

691-694;   B.'s  reply  to  his  report,  696; 

his  candidacy  for  President,  713 
Grass  Valley  Union,  the,  708 
Graves,  623 
Grave,  Yard,  194 
Gray,  Jno.  A.  C,  337,  707 
Greble,  Edwdn,  letter  to  B.  from,  515 
Greeley,  Horace,  letter  to  B.  from,  652; 

on  the  right  of  suffrage,  652;    referred 

to,  68, 128, 135,  352,  621,  651 
Green,  Gen.  John  A.,  322,  326,  329,  332 
Greene,  Levi  R.,  606,  608 
Greene,  Col.  W.  B.,  letters  to  B.  from,  34, 

629;  referred  to,  15  45,  58,  85,  96 
Gregg,  General,  237,  239,  240,  241,  249 
Gregg's  Texas  Brigade,    176,    227,   232, 

233 
"Greyhound,"  the,   105,   169,  205,  221, 

285,  286,  308,  309,  360,  362,  367,  370, 

371 
Griffin's  Division,  207 
Grinnell,  M.  H.,  337 
Griswoldville,  378 
Groesbeck,   117 

Gross,  George  J.,  letter  to  B.  from,  618 
Grover  House^  51 
Gurowski,    Count   Adam,    letter    to    B. 

from,  126;  referred  to,  167,  168 

H 

Hackett,  J.  K.,  letter  to  B.  from,  376; 
letters  from  B.  to,  105,  299,  410,  423, 
424;   referred  to,  422 

Haddock,  Major,  320 

Haggerty,  Major,  531 

Hagood's  Brigade,  235,  438,  454,  463 

Haight,  B.  I.,  295 

Haines,  Master,  440,  441 

Hale,  Rev.  E.  E.,  letter  to  B.  from,  37 

Hale  Guards,  the  699 

Half  Moon  Battery,  the,  435,  437,  461, 
462 

Halifax,  371,  372 

Halleck,  Maj.  Gen.  H.  W.,  letters  from 
B.  to,  112,  200,  573;  letters  from  Grant 
to,  207,  213,  388;  letter  to  Grant  from, 
472;  referred  to,  76,  122,  292,  303,  587, 
594,  619,  620,  letter  to  B.  from,  575 

Hallgarten  and  Heryfield,  328 

Hallion,  James,  197 

Hamilton,  Mr.,  324,  379 


Hamilton,  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler,  35,  36,  37 

Hamilton  Corporation,  632 

Hamlin,  H.,  633 

Hammond,  Colonel,  5 

Hampton,  Va.,  384,  612,  613 

Hampton  Legion,  the,  235 

Hampton  Roads,  438,  466,  622 

Hancock,  Gen.  W.  S.,  letter  from  Grant 
to,  77;  referred  to,  46,  49,  51,  53,  58,  62, 
63,  75,  76,  91,  139,  176,  191,  204 

Hardie,  James  A.,  644 

Harlan,   121 

Harland,  General,  378 

Harper  Brothers,  467,  468 

Harper,  J.  N.,  letter  to  Kempler  from, 
698 

Harris,  511,  600 

Harrisburg,  Pa.,  704 

Harrison,  James,  427 

Harrison  Landing,  182 

Harrison,  William  T.,  369 

Hart,  George  H.,  156,  157 

Hart,  Lieutenant,  440,  441 

Hart,  Mr.,  425 

Hartwell,  C,  369 

Harvard  College,  80 

Harvey,  J.,  letter  to  B.  from,  115;  letter 
from  B.  to,  115 

Haskell,  Colonel,  241 

Haskell,  Major,  241 

Hatch,  George  W.,  337 

Hatcher's  Creek,  290 

Hatcher's  Run,  280 

Hathaway,  635 

Hatteras  Banks,  426,  538 

Hatteras  Expedition,  the,  649,  650 

Haupt,  George,  letter  to  B.  from,  309 

Haverhill,  Mass.,  699 

Hawkins,  D.  A.,  letter  to  B.  from,  342 

Hawkins'  Zouaves,  670 

Hawley,  Brigadier  General,  344,  654 

Hay,  John,  letter  to  B.  from,  589 

Haynes,  Mr.,  658 

Hazen,  Major  General,  628 

Heard,  Mrs.  Harriet,  17,  20,  24,  28,  38,44, 
48,  52,  57,  64,  65,  66,  75,  84,  92,  105, 
130,  137,  138,  145,  168,  174,  190,  203, 
210,  212,  218,  221,  222,  230,  244,  278, 
361,  437,  448,  559,  562,  657 

Heaton,  D.,  letters  to  B.  from,  55,  156, 
425;  letters  from  B.  to,  56,  426 

Heckman's  Brigade,  116, 143,  600 

Hemp  ton's  Cavalry,  139 

Henly,  250 

Henry,  Professor,  660 

Herald,  the  London,  275,  279 

Herald,  the  N.  Y.,  128,  148,  156,  245,  425, 


INDEX 


737 


467,  485,  498,  507,  509,  557,  620,  621, 
654,  655 

Herbert,  J.  K.,  letters  to  B.  from,  4,  8,  9, 
35,  81,  96,  117,  120,  167,  593,  643; 
referred,  to,  644 

Herr,  Mooney,  357 

Heth's  Division,  77,  189,  205,  241,  280 

Hewett,  Major,  412,  415,  419 

Hickman,  117 

Hicksford,  388 

Higbee,  E.  G.,  295 

High  Bridge,  322,  691 

Hildreth,  Fisher  A.,  letters  to  B.  from,  204, 
595,  599;  letter  from  Mrs.  Butler  to, 
582;  referred  to,  38,  44,  58,  74,  75,  92, 
105,  113,  114,  125,  126,  132,  145,  170, 
212,  218,  222,  230,  266,  278,  279,  288, 
371,  533,  550,  633,  705 

Hildreth,  Florence,  74,  92,  114,  125 

Hill's  Corps,  23,  64,  198 

Hilton  Head,  304 

Hitchcock,  General,  letters  from  B.  to, 
71,  304;   referred  to,  70,  257,  469 

Hixon,  212,  228 

"H.  Livingston,"  the,  318 

Hofifman,  Colonel,  letters  from  B.  to,  154, 
155. 185,  266,  281;  referred  to,  257,  281, 
470,  686 

Hoffman  House,  New  York,  309,  331,  578 

Hoke's  Division,  77,  198,  201,  202,  235, 
236,  241,  251,  355,  373,  437,  443,  453, 
454,  463,  484,  500,  501,  533,  569,  570 

Hollensworth,  S.  J.,  letter  to  B.  from,  646; 
letter  from  B.  to,  646 

Holly  Springs,  Miss.,  14 

Holt,  Brigadier  General,  letters  from  B. 
to,  169,  487;  referred  to,  429,  557 

Hood,  General,  239 

Hooker,  General,  514,  549 

Hopkins,  W.,  Rogers  letter  to  B.  from, 
660;  letter  to  Sumner  from,  661;  letter 
from  B.  to,  661 

Hough,  D.  L.,  letter  from  B.  to,  490;  re- 
ferred to,  490,  651 

Howard,  Lieut.  Colonel,  letter  from  B.  to, 
60;  referred  to,  173,  550,  633 

Howard,  Gen.  O.  O.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
611,  639,  letter  to  B.  from,  640;  re- 
ferred to,  611,  613,  689 

Howard,  William,  607,  608,  609 

Howard's  line,  558 

Howe,  T.  M..  36,  37 

Howlett  House  Battery,  the,  11,  26,  27, 
61 

Hubbard,  Judge,  687 

Hudson,  John  H.,  317,  445,  446,  447 

Hudson,  Henry  N.,  letter  to  B.  from,  160; 
VOL.  V — ^47 


controversy  over,  160,  294-298;  309, 
312,  313,  335,  336,  486;  B.'s  charges 
against,  487-496;   651,  697 

Hudson,  Mrs.  Henry  N.,  164,  297 

Hudson,  William,  162,  297 

Hughs,  Colonel,  354 

Hunter,  Gen.  David,  527,  533,  534,  678 

Hutton,  B.  H.,  337 

I 

Illicit  Trade,  investigation  into,  502- 
504 ;  Ord  proposes  military  commission 
for,  503,  533;  its  sittings;  550,552,556, 
561,  563;    587,  588,  590-593 

Illinois,  305 

Illinois  Troops,  39th  Regt.,  338 

Indianola,  670 

Ingalls,  Gen.  Rufus,  letter  to  Shaffer 
from,  12;  letter  from  Shaffer  to,  13; 
letters  from  B.  to,  18,  225,  247;  re- 
ferred to,  382,  665 

Innis,  Colonel,  23,  28 

Inquirer,  the  Philadelphia,  466 

Insurrectionary  states,  commercial  in- 
tercourse in,  7;  B.'s  suggestions  con- 
cerning, 516-518 

Intelligencer,  the,  640 

Isle  of  Shoals,  the,  79,  80 


Jackson,  Andrew,  495 

Jackson,  Lieut.  Colonel,  600 

James,  Major,  610,  613 

James  River,  the,  1,  5,  15,  23,  27,  37,  42, 
44,  48,  53,  60,  64,  65,  72,  77,  78,  83,  86, 
87,  89,  94,  106,  107,  171,  172,  173,  175, 
177,  181,  184,  195,  207,  213,  214,  216, 
221,  241,  246,  247,  248,  255,  261,  263, 
273,  284,  350,  355,  388,  438,  483,  497, 
549 

James  River  Squadron,  the,  606 

Jameson,  Maj.  Thorndike  C,  424,  425 

Jefferson,  Mo.,  650 

Jersey  City,  323 

Johnson,  President  Andrew,  117,  594,  595, 
596,  597;  letters  from  B.  to,  602,  609, 
614,  677,  678;  B.'s  suggestions  to  con- 
cerning disposition  of  Lee's  army,  602- 
605;  606,  609,  613,  616,  617,  619,  620, 
628,  631,  637,  641,  644,  647,  651,  652, 
653,  658,  677,  684,  688,  689,  701,  704, 
710,  712,  719,  721;  letters  to  B.  from, 
610,  644 

Johnson,  Bushrod,  59,  64,  77,  176,  178, 
198,  205,  241,  280 

Johnson,  Captain,  563 

Johnson,  Dr.,  235 


738 


INDEX 


Johnson,  Reverdy,  419 

Johnson  store,  the  533 

Johnson's  Brigade,  354 

Johnston,  G.  H.,  552,  556,  559,  582 

Johnston  and  Corwin,  576 

Jones,  Col.  E.  P.,  letter  to  B.  from,  370 

Jones,  W.,  564;    letter  to  B.  from  693; 

letter  from  B.  to,  694 
Jones'  Landing,  308 
Jourdan,  Gen.  J.,  354 
Journal,  the,  524 
Judd,  Frank,  R.,  449 
Julia,  Jr.,  169 
Julian,  594 


Kaijtz,  Gen.  A.  V.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
205,  237,  238,  246,  247,  268;  letters  to 
B.  from,  227,  236,  241,  268;  referred  to, 
23,  178,  180,  182,  191,  193,  194,  196, 
199,  206,  208,  212,  213,  226,  229,  230, 
231,  234,  235,  236,  237,  238,  240,  250, 
251,  252,  256,  260,  262 

Keeler,  Captain,  531,  548 

Kelly,  General,  22 

Kelly,  Rev.  M.  J.,  80 

Kellogg,  of  Illinois,  8 

Kelton,  Col.  J.  C,  letters  to  B.  from,  649, 
684;  letter  from  B.  to,  650 

Kempler,  General,  letter  from  Harper  to, 
698 

Kennedy,  J.  A.,  letter  to  B.  from,  332;  708 

Kensel,  Col.  Geo.  A.,  letters  from  Birney 
to,  230,  235;  letter  to  B.  from,  451;  re- 
ferred to,  62,  105,  255,  306,  374;  letter 
from  B.  to,  105,  452 

Kensel,  Mrs.  Colonel,  374 

Kentucky,  214,  267,  482 

Kershaw's  Division,  15,  23,  198,  214,  355, 
357,  358,  359,  373 

Ketchum,  Morris,  337 

"Key  Port,"  the,  12 

Kick,  Private,  15,  82 

Kidder,  288 

Kilpatrick,  General,  18 

Kimball,  Dr.,  28,  29,  30,  50,  66,  109, 
209,  212,  656 

Kimball,  John,  209,  212, 228, 585 

Kimball,  Mrs.,  209 

King,  Captain,  37 

King,  Lieutenant,  2,  504 

King,  Preston,  594,  619 

King,  Surgeon,  31 

Kingsland  Road,  the,  61,  62,  176,  194, 
212,  282 

Kingston,  478,  479 

Kinsley,  E.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  21 


Kinsman,  Dr.,  361,  657 

Kinsman,  Col.  J.  B.,  letter  from  B.  to, 

272;    referred   to,   50,    114,    544,    597, 

634,  657,  705 
Kinsman,  Mrs.  Dr.,  657 
Kinston,  378,  379 
Kirkland's  Brigade,  437,  454,  463 
Kirkwood,  the,  594 
Knapp,  George  &  Co.,  702 
Knight,  Colonel,  177 
Knight,  J.  B.,  257 
Kress,  Lieut.,  199 


Labob,  B.'s  attitude  on,  572 

Lamb,  Colonel,  497,  533,  535,  569,  618 

Landlum,  Mr.,  627 

Lane,  General.  23,  43,   60,  64,  77 

Lane,  G.  W.,  258,  533,  550,  556,  557, 
564 ;  the  "  Philadelphia  "  case,  576-582 ; 
582,  583 

La  Ross,  440 

Laurel  Hill,  259 

Law's  Brigade,  227,  232,  233 

Lawson,  Peter,  letter  to  B.  from,  370; 
letter  from  B.  to,  694;   540 

Leddon,  Mr.,  456 

Ledger,  the  N.  Y.,  80,  218,  620 

Lee,  482 

Lee,  Admiral,  2 

Lee,  Gen.  Robert  E.,  1,  8,  27,  85,  129, 
192,  198,  201,  211,  215,  233,  241, 
264,  271,  350,  378,  454,  469,  502,  521, 
558,  600,  601,  602-605,  616,  624, 
628,  691,  692,  697 

Lee,  Gen.  W.  H.  F.,  93 

Leech,  Col.  W.  A.,  516 

Leek,  Capt.  G.  K.,  letter  from  Grant  to, 
476;    letter  to  Grant  from,  476;    480 

Lelands,  65 

Lester,  John  H.,  185 

Letcher,  32 

Lewis  Point,  538 

Libbey,  L.,  624 

Libby  Prison,  256,  263,  624,  675 

Lien,  44 

Lincoln,  President  Abraham,  letter  from 
Mrs.  Tyler  to,  53;  letters  to  Grant 
from,  63,  246;  letter  to  Mrs.  Tyler 
from,  83;  letters  to  B.  from,  87,  443, 
449,  478,  483;  letters  from  B.  to, 
87,  174,  185,  443,  474,  478,  483,  602; 
opposition  to  his  renomination,  121, 
122,  126,  135,  306;  letter  from  Grant 
to,  471;  letter  from  Whitlock  to,  589; 
letter  from  Baker  to,  592;  letter  to 
Gordon    from,    593;     referred    to,    4, 


INDEX 


739 


8,  9,  30,  31,  33,  35,  36,  37,  43,  47, 
54,  55,  67,  68,  75,  109,  112,  127,  128, 
129,  130,  132,  133,  134,  160,  167, 
168,  169,  174,  197,  215,  246,  277,  329, 
333,  336,  338,  351,  353,  354,  383,  384, 
401,  405,  411,  428,  445,  450,  466,  474, 
475,  480,  507,  518,  527,  542,  545, 
546,  554,  559,  560,  575,  577,  580,  581, 
582,  586,  587,  589,  597,  598,  599, 
606,  618,  619,  620,  626,  658,  665 

Lincoln,  Mrs.  Abraham,  130 

Lincoln  and  Johnson,  154 

Lithgow,  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  715; 
letter  from  B.  to,  715 

Liverpool,  370 

Lock,  412 

Lockwood,  Gen.  H.  C,  letter  to  B.  from, 
506;   letter  from  B.  to,  506 

Logan,  651 

Lomax'  Cavalry,  232,  233,  235 

Longstreet,  Lieut.  General,  627 

Longstreet's  Corps,  23,  64, 76 

Lord,  Jesse  H.,  letter  to  B.  from,  699; 
letter  from  B.  to,  700 

Loring,  George  B.,  letter  to  B.  from,  314 

Lossing,  Benson  J.,  letter  to  B.  from,  522 

Losoffsky,  704 

Lothrop,  Rev.  Dr.,  658 

Louis,  Julius   642 

Louisiana,  133,  542,  543,  670,  695 

"Louisiana,"  the,  410,  430 

Louisiana,  the  Bank  of,  New  Orleans,  415 

Louisville,  Ky.,  327 

Lovell,  John,  270 

Low,  A.  A..  298 

Low,  James   337 

Lowe,  Charles,  letter  to  B.  from,  629 

Lowell,  74,  79,  105,  119,  131,  134,  240, 
270,  434,  482,  522,  525,  536,  554,  585, 
587,  588,  617,  631,  634,  662 

Lowney,  Mr.,  516 

Loyal  League  Committee,  the,  346 

Loyal  League  of  N.  Y.,  the,  346 

Luderson,  482 

Ludlow,  Maj.  B.  C,  279,  387,  483 

Ludlow,  Lieut.  Col.  W.  H.,  letters  from 
B.  to,  25,  48,  58,  94;  referred  to,  26, 
59,  63,  95,  214,  633 

Lynch,  James,  340 

Lynchburg,  37 

Lyons,  H.  J.,  &  Co.,  327 

M 

McAllister,  Richard,  letter  to  B.  from, 

516 
McCausland,  77 
McCIellan,  Gen.  George,  47,  58,  109,  122, 


126,    132,    133,    277,    278,    321,    327, 

354,  401,  521,  705 
McCloskey,  Archbishop,  332 
McCook,  Maj.  Gen.  A.  McD.,  628 
McCormick,  Dr.,  letter  from  B.  to,  200; 

letter  from  Mrs.  Butler  to,  655;    re- 
ferred to,  17,  20,  28,  29,  38,  44,  47,  50, 

51,  53,  64,  66,  85,  97,  133,  136,  138, 

276,  361 
McCulloch,  Mr.,  560,  561 
McCurdy,  Robert  H.,  337 
McDonald,  J.  H.,  248 
McGowen,  60,  280 
McGrath,  T.,  298 
Mclntire,   Captain,  letters  to   B.  from, 

256,  280 
McKay,  R.  S.,  letter  to  B.  from,  541; 

letter  from  B.  to,  542;  582 
McKee,  J.  H.,  615 
McKim,   J.   M.,   letter   to  Pierce  from, 

491;     letter    from    Godkin    to,    491; 

referred  to,  491 
McKim,  Quarter  Master,  letter  from  B. 

to,  74 
McLaws'  Division,  355 
McMannis,  E.,  257 
McMurdy,  Dr.,  406 
McMurdy,  R.,  letter  to  B.  from,  482 
McNenny,  354 
Macon,  Ga.,  653 

McPherson,  letter  from  B.  to,  680 
McQuaid,  John  F.,  305 
McRay,  250 
McVicer,  J.,  296 
Mahone,  23,  198 
Mahone's  Division,  23,  64,  77,  107,  111, 

205,  280 
Maillefert,  B.,  letter  to  B.  from,  483 
Main,  Colonel,  338 
Maine,  135,  538 
Maine  Volunteer  Militia:  8th  Regt.,  173; 

11th  Regt.,  173;    12th  Regt.,  624 
Mallory,  Mr.,  215 
Malvern  Hill,  176 
Mann,  Horace,  537 
Mann,  Mrs.  Horace,  letter  to  B.  from, 

537;  letter  from  B.  to,  537 
Mann,  O.  L.,  583 
Manning,   Captain,   letter   to  B.   from, 

321 
Manning,  Fred,  letter  to  B.  from,  481 
Marcy,  Dr.,  132 
Marenboro,  440 
Marietta,  239 
Marraby,  Major,  286 
Marshall,  C.  H.,  338 
Marston,    Brig.    Gen.    Gilman,    letters 


740 


INDEX 


from  B.  to,  28,  184;    referred  to,  82, 
83,  205,  286;    letter  to  B.  from,  640 

Martin,  Capt.  Fred,  letters  from  B,  to, 
308,  309;    letter  to  B.  from,  523 

Martin,  Dr.,  17 

"Martin,"  the,  534 

Martindale,  Edward,  letter  to  B.  from, 
508 

Martindale,  Gen.  J.  H.,  letters  to  B. 
from,  5,  54,  203,  508;  referred  to,  159, 
629 

Maryland,  99,  146 

Maryland  Troops,  IstRegt.,  184,  225,  226 

Masonborough  Inlet,  455,  458 

Massachusetts,  596,  597,  617,  664,  679, 
705 

Massachusetts  Volunteer  Militia,  2nd 
Cavalry,  37;  4th  Regt.,  184,  193, 
239;  31st  Regt.,  39;  40th  Regt.,  185; 
4th  Cavalry,  601 

"Massasoit,"  the,  607 

Mathews,  S.,  117 

Mathias  Point,  431,  460 

Maury,  General,  14 

Meade,  Gen.  G.  G.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
23,  43,  87,  139,  144,  189,  233,  241, 
375;  letter  to  B.  from,  373,  375;  letter 
from  Bowers  to,  496 ;  letter  from  Grant 
to,  350;  referred  to,  3,  6,  23,  48,  85, 
107,  118,  142,  159,  172,  173,  189,  193, 
194,  195,  199,  200,  204,  207,  210,  213, 
216,  217,  249,  273,  285,  287,  350,  375, 
681 

Mechanicsville,  355 

Medals,  struck  for  colored  troops,  622 

Memphis,  427 

Mercantile  Library  Association,  the,  714 

Mercer,  Dr.,  341,  415,  419,  420 

Mercury,  the  Charleston,  399 

Merriam,  W.  H.,  letters  to  B.  from,  317, 
530;  531 

"Merrimack,"  the,  448 

Metropolitan,  the,  654 

Mexicans,  the,  671 

Mexico,  403 

"Miami,"  the,  60 

Michie,  Lieut.  P.  S.,  letter  from  B.  to, 
264;   referred  to,  208,  214,  279 

Michie,  Major,  387 

Miles,  General,  633 

Military  Asylum,  the,  707 

Military  organization,  B.'s  suggestions 
for,  389-397 

Mill  Creek,  613 

Miller,  Asst.  Surg.  Christial,  205 

Millen,  675 

Millern,  General,  634,  635 


Mills  Road,  193 

Mine,  the  Battle  of  the,  665 

"Minnesota,"  the,  155 

Mississippi    River,    the,    128,    155,    186, 

281,  541,  689,  703 
Missouri,  215 

Missouri  Republican,  the,  702 
Mitchel,  General,  161 
Mobile,  12,  14,  21,  25 
Monitor,  the,  705,  706 
Monroe  Massacre,  the,  707 
Montreal,  271 
Moore,  Colonel,  letter  from  B.  to,  202; 

referred  to,  276 
Moore,  J.  B.,  126 
Moore,  Gov.  T.  O.,  414 
Moorefield,  77 
Mordecai,  Lieut.,  86,  87 
Morehead,  Governor,  327 
Morgan,  Judge,  133,  555 
Morse,  Major,  556,  557 
Morton,  Levi  P.,  337,  352 
Motley,  Captain,  37 
Motley,  Mr.,  37 
Mount  Jackson,  358 
Mt.  Vernon,  331 
"Mount  Washington  "  the,  59 
Muldowney,  Thomas,  letter  to  B.  from, 

325 
Mulford,  Col.  J.  E.,  letters  from  B.  to, 

200,  281    319;  letters  to  B.  from,  303, 

318,  359;    referred  to,  37,  97,  154,  265, 

266,  267,  305,  307,  308,  312,  371,  399, 

436,  516,  538,  572,  573 
Muhlemberg,  Lieut.,  142 
Murrell,  John  A.,  541 
Mussey,  R.  D.,  letter  to  B.  from,  622 

N 

Nabig,  Mr.,  470 

Napoleon,  602 

Nash,  L.  P.,  335;   letter  to  B.  from,  336 

Nashville,   Tenn.,   327 

Nathan,  P.  L.,  letter  from  B.  to,  716 

Nation,  the,  491,  492,  710,  720 

National  Bank,  the,  550 

Naval  Battalion,  the,  201 

Navy  Department,  the,  7,  27,  59,  156. 

274,  531,  543,  576,  594,  660,  661,  682 
Neeley,  H.  A.,  295 
Neenah,  Wis.,  693 
Negroes,  73;  B.  in  defense  of,  679 
Negro  Troops,  1,  12,   59,   99,   106,  142, 

See  also  Colored  Troops 
Nelson,  S.  O.,  615 
"Nereus,"  the,  440 
Nesmith,  Mrs.,  434,  449 


INDEX 


741 


Newark,  N.  J.,  323 
New  Bank,  the,  635 
Newbern.  N.  C,  192,  276,  294,  361,  367, 

373,  424,  426,  337,  478,  553,  564,  607, 

609 
New  England,  595 
New  Hampshire,  277,  641 
New  Hampshire  Volunteer  Militia,  227; 

12th  Regt.,  262,  263,  503 
New  Inlet,  430,  431,  461 
New  Jersey,  310 
New  Market  Creek,  49 
New  Market  Heights,  193 
Newmarket  Junction,  179 
New  Market  Road,  the,  58,  59,  61,  65, 

76,   178,   179,   191,  193-196,  199,  205, 

208,  212,  213,  219,  231-233,  236.  239. 

252,  253,  256,  259,  282,  290 
Newport,  R.  I.,  36,  426,  656 
Newport  News,  275,  276 
New  Orleans,  215,   225,  242,  325,  326, 

398,    409,    411,    412,    414,    415,    420, 

427,  436,  439,  528,  543,  586,  596,  620, 

644,  650,  651,  668,  669,  687,  689,  703, 

707 
News,  the  Fall  River,  707 
News,  the  N.  Y.,  552 
News,  the  Savannah,  378 
Newton,  Mr.,  607 
New  York,  166,  277,  305 
New  York,  N.  Y.,  24,  38,  116,  117,    224, 

229,  243,  258,  306,  307,  309;    B.  sent 

to    prevent   election   frauds   in,  313; 

446,  447,  617,  618 
"New  York,"  the,  69,  70,  308,  318 
New  York  Mounted  Rifles,  the,  82,  142, 

260 
New   York   Troops;     89th    Regt.,    184; 

142nd    Regt.,    240,    255,    463;     112th 

Regt.,  240;    169th  Regt.,  240;    100th 

Regt.,    253,    357;     5th    Cavalry,    256, 

257;    158th  Regt.,  260;     118th    Regt. 

276;   77th  Regt.,  332;   7th  Regt.,  332; 

22nd  Regt.,  332;  16th  Heavy  Arty..  373 
New    York    Volunteer    Engineers,    the 

first,  161,  294,  297, 477,  487, 488 
New    York    Young    Men's    Republican 

Union,  the,  334 
Nicodemus,  Lieut.  W.  H.,  letter  to  B. 

from,  642;    letter  from  B.  to,  643;    698 
Nichols,  A.  A.,  257 

Nichols,  W.  A.,  letter  to  B,  from,  615 
Nichols  &  Co.,  561 
Nicolay,  Jno.,  54,  83 
Nineteenth  Corps,  the,  203,  214,  217 
Ninth  Corps,  the,  86,  87,  203,  207,  273, 

355,  358,  375 


Norfolk,  11,  20,  25,  108,  118,  125,  136, 
142,  144,  186,  187,  188,  247,  293, 
360,  361,  363,  369,  383,  384,  426,  431, 
445,  446,  447,  448,  451,  478,  502, 
533,  550,  556,  558,  561,  563,  564, 
575,  577,  578,  583,  590,  591,  608, 
611,  620,  623,  632,  637,  638,  647, 
662,  706 

North  CaroHna,  7,  56,  116,  128,  426, 
527,  552,  576,  580,  664 

North  Carolina  Troops,  3rd  Regt.,  59; 
1st  Heavy  Arty.,  424;  3rd  Junior 
Reserves,  437,  463:  36th  Regt.,  535, 
569;  10th  Regt.,  570;  7th  Batt.  Re- 
serves, 570 

"  Northern  Light,"  the,  318 

Northern  Neck,  the,  248,  460 

North  West  Locks,  125 

Noyes,  Maj.  H.  E.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
652;    letter  from  B.  to,  653 

Noyes,  William  Curtis,  338 

O 

O'Brien,  Mr.,  letter  from  B.  to,  206 

Ochiltre,  Maj.  John  P.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
627;    letter  from  B.  to,  628 

Oconee  Bridge,  378 

O'Connor,  Charles,  324,  555 

Ogeechee,  the,  399 

Ogilby,  F.  H.,  295 

Ohio,  36,  67,  116,  641 

Ohio  Troops,  123rd  Regt.,  601 

Olcott,  Colonel,  429 

Old  Court  House,  the,  142,  143 

Old  Dominion,  the,  564,  583,  588,  589 

Old  Point,  16,  53,  123,  477 

"Onondaga,"  the,  527 

Opdyke,  George,  68,  81,  337 

Ord,  Gen.  E.  O.  C,  letter  to  Shaffer  from, 
88;  letters  from  B.  to,  107,  110, 
175,  184;  letter  to  Potter  from,  185; 
letters  to  Grant  from,  480,  502;  letter 
from  Grant  to,  480;  referred  to,  48, 
103,  106,  107,  110,  111,  116,  119, 
178,  179,  181,  191,  192,  193,  194,  198, 
203,  513,  533,  545,  558,  562,  563,  585, 
586,  600,  601,  602,  633,  646,  664,  671; 
succeeds  3.  in  command  of  Dept.  of 
Va.  and  N.  C,  473;  his  proposal  for 
a  military  commission,  503 

Order  No.  213,  34 

O'Reilly,  Henry,  letter  to  B.  from,  331 

Osborne,  Colonel,  338,  366 

Ould,  Robert,  letters  from  B.  to,  18,  97, 
127,  219,  249;  referred  to,  70,  71,  124, 
155,  186,  215,  216,  219,  249,  251,  252, 
263,  265,  266,  281,  469 


742 


INDEX 


Quid's  Division,  236 

Owen,  Mr.,  24, 45,  65,  78, 114. 361 


Page,  Charles  A.,  564;  letter  to  B.  from, 
693 

Page,  Mrs.,  544 

Paine,  Gen.  Charles  J.,  letters  from  B. 
to,  145,  183;  referred  to,  180,  184, 
193, 195,  215,  223, 381, 460, 527 

Palace  Garden,  332 

Palmer,  Gen.  J.  N.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
367,  372,  378;  letter  from  Dodge  to, 
496,  letter  to  B.  from,  540;  referred  to, 
371,  372,  373,  388,  426,  428,  432,  451, 
479,  557 

"Parke,"  the,  19 

Parker,  Captain,  466,  527 

Parker,  E.  S.,  letter  to  B.  from,  4 

Parker,  W.  A.,  606,  607,  608,  705 

Parkes,  General,  356 

Parson,  Lieut.,  382 

Parson's  Battery,  the,  26 

Parton,  James,  letters  to  B.  from,  79, 
356,  467,  498,  499,  525,  526,  620,  644; 
referred  to,  125,  127,  146,  279,  522, 
719,  720;  letters  from  B.  to,  468,  645, 
654,  662,  696 

Parton,  Mrs.  James,  letters  to  B.  from, 
644,  718,  720;  referred  to,  79,  125, 
126,  127,  130;  468,  526,  645,  662,  697; 
letters  from  B.  to,  719,  720 

Patrick,  Brigadier  General,  13,  662; 
letters  from  B.  to,  250,  267,  269 

Patten,  Colonel,  375 

Paulding,  Admiral,  letter  from  B.  to,  322 

Peabody,  Judge,  134 

Pearson,  Mr.,  120,  130,  170 

Pearson,  Mrs.,  130 

Peck,  Major  General,  315,  326,  337 

Peirce,  Mr.,  434 

Pelouze,  Louis  H.,  257 

Pelton,  Mr.,  658 

Pennipacker,  Colonel,  letter  from  B.  to, 
207 

Pennypacker,  Mr.,  9 

Pennsylvania,  317,  704 

Pennsylvania  Troops,  the,  142,  358 

People's  Bank  of  Kentucky,  the,  328 

Perkins,  Judge,  278 

Perry,  550 

Peters,  607,  609 

Petersburg,  1,  5,  6,  11,  23,  48,  51,  64, 
69,  75,  76,  77,  78,  85,  87,  89,  92,  93, 
94,  95,  125,  142,  173,  175,  177,  188, 
189,  195,  196,  199,  200,  205,  211,  213, 


239,  241,  273,  280,  287,  350,  355,  373, 
398, 428, 527,  584, 585,  601,  691 

Peyster,  Aug.  de.,  letter  to  B.  from,  333 

Phelps,  General,  670 

Philadelphia,  160,  446,  447 

"Philadelphia"  Case,  the,  576-582 

Philadelphia  Convention,  the,  712 

Phillips  Academy,  548 

Phillips,  Wendell,  letters  to  B.  from, 
400,  675;  letter  from  B.  to,  401 

Pickett,  General,  111,  198 

Pickett's  Division,  23,  60,  76,  77,  86, 
107,  111,  211,  214,  233,  234,  241,  253 

Pierce,  277 

Pierce,  Edward  L.,  letter  to  B.  from,  491; 
letter  from  McKim  to,  491;  letter 
from  B.  to,  492 

Pierce,  Franklin,  80 

Pierpont,  Governor,  351,  445,  624,  633, 
636,  637,  646,  647 

Pierrepont,  Edwards,  letters  from  B. 
to,  243,  413,  417,  420,  422;  letters  to 
B.  from,  412,  413,  417,  419,  420,  421, 
422,  423;  referred  to,  376,  404,  410-424, 
433,  524 

Pioneer  Corps,  the,  354 

Plaistead,  Gov.  H.  M.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
665;  letter  from  B.  to,  667 

Plummer,  657,  658 

Plymouth,  372,  428 

Point  Lookout,  145,  152,  153,  154,  185, 
267,  281,  500,  501 

Point  of  Rocks,  142,  144,  184,  268,  297, 
355, 388,  639 

Point  of  Rocks  Hospital,  375 

Pollard,  Mr.,  376,  377,  572,  573,  598,  606 

Ponchatoula,  the  Battle  of,  659 

Poor,  Major,  660 

Poplar  Spring  Church,  200,  207 

Porter,  C.  H.,  88 

Porter,  Admiral,  D.  D.,  letters  from  B. 
to,  365,  372,  379,  383,  435,  437,  441; 
letter  to  B.  from,  379,  380,  383,  410, 
430;  letters  from  Grant  to,  457,  466; 
letter  to  Grant  from,  458;  letter 
from  Parker,  to,  607;  B.'s  estimate  of, 
506;  his  attack  on  B.,  541;  referred  to, 
360,  366,  369,  372,  377,  379,  380,  388, 
431,  432,  436,  442,  449,  451,  452,  453, 
457,  459,  460,  461,  465,  466,  468,  472, 
500,  505,  506,  509,  511,  513,  514,  521, 
522,  528,  530,  531,  534,  539,  540,  541, 
542,  543,  549,  606,  607,  608,  618,  661, 
682,  683,  684,  693 

Porter,  Mrs.  Admiral,  360 

Porter,  Gen.  Fitz  John,  305,  327 

Porter,  Lieut.,  466 


INDEX 


743 


''Porter,"  the,  439 

Port  Hudson,  299,  463 

Port  Royal,  439 

Portsmouth,  426,  564,  632 

Port  Walthall,  86,  219 

Post,  the,  635,  637,  663 

Post,  the  London,  369 

Post,  the  N.  Y.,  117 

Potomac  River,  the,  431,  460 

Potter,    Colonel,    letters    from    Ord    to, 

185,  262,  263;   letters  from  B.  to,  193, 

261,  262;    referred  to,  503,  533,  550, 

589 
Potter,  Bishop  Horatio,  296 
Potter's  Division,  207 
Powers,  Geo.  H.,  letter  from  B.  to,  367 
Prescott  Corporation,  632 
Presley,  H.  W.,  118 
Press,  the  Philadelphia,  551,  552,  553 
Price,  J.  H.,  295 
Prichard,  Captain,  440 
Prince,  George  Court  House,  261 
Princess  Ann  Road,  558 
Providence,  R.  I.,  424,  608 
Provisional  Brigade,  the,  375 
Puffer,  Capt.  A.  T.,  257,  331;  letters  to  B. 

from.  376,  565,  letter  from  B.  to,  376 


Radicals,  the,  109,  110,  559 

Rainbow  Bluff,  372,  378,  388 

Raleigh,  478 

Randall,  482 

Ransom's  Brigade,  280 

Rapidan,  the,  241,  692 

Rawlins,  Gen.  J.  A.,  letters  to  B.  from, 
232,  249,  480;  letters  from  B.  to,  233, 
240,  355,  358,  485;  letter  from  Eden 
to,  249;  letters  from  Comstock  to, 
473,  477,  479;  letters  from  Terry  to, 
484,  497;  letter  to  Grant  from,  507; 
letter  to  Weitzel  from,  508;  referred 
to,   563 

Raymond,  Charles  A.,  352,  610,  611, 
612 

Raymond,  H.  J.,  letter  from  B.  to,  300; 
referred  to,  36,  68,  298 

Read,  Henry,  letter  to  B.  from,  317; 
562 

Read,  Mrs.  Henry,  letter  from  Webster 
to,  561;  referred  to,  75,  105,  114,  212, 
244,  361,  448 

Read,  Major,  503,  533,  550,  589 

Read,  Lieut.  Col.  Theodore,  600,  601 

Read,  W.  W.,  550 

Reading,  Pa.,  317 

Ream's  Station,  131 


Reconstruction,  the  Committee  on,  700, 
704 

Redpath,  Mr.,  629 

Red  River,  414,  427,  541,  542,  543 

Red  River  Campaign,  Banks'  589 

Regime,  the,  20,  549,  550,  562,  563,  589 

Register,  the  Omaha,  687 

"Relief,"  the,  633 

"Reno,"  the,  19 

Renshaw,  J.  M.,  550,  556,  557,  562,  582, 
591,  593 

Republican,  the  Washington,  449 

Retaliation,  71,  263,  271,  538 

Rhind,  Com.  A.  C,  letter  from  B.  to,  682 

Rhode  Island  Troops,  5th  Regt.,  424 

Rich,  John  T.,  letter  to  B.  from,  538 

Richards,  J.  B.,  347 

Richardson,  A.  D.,  letter  from  B.  to,  572; 
539,  544 

Richardson,  Dr.,  85,  105,  130,  138 

Richardson,  Mr.,  242,  376,  451 

Richardson,  Mrs.,  213 

Richmond,  11,  14,  19,  25,  35,  37,  51,  61, 
78,  95,  106,  142,  147,  154,  156;  Grant's 
plans  for  capture  of,  172;  B.'s  orders 
for  the  attack,  175-183,  282;  188, 
189,  193,  194,  195,  196,  203,  204,  206, 
212,  213,  219,  227,  230,  239,  287,  350, 
354,  373,  381,  438,  443,  463,  464,  466, 
474,  521;  captured,  584,  585;  586, 
616,  622,  623,  624,  630,  639,  662,  665, 
666,  693,  698,  720 

Richmond  and  Osborne  Turnpike,  the, 
179 

Ricker,  David  L.,  632 

Rio  Grande,  the,  517,  670 

Risley,  H.  A.,  letters  to  B.  from,  7,  369, 
377,  399;  referred  to,  187,  188,  383, 
445,  451,  577, 581, 582 

"River  Queen,"  the,  533 

Roanoke,  372,  428,  432 

Roanoke  Island,  426 

Roberts,  Capt.  James  S.,  276,  242 

Roberts,  Marshall  O.,  337 

Robinson,  Miss,  57 

Robinson,  William,  269 

Rockland,  Maine,  623 

Rockwell,  H.  E.,  letter  from  B.  to,  587; 
557 

Rocky  Mount,  378 

Rogers,  Colonel,  320 

Rollins,  Mr.,  277 

Roma,  670 

Romero,  Mr.,  281 

Rosecrans,  General,  215 

Rosser's  Cavalry,  214 

Rubber  Clothing  Company,  the,  166 


744 


INDEX 


Sailor's  Creek,  Va.,  628 

St.  Bartholomew's  Church,  New  York, 
296 

St.  Clair,  Charles,  541 

St.   Clement's  Church,  New  York,   165 

St.  Louis,  35 

St.  Luke's  Church,  New  York,  296 

St.   Stephen's   Church,   New  York,   295 

Salem,  Mass.,  188 

Salisbury,    675 

"Salor,  Gen.  Augustus,"  467 

Samuels,  Abraham,  474 

Sandy  Hook,  602 

Sanford,  Major  General,  323,  332 

"Santiago de  Cuba,"  the,  465 

Saratoga,  656,  693 

Saunders,  Colonel,  letter  from  B.  to,  11 

Savannah,  128,  293,  304,  318,  371,  383, 
399,  455, 457,  504, 536 

Sawtelle,  Captain,  20 

Sawyer  Battery,  the,  47 

Sawyer  Brothers,  letters  from  B.  to, 
14,34 

Sawyer,  Wallace  &  Co.,  148 

Scales'  Brigade,  23,  60 

Schaumburg,  James  W.,  letter  to  B. 
from,  539 

Schell,  Richard,  338 

Schenck,  Maj.  Gen.,  187,  188,  410;  let- 
ter from  B.  to,  389 

Schofield,  General,  22, 122,  533 

Schouler,  Adj.  William,  711, 712 

Scott,  Gen.,  356 

Schurtz,  Gen.  Carl,  678 

Second  Corps,  the,  42,  94, 152 

Seddon,  6,  32 

Sentinel,  the  Richmond,  77,  527 

Serrell  Col.,  E.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
357;  490 

Serrill,  Colonel,  letter  from  B.  to,  160; 
referred  to,  164,  294,  295, 504 

Sewall's  Point,  276 

Seward,  Fred,  594 

Seward,  Major,  643 

Seward,  William  H.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
286;  referred  to,  8,  9,  10,  43,  110,  128, 
133,  167,  168,  170,  190,  529,  533, 
545,  594,  596,  617,  679 

Seymour,  Governor,  305,  320,  493 

ShafiFer,  Col.  J.  W.,  letter  from  Ingalls  to, 
12;  his  reply,  13;  letter  from  Ord  to, 
89;  lettersfromB.  to,  157,  338;  letters 
to  B.  from,  67,  116,  118,  158,  159,  186, 
305,  338,  352,  366,  430,  450,  490,  511, 
538,  619,  650,   688;    referred    to,    10, 


58,  66,  75,  85,  88,  109,  128,  129,  130, 

132,  133,  135,  144,  145,  150,  433,  434, 

436,  672 
Shaffer,  James,  450,  451,  650 
Shaffer,  William,  186 
Sharon,  N.  Y.,  44,  45,  66,  85,  97,  105, 

109,113,642,645,656 
Sharp,  Colonel,  letter  from  B.  to,  228 
Shed,  Mrs.,  65 

Shenandoah  Valley,  the,  27,  85 
Shepley,   Gen.   Geo.  F.,  letter  from  D. 

Bean  &  Co.  to,  125;    his   reply,   125; 

letters  from   B.   to,    143,   265;   letters 

to  B.  from,  444;  letter  to  Stanton  from, 

445;    referred    to,    20,    118,    144,    186, 

187,  204,  278,  319,  341,  360,  363,  413, 

415,    419,    500,    533,    545,    550,    552, 

556,  558,  563,  582,  588,  600,  615,  624, 

625,  626,  646,  708 
Sheridan,  Gen.  P.  H.,  77,  146,  153,  208, 

209,  214,  224,  274,  275,  358,  456,  457, 

459 
Sherman,  Porter,  546,  582,  588 
Sherman,  Gen.  W.  T.,  22,  71,  215,  350, 

372,    378,    379,    380,    398,    399,    412, 

432,  433,  455,  458,  464,  472,  478,  504. 

511,  513,  585,  619,  641,  648,  649,  700 
Shivas,  617 

Shoemaker's  Battery,  354 
Shorey,  Mr.,  705,  706 
Sibley,  General,  627,  687 
Sickamore  Church,  200 
Signal  Hill,  26,  27,  175,  193,  214,  232 
Signal  Tower,  234,  236,  239,  388 
Sixth  Corps,  the,  693 
Slabtown,  613 
Slavery,  121,  529 
Slaves,  100 
Smith,  Andrew,  339 
Smith,  Captain,  letter  from  B.  to,  216; 

referredto,  22,  215,  291 
Smith,  General  C.  H.,  142,  482,  665,  692 
Smith,  Dr.,  226 
Smith,  Ensign,  441 
Smith,  Col.  E.  W.,  letters  from  Birney  to, 

208,  211,  230,  231,  237,  238;    referred 

to,  264,  490,  510 
Smith,    Goldwin,    letters    to    B.    from, 

349,    369;    letters    from    B.    to,    621; 

referred  to,  360 
Smith,  Col.  James,  39 
Smith,  J.  C,  296 
Smith,  Gen.  Kirby,  428 
Smith,  Mrs.,  291 
Smith,    Samuel,    339,    419,     420,    421, 

422 
Smith  &  Co.,  Samuel,  243,  280.  339-342, 


INDEX 


745 


367,  376,  384,  385,  404,  410-424,  433, 
518,  689-691 

Smithfield,  515.  548 

Smith's  Neck  Light,  248 

Smithsonian  Institution,  the,  660 

Smythe,  Henry  A.,  338 

Snead,  Judge,  E.  K.,  letter  from  B.  to, 
32;    referred  to,  87,  88,  634,  636,  637 

Snow,  Mr.,  640 

Somerset  Co.,  538 

Sommers,  Herman,  642 

South,  the,  B.'s  argument  for  military 
law  in,  717 

South  Carolina,  42,  128,  155,  620,  679 

South  Carolina  Troops,  7th  Cavalry,  176, 
241 

Southern  Star,  the,  668 

South  Mills,  265 

Special  Orders:  No.  3,  467;  No.  213, 
448 

Springfield,  111.,  91,  511 

Spring  Hill,  51,  106,  233,  236,  238 

Srogg's  Battery,  354 

Stackpole,  Major,  letters  from  B.  to,  185, 
197;  referred  to,  37,  162,  436,  445 

Standard,  the  London,  279,  356 

Stanley,  Langdell  &  Brown,  280,  340 

Stanley,  William,  449 

Stannard,  General,  195,  196 

Stanton,  Edwin  M.,  letters  from  Grant 
to,  290,  336,  452,  468,  472;  letter  to 
Grant  from,  336;  letters  from  B.  to, 
11,  72,  78,  86,  90,  106,  145,  147,  169, 
173,  215,  227,  276,  279,  293,  304,  310, 
326,  340,  364,  469,  471,  507,  586,  615, 
619,  672,  678,  689,  691,  696,  700;  letters 
to  B.  from,  106,  108,  214,  215,  292,  294, 
307,  310,  322,  329,  333,  339,  364,  384, 
553,  619,  627,  678,  690,  701,  721;  letter 
from  clergymen  on  Hudson  case  to, 
294;  letter  from  citizens  on  Hudson 
case  to,  297;  letter  from  Dix  to,  336; 
letter  from  Shepley  to,  445;  referred 
to,  5,  19,  39,  40,  41,  67,  152,  159,  168, 
170,  214,  252,  257,  266,  276,  330,  418, 
433,  436,  444,  445,  450,  482,  512,  538, 
539,  575,  594,  596,  598,  601,  619,  620, 
648,  653,  655,  672,  689,  697 

Staten  Island,  165 

Stedman,  Colonel,  11 

Steen,  H.,  642 

Stein,  F.  L.,  552 

Stephen,  47,  52 

Stephens,  527,  533,  534 

Stevens,  J.  Austin,  68,  116,  117,  135 

Stevens,  R,  F.,  313 

Stevens,  Thaddeus,  letter  from  B.  to,  678; 


letters  to  B.  from,  151,  678;  referred  to, 
35,  36,  559,  560,  688 

Stevenson,  Major,  633 

Stewart,  A.  T.,  702 

Stewart,  J.  A.,  letters  to  B.  from,  316, 
339;    337 

Stewart,  Mrs.,  433 

Stiele,  General,  671 

Stimson,  Capt.  D.,  letter  to  B.  from,  314 

Stiner,  W.  H.,  letter  from  B.  to,  245 

Stony  Creek,  296 

Storrs,  Surgeon,  letter  from  B.  to,  286 

Strachan,  Jno.,  640 

Strawberry  Plains,  176 

Strout,  429 

Stuart's  Brigade,  60 

Suffrage,  Greeley  on,  652 

Sugar  Loaf,  569,  570 

Suit,  H.  T.,  328 

Sully,  General,  687 

Sumner,  Charles,  letters  to  B.  from,  271, 
333;  letter  from  Rogers  to,  661;  re- 
ferred to,  548,  549,  557,  560,  596,  660 

Sumner,  Colonel,  239 

Suppressed  Day  Book,  the,  635 

Susan,  361,  559,  562,  575,  583 

Sutton,  Thomas  E.,  655 

"Swan,"  the,  139 

Swan's  Point,  23,  28 

"Sweeny's  Pottery,"  176 

Swett,  68 

Swift,  Creek,  23,  378 

Swift,  Lieut.,  441,  555 

Syme,  Dr.,  39 


Tabanelle,  M.,  106 

Taben,  Henry  M.,  337 

"Tallahassee,"  the,  455,  461 

Tator,  Capt.  H.  A.,  592,  583 

Taylor,  G.  L.,  letter  to  B.  from,  547 

Taylor,  Moses,  337 

Taylor,  Lieut.  Gen.  Richard,  628 

Taylor,  T.  H.,  296 

Telegraph,  the  London,  369,  467 

Telfer,  William  Duff,  letter  to  B.  from, 

509,  letters  from  B.  to,  509,  716 
"Tennessee,"  the,  19 
Tenney,  270 
Tenth  Corps,  the,  41,  49,  58,  65,  76,  86, 

87,  91,  94,  95,  103,  106,  107,  161,  169, 

175,  180,  248,  277,  284,  306,  307,  311, 

407,  488,  666 
Terry,  Gen.  A.  H.,  letters  from  B.  to, 

247,  250,  252,  253,  254,  255,  258,  259, 

261,  265,  282,  303,  307;    letters  to  B. 

from,  252,  254,  307,  309;  letter  from 


746 


INDEX 


Grant  to,  307,  459;  letter  to  Grant  from, 
308;  letter  to  Dodge  from,  308;  referred 
to;  46,  171,  190,  208,  238,  239,  251,  253, 
254,  256,  259,  260,  261,  262,  287,  289, 
307,  311,  455,  457,  466,  467,  474,  477, 
523,  667;  letters  to  Rawlins  from,  484, 
497,  530,  531,  535,  536,  549 

Terry,  Captain,  477 

Terry's  Division,  110,  206 

Thomas'  Brigade,  23,  60 

"Thomas  J.  Dawson,"  the,  642 

Thomas,  J.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  691 

Thomas,  Brig.  Gen.  Lorenzo,  214,  432,  433 

Thomas,  Col.  Steven,  letter  to  B.  from, 
353;   625,  626,  627 

Thome's  House,  227 

Thornton,  Captain,  letter  from  B.  to,  152; 
20, 558 

Thornton,  C.  G.,  letter  to  B.  from,  686; 
letter  from  B.  to,  687 

Three  Mile  Creek,  49,  59,  61,  62 

Throzmorton,  W.,  177 

Tilton,  Theodore,  337 

Times,  the  London,  369 

Times,  the  N.  Y.,  letter  from  B.  to,  124; 
400,  435,  437,  467,  526,  709 

Tirrel,  Colonel,  114 

Todd,  William,  333 

Todd,  Chamberlain  Co.,  186 

Tompkin's  Market,  332 

Torsey,  Capt.  J.  M.,  letter  to  B.  from, 
712;    letter  from  B.  to,  712 

Totten,  Colonel,  258 

Townsend,  Col.  E.  D.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
338,  469,  695;   referred  to,  41,  339 

Trade,  illicit,  see  Illicit  Trade. 

Trade,  legal  and  illegal  in  the  insurrec- 
tionary districts  of  Virginia  and  North 
Carolina,  with  references  to  oflBcials 
and  others  connected  therewith,  7,  11, 
19,  20,  55-57,  81,  108,  118,  125,  132, 
133,  144,  148-150,  156,  157,  186-189, 
197,  204,  224,  225,  248,  258,  278,  305, 
306,  351,  352,  369,  370,  377,  378,  383, 
384,  399,  425-428,  444-448,  451,  468, 
469,  474,  475,  502-504,  510,  516-518, 
533,  541-543,  545,  546,  550-553,  556- 
559,  561-565,  575-584,  585,  586,  587- 
589,  590-593,  600-602,  606-609,  632, 
633,  637,  638,  642,  643,  646,  654,  655, 
697,  698 

Train,  Charles  R.,  451,  559,  562,  575,  576, 
582,  583 

Traveller,  the  Boston,  524,  655 

Treasury  Department,  the,  225,  258,  383, 
384,  412,  415,  420,  426,  446,  451,  502, 
561,  574,  575,  578 


Tremain,  Mr.,  305,  306 
Tribune,  the  New  Orleans,  669 
Tribune,  the  N.  Y.,  80,  87,  117,  242,  424, 
434,  467,  468,  470,  512,  526,  539,  544, 
662 

Trinity  Church,  New  York,  295 

Trist,  Nicholas  T.,  356 

Troup,  Alexander,  letter  to  B.  from,  676; 
letter  from  B.  to,  677 

True  Delta,  the,  555,  686 

Trumball,  Lieut.,  449 

Tucker,  555 

Turner,  H.  M.,  letter  to  B.  from,  546; 
letter  from  B.  to,  547 

Turner,  Gen.  J.  W.,  letters  from  B.  to, 
61,  64,  69,  116,  119,  128,  129,  674;  re- 
ferred to,  46,  47,  306,  338,  456,  563, 
650;  letter  to  Weitzel  from,  381;  letters 
to  B.  from,  47,  527,  616,  672 

Turner,  W.  H.,  591,  592,  593 

Twenty-fifth  Corps,  the,  381,  455,  460, 
513,  527,  585,  600 

Twenty-fourth  Corps,  the,  381,  455,  460, 
497,  501,  527,  617 

Tyler,  Annie  M.,  15,  81,  82,  83 

Tyler,  B.  O.,  letter  to  B.  from,  697;  letter 
from  B.  to,  698 

Tyler,  J.  C,  18,  53,  81,  83 

Tyler,  President,  15,  82 

Tyler,  Mrs.  President,  15;  letters  to  B. 
from,  15,  329;  letter  to  President 
Lincoln  from,  53;  letter  from  B.  to,  81; 
letter  from  President  Lincoln  to,  83 

Tyng'sPond,  114 

U 

Underwood,  Judge,  550 

United    States    Colored    Troops,    45th 

Regt.,    169;     8th   Regt.,    205;     127th 

Regt.,  234;    10th  Regt.,  278 
United  States  Bunting  Co.,  the,  680,  681 
United  States  Infantry,  8th  Regt.,  315 
Union  League  of  New  York,  the,  321 
United  States  Mint,  the,  411,  415,  418 
United  States  Volunteers,  1st  Regt.,  34 
Upham,  N.  G.,  letters  to  B.  from,  43,  505 
Upshur,  Capt.  J.  H.,  letter  from  B.  to, 

155;  letter  to  B.  from,  156 
Upton,  Thomas,  578 
Usher,  Col.  R.  G.,  412,  415;   letter  to  B. 

from,  486;  referred  to,  150 


Vallandigham,  649 

Van  Nogtrand,  Benj.  T.,  162 

Van  Nostrand  &  Co.,  488,  489,  496 

Van  Lieu,  Miss,  355 


INDEX 


747 


Van  Valkenburg,  Ransom,  286 

Van  Vleet,  Major,  letter  from  B.  to,  90 

Van  Vliet,  Governor,  315 

Varina,  175,  178,  191,  200,  219,  220,  228, 

246,  261,  275,  438 
Varina  Bridge,  284 

Varina  Road,  the,  176,  178,  179,  189,  195 
Varschaick,  S.  D.,  347 
Vermont,  306,  310 

Vermont  Troops,  8th  Regt.,  353,  625,  626 
Vickers  &  Co.,  328 
Vinton,  F.,  295 
Virginia,  33,  60;   the  so-called  "restored 

government"  of,  351    384,    550,    633, 

664,  673 
"Virginia,"  the,  245 
Virginia  Troops,  32nd  Regt.,  87;    25th 

Regt.,  176;  24th  Cavalry,  177 
Virginians,  1st  Loyal,  78 
Vogdes,  Gen.  Israel,  470,  557,  558,  678 
Voris,  Col.  A.  C,  279 
Vulte,  F.  L.,  340 

W 

Wade,  B.  F.,  letters  from  B.  to,  531,  540, 

559,  566,  606,  642;   referred  to,  8,  109, 

121,  169,  548,  549,  560,  594,  598,  619; 

letters  to  B.  from,  617,  641 
Wade,  Mrs.  B.  F.,  642 
Wade-Davis  letter,  the,  35 
Wade  Hampton's  Legion,  176 
Wadsworth,  James,  337 
Wagner,  Lieut.,  354 
Walcott,  Major  General,  687 
Walker,  J.   J.,  letter  to  B.   from,  571; 

letter  from  B.  to  572;  635 
Walker  &  Co.,  186 
Wallace,  General,  139 
WaUing,  Lieut.,  463 
Walthal  Junction,  5 
War  Department,  the,  39,  54,  121,  126, 

146,  246,  255,  272 
Ward,  Gen.  Hubert,  327 
Wardrop,  Col.  D.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from, 

481,553,554 
Wardwell,  Burnham,  letters  to  B.  from, 

598,  623,  633,  645,  701;  letter  from  B. 

to,  702;  referred  to,  624 
Ware,  Mrs.  M.  A.,  letter  to  B.  from,  684; 

letter  from  B.  to,  684 
Ware  Bottom  Church,  89,  111 
Warner,  Oliver,  letter  from  B.  to,  705 
Warren,  General,  69,  77,  89,  91,  200,  201, 

207,  388,  398 
Warren's  Corps,  93 
Warrenton,  378 
Warwick  River,  the,  197 


Washburn,  C,  121,  168,  366,  550,  633 

Washington,  D.  C,  42,  43,  73,  92,  105, 
112,  116,  128,  129,  141,  159,  160,  190, 
214,  216,  220,  221,  227,  306,  389,  396, 
422,  466,  467,  483,  496,  504,  505,  512, 
522,  545,  548,  573,  576,  587,  598,  620, 
641,  643,  650,  652,  654,  657,  660,  663, 
678,  696,  699,  703,  707,  714, 

Washington,  George,  495;  statue  of,  695, 
696 

Warner,  Yardley,  letter  to  B.  from,  345 

Water  batteries,  26,  27 

Waterville  College,  665 

Watervliet  Arsenal,  the,  86,  326 

Watson,  C.  A.,  letter  to  B.  from,  531; 
letter  from  B.  to,  531 

Watson,  P.  H.,  letter  from  B.  to,  429 

Way,  George,  B.,  letter  to  B.  from,  187 

Way,  Major,  108 

Webb,  Gen.  A.  S.,  319, 345 

Webb,  Dr.,  369 

Webster,  Daniel,  401 

Webster,  Fletcher,  8,  17,  66,  74,  92,  93, 
126,  136,  360,  363 

Webster,  Mrs.,  287 

Webster,  Col.,  R.  C,  letters  from  B.  to. 
220,  247,  268,  293,  308,  311;  letter  to 
B.  from,  312;  referred  to,  150,  204,  212, 
218,  222,  270,  278,  279,  303,  318,  550 

Webster,  W.  P.,  letters  to  B.  from,  19, 
533,  545,  550,  556,  557,  563,  575,  632; 
letter  to  Mrs.  Read,  561;  letter  from  B. 
to,  564;  referred  to,  437,  438, 546, 582, 
583 

Webster,  Mrs.  W.  P.,  582 

Weed,  Thurlow,  9,  36,  68,  435 

Weitzel,  Gen.  Godfrey,  letters  from  B.  to, 
196,  201,  207,  223,  231,  232,  234,  238, 
245,  248,  251,  252,  254,  255,  256,  260, 
262, 282,  292,  398, 512, 514,  672;  letters 
to  B.  from,  298,  513,  521,  548,  585,  670; 
letter  from  Jourdan  to,  354;  letter  from 
Turner  to,  381;  letter  to  Rawlins  from, 
508;  referred  to,  5,  15,  17,  24,  57,  85, 
88,  93,  109,  130,  144, 145,  146, 150, 171, 
190,  192,  195,  201,  203,  206,  210,  232, 
235,  239,  249,  250,  252,  253,  263,  264, 
287,  297,  303,  307,  311,  371,  380,  381, 
382,  388,  431,  432,  435,  437,  438,  442, 
456,  460,  461,  463,  465,  472,  504,  505, 
507,  512,  515,  516,  530,  534,  539,  545, 
584,  600,  622,  672,  681 

Weitzel,  Mrs.  Godfrey,  512,  513,  514, 
521,  671 

Weitzel,  Capt.  Lewis,  672 

Weld,  Gen.  E.  A.,  letter  from  B.  to,  73; 
referred  to,  16,  21,  53,  276,  294 


748 


INDEX 


Weldon,  373,  388,  428 

Weldon,  Lieut.  Col.  C.  M.,  39 

Weldon  Road,  the,  69,  78,  85,  89,  90,  93, 
94,  95,  103, 108, 112,  129,  144,  207,  216, 
388,  428 

Welles,  Gideon,  561 

Wells,  Governor,  668,  695 

Wentworth,  Mr.,  597,  599 

Wessels,  General,  500 

West,  Colonel,  241,  283,  451 

Weston,  J.  H.,  295 

West  Point,  538,  662,  665,  666 

Wetmore,  Gen.  Prosper  M.,  337,  357 

Weymouth,  Major,  632 

Wheldon,  C.  M.,  643 

Whipple,  E.  W.,  letter  to  B.  from,  646; 
letter  from  B.  to,  647 

Whipple,  George,  letter  to  B.  from,  612 

White,  H.  D.  &  Co.,  591,  592 

White,  Col.  Frank  J.,  letters  to  B.  from, 
351,  444,  510 

Whitehead,  G.,  591,  592 

White  House,  the,  172,  194 

Whitehurst,  Peter,  564 

White,  J.  W.,  letters  to  B.  from,  332,  449, 
470 

White,  Mrs.  Judge,  374 

Whitely,  435 

White  Oak  Swamp,  290 

White,  Rev.  Mr.,  349 

White's  Tavern,  58,  61,  65,  283 

Whiting,  Maj.  Gen.  W.  H.  C,  letter  from 
B.  to,  566;  letter  to  B.  from,  569;  re- 
ferred to,  438,  441;  statement  con- 
cerning Fort  Fisher  by,  535,  566-571; 
referred    to,    535,    539,     618,    683 

Whiting,  William,  letters  from  B.  to, 
367,  385,  404;  letter  to  B.  from,  368; 
referred  to,  421,  429,  497 

Whitlock,    Charles,   letter   to   President 
Lincoln  from,  589;    referred  to,  562, 
582,  592,  593 
Wiard,  Norman,  19,  108,  345 
Wilcox  Battery,  the,  26 
Wilcox'  Division,  23,  60,  64,  77,  198.  205, 

241 
Wild,  Brig.  Gen.  E.  A.,  372,  373,  378, 

600,  678 
Wilder,  Captain,  559,  613 
"Wilderness,"  the,  683 
Wilkes,  George,  68;    letters  to  B.  from, 

134,  135,  344 
Wilkinson,  Samuel,  letters  to  B.  from, 
598,  606,  651,  718;   letter  from  B.  to, 
718;  referred  to,  512,  594 
Willards,  621 


William,  47,  52 

"  Wm.  Allison,"  the,  573 

Williams,  General,  292 

Williams,  Joseph,  337;   letter  to  B.  from, 

691;   letter  from  B.  to,  682 
Wilhams,  R.  H.,  letter  to  B.  from,  620; 

letter  from  B.  to,  621 
Williamsburg  Road,  the,  283,  289 
Wilmington,    Del.,    closing    port    of,    2; 

185,  307,  308,  355,  371,  379,  380,  410, 

432,  436,  438,  447,  449,  453,  454,  456, 

458,  459,  460,  462,  463,  464,  466,  470, 

472,  475,  477,  479,  484,  496,  500,  501, 

505,  515,  521,  533,  567,  569,  572,  607, 

609,  618,  693 
Wilmington    Expedition,    the,    460-465, 

476,  478,  504,  507,  528,  533,  534 
Wilson,  Henry,  letters  from  B.  to,  410, 

498,  679;    referred  to,  511,  549,  560 
Wilson,  J.  G.,  letter  to  B.  from,  312 
Wilson,  John,  574;  letter  to  B.  from,  624; 

letter  from  B.  to,  625 
Wilson,  Mr.,  312,  635 
Wilson,  Col.  William,  653;    letter  to  B. 

from,  709 
Wilson's  Wharf,  16,  73,  600 
"Winants,"  the,  439,  440 
Winder,  623 

Winders,  Gen.  John  H.,  662 
Wing,  Warren  W.,  646,  647 
Winslow,  C.  F.,  letter  to  B.  from,  657; 

letter  from  B.  to,  658 
Winsor,  Mr.,  526 
Wisconsin  Volunteer  Militia,  142 
Wise  Farm,  the,  533 
Wistar,  Brig.  Gen.  J.  J.,  letter  from  B.  to, 

484 
Woodward,  James  A.,  letter  to  B.  from, 

702;   letter  from  B.  to,  702 
Wooster,  Col.  S.  B.,  letter  to  Davis  from, 

510;  letter  from  B.  to,  62;  referred  to, 

59,  60,  61 
World,  the  N.  Y.,  405,  552 
Wright,  E.,  letter  to  B.  from,  121 
Wright,  General,  693 
Wright,  Lieut.  Horatio,  letter  to  B.  from, 

659;  letter  from  B.  to,  659 
Wurts,  Professor,  661 
Wyman,  Mr.,  66 


York  River  R.  R.,  227,  228,  289,  290 
Young,  J.  F.,  295 


Zantzinger  &  Co.,  564 


OCKER 

M  0  3  ^996